UAE criminal-law questions
These answers explain how a criminal matter may be assessed and what information is useful when seeking advice. They do not determine the outcome, penalty or procedural deadline in an individual case.
Relevant official legislation is linked below. Final review by the firm’s legal team remains pending. For advice on your circumstances, request a consultation.
Criminal proceedings and legal assistance
The allegation, the case reference, the authority handling the matter and the available documents are the starting point. A chronological account helps identify the evidence and procedural issues.
The Crimes and Penalties Law and the Criminal Procedures Law are important reference points. Legislation addressing a particular offence may also apply. The correct provision depends on the alleged conduct.
An allegation must be assessed against the evidence and the requirements of the applicable law. The description used by a complainant does not replace that assessment.
Relevant issues may include the alleged act, intention, circumstances, medical evidence and any other records. A lawyer must review these before advising on the legal classification or possible consequences.
No. Non-payment or a contractual disagreement does not, by itself, establish a criminal offence. The alleged conduct and supporting evidence must be considered separately from any civil claim.
Retain the complete document, note the stated date and obtain advice on the required action. Provide the case reference and any earlier correspondence when requesting a consultation.
The effect of a withdrawal or settlement depends on the offence and the procedural stage. It should not be assumed that every proceeding will end when the parties reach an agreement.
No. Any application must be assessed under the applicable rules, and the competent authority decides whether to grant it.
The availability, grounds and deadline for a challenge depend on the decision and applicable procedure. Arrange a review promptly and provide the complete judgment.
Keep the original messages, files and transaction records where possible. Preserve the surrounding context and dates. Do not alter or delete material relevant to the matter; ask for advice on how it should be supplied.
Jurisdiction and the scope of assistance depend on where the conduct, parties and proceedings are located. Work outside the UAE may require coordination with appropriately authorised local counsel.
No. Outcomes and duration depend on the law, evidence and decisions of the competent authorities. The scope of legal work and arrangements for updates should be discussed at the start.
Controlled-substance matters
The substance, its legal classification, the alleged conduct and the available evidence must be examined. The relevant legislation includes Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as amended.
The legal assessment must distinguish the alleged conduct and the evidence relied on. A page title or an informal description cannot establish the applicable offence.
Relevant records may include notices, statements, laboratory reports, prescriptions, travel records and correspondence. Which documents are needed depends on the allegation.
A prescription alone does not establish the legal position in every circumstance. The substance, authorisation requirements and facts of the matter require assessment.
No. The applicable provision and possible consequences depend on the specific allegation and facts. General information should not be treated as a sentencing prediction.
Provide a brief factual summary, the case reference if known and any relevant date. Ask how to supply medical records or other sensitive documents before sending them through an online form.