Whatever stage you or your loved one is at, you don’t have to face it alone. Several organisations specialise in supporting people affected by the Scottish justice system, and it’s worth reaching out – that’s what they’re there for.
Families Outside is Scotland’s only national charity working solely on behalf of families affected by imprisonment – they run a free, confidential helpline and can point you towards local support.
Community Justice Scotland coordinates the local authority services that support people in the community, including criminal justice social work.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) can help you find a solicitor near you who does criminal legal aid work.
Citizens Advice Scotland offers free, independent guidance on the practical and financial side of dealing with arrest, court and custody.
As with the rest of this site, none of this is legal advice – but a phone call to any of the organisations above is often the quickest way to find out what’s actually available to you.