AFTER NOT GUILTY · SCOTLAND · PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Useful Organisations & Support
The trial is over. Where can you turn next?
An acquittal determines the criminal charge before the court. It does not necessarily resolve every practical consequence of an investigation or prosecution. People may still face questions about records, work, finances, reputation or wellbeing.
This independent directory brings together organisations that may provide advice, assistance, information or a route for raising concerns. It is not a claim that an acquittal, by itself, establishes wrongdoing by any institution or individual.
Where to begin: If you have a deadline or need advice about your own legal position, consult a qualified Scottish solicitor promptly. For complaints, check each organisation’s remit, procedure and time limits.
1. Legal advice & practical support
Scottish Legal Aid Board
Find solicitors registered for civil or criminal legal aid. A solicitor must assess your circumstances and decide whether they can take your case; the Board does not itself provide legal advice.
Citizens Advice Scotland
Independent guidance on legal problems and wider practical difficulties, including money, work and benefits. A local Citizens Advice Bureau may help identify suitable further advice.
2. Complaints & independent oversight
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)
Information on raising complaints about COPFS service or work. Read the complaints procedure carefully: it has limits and is not a general appeal against prosecutorial decisions.
Police Scotland — Make a complaint
Raise concerns about police actions, conduct or service. Keep a dated record of the issue and any reference number or response you receive.
Police Investigation & Review Commissioner (PIRC)
Independent review of how a Scottish policing body handled a complaint. PIRC does not reinvestigate the original complaint. Applications should normally follow the police final response and be made within three months.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
The final complaints stage for many Scottish public services. In most cases, you must first complete the organisation’s own complaints process; not every criminal justice matter falls within its powers.
3. Personal records & information rights
Police Scotland — Your information rights
Learn how to request personal information held by the police, and how to ask for inaccurate or incomplete data to be corrected. Legal exemptions may apply.
Disclosure Scotland — Disputing errors
Guidance if criminal record information or other relevant information on a disclosure certificate appears wrong.
ICO — Personal information and subject access
The Information Commissioner’s Office explains what to do if you receive an incomplete subject access response, no response, or have concerns about personal data rights.
Scottish Information Commissioner
Information about requesting public information under Scotland’s Freedom of Information legislation and appealing unsatisfactory FOI responses. This is a different route from an ICO personal-data complaint.
4. Wellbeing, human rights & reform
SAMH — Mental health information
Mental health information and support for people in Scotland, including guidance on finding further help.
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support if you are distressed or struggling. Call 116 123 free, at any time.
Scottish Human Rights Commission
General human rights information and signposting to advice organisations. The Commission works on wider rights issues but does not handle individual complaints or provide personal legal advice.
Scottish Parliament — Public Petitions
A route for suggesting changes in law or public policy. Petitions are not a way to overturn an individual court or agency decision.
About this directory
After Not Guilty is independent of the organisations listed here. Inclusion is for information only: it does not imply endorsement of this website or its proposals.
These descriptions are summaries, not legal advice. Eligibility, deadlines and procedures can change. Check the official organisation’s guidance before taking action. Links checked: 31 October 2026.
Interested in systemic learning or reform? Visit our Submissions, Evidence & Reform page. You can also send a general message, but please do not submit confidential case material or sensitive personal details through an initial website enquiry.
