Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Responsible for the prosecution of crime and the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths and complaints against the police.
Responsible for the prosecution of crime and the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths and complaints against the police.
Your rights as a victim or witness of crime – includes information on the Victims' Code for Scotland and the Standards of Service for victims and witnesses.
What happens after a verdict at court, including information on sentencing, appeals and the Victim Notification Scheme.
Information for victims and witnesses about the police investigation, the prosecution process, the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration and how to ask for information.
Includes powers of arrest, rights in custody, legal advice at the police station, young people and vulnerable adults.
Support and information for witnesses of criminal, civil and Children’s Hearing court cases.
What happens if the police charge you with a crime. Includes being released on an undertaking or kept in police custody until your first court hearing.
How to complain to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) if you’re unhappy with their service.
Get help if you're experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.
Includes where to get support and advice if you're worried about giving evidence, and information about special measures for vulnerable witnesses.
Support for families and friends who've been bereaved as a result of a murder or culpable homicide.
Find contact details and opening times for your local procurator fiscal office.
What happens when you give evidence at court, including using special measures for vulnerable witnesses.
Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, gender-identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
If you need to go to court and you’re not sure what will happen, you can get support to help you feel ok about talking at court.
Find out how to report human trafficking and how to get help.
Information about what happens when a death is reported to the procurator fiscal, including post mortems and fatal accident inquiries.
What happens if a child or young person gets in trouble with the police – includes the age of criminal responsibility and Children's Hearings.
Information for carers of witnesses with learning disabilities.
Make a written statement that tells a court how a crime affected you.
Find out about bona vacantia, ultimus haeres and treasure trove.
The police or procurator fiscal can give you a warning, penalty notice or another alternative to prosecution (direct measure) if you're accused of a crime.
If you've been raped or sexually assaulted, the police and support organisations are there to help.
Find out how to report stalking and what support is available to you.
Find out what emotional support and practical information is available after you report a crime.
Information for victims and witnesses on what happens at each stage of the criminal justice system.
What to do and how to get support if you’re being harassed because you’ve reported a crime.
A guide for victims and witnesses on what happens if a criminal case goes to court.
The steps you must take when someone dies – register a death, the procurator fiscal, funerals and bereavement support.
A guide for witnesses on claiming expenses for travelling to court, meals and loss of earnings.
