If the police have called you, your passport has been held, or you've found out there's a case against you, speak to a criminal lawyer before you give a statement. What you say at the police station and the Public Prosecution goes into the file the court reads.
BR Law Firm (Office of Hassan Tamim Advocates & Legal Consultants) is a Dubai law firm that defends residents, expats and visitors in criminal cases, from the first police summons through trial and appeal. A consultation costs AED 1,050 to AED 5,250, depending on how complex the case is.
Which laws apply to a criminal case in Dubai?
Two federal laws govern almost every criminal case in Dubai:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (the Crimes and Penalties Law). It defines offences and penalties. It replaced the 1987 Penal Code from 2 January 2022.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (the Criminal Procedure Law). It sets out how a case is investigated and tried, including detention, travel bans and plea bargains. It has applied since 1 March 2023 and was amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2023.
Some offences have their own laws, such as cybercrime (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) and drugs. We'll tell you which law your charge falls under at the first meeting.
How does a criminal case work in Dubai?
A criminal case in Dubai usually passes through five stages: a police complaint, investigation by the Public Prosecution, trial at the Court of First Instance, appeal, and in qualifying cases a final review at the Court of Cassation. Travel bans and detention are usually ordered at the prosecution stage.
- Police complaint and statement. A complaint is registered at a police station. You may be called to give a statement. You can ask for the statement to be read back and translated before you sign.
- Public Prosecution. The prosecutor investigates, questions you and decides whether to charge, close the file, or settle it. This is the stage where a travel ban or detention is usually ordered, and where good preparation changes outcomes most.
- Court of First Instance. If charged, the case goes to the criminal court. Your lawyer files a defence memo, challenges evidence and presents witnesses.
- Court of Appeal. Either side can appeal the judgment within the legal deadline. Missing it usually ends the right to appeal, so act as soon as the judgment is issued.
- Court of Cassation. A final review on points of law in qualifying cases.
Can a travel ban be lifted in a Dubai criminal case?
The Public Prosecution can impose a travel ban during an investigation without a court order. Once the case reaches court, the judge controls it.
A ban can be challenged. During the investigation we file an objection with the supervising prosecutor. In court we apply to the judge. Courts can replace a ban with conditions such as a financial guarantee, surrender of a passport, or regular reporting to a police station. Evidence of a job, family and property in the UAE helps.
Can I get bail in a Dubai criminal case?
If you or a family member is detained, the prosecution can release on bail, with or without a guarantee, or ask the court to extend detention. The defendant has the right to appeal a detention extension. We prepare the release request and the guarantee documents as quickly as the case allows.
What criminal cases does BR Law Firm handle?
- Fraud and financial crime: breach of trust, embezzlement, forgery, misappropriation, investment and bank fraud. See financial crime lawyers.
- Cybercrime: online defamation, insults on WhatsApp or social media, hacking and privacy offences. See our cybercrime lawyers page.
- Cheque cases: most bounced cheques for insufficient funds stopped being a crime on 2 January 2022 and are now enforced through civil execution. A cheque is still a criminal matter when the drawer closes the account, withdraws the balance or stops payment before the due date, signs incorrectly on purpose, or forges it. See cheque bounce lawyers.
- Drug offences: possession, use and supply. See drug crime lawyers.
- Assault, threats and harassment. See harassment lawyers.
- Defamation, alcohol-related and public-order offences.
- INTERPOL red notices and extradition. See INTERPOL lawyers.
Will a foreigner be deported after a criminal conviction in the UAE?
For some offences a court can order deportation after the sentence, alongside or instead of other penalties. Deportation is often the outcome a foreign client cares about most, so we raise it with the prosecutor and the court early. Settlement or a plea agreement can sometimes change it.
Can a criminal case be settled?
The Criminal Procedure Law allows criminal settlement and plea agreements for some offences. Settlement is not available for every crime. In complaint-based cases, such as many insult and breach-of-trust cases, a waiver from the complainant can end the case. We negotiate these directly with the other side's lawyer.
What should I bring to the first meeting with a criminal lawyer?
- Passport and Emirates ID
- Any police or prosecution summons, SMS notices or case number
- Statements you signed, if you have copies
- Contracts, bank statements, messages or screenshots linked to the complaint
- Names of witnesses
Filing a complaint yourself? Read how to file a criminal case in Dubai.
Written and reviewed by Mr. Mohammad, Advocate, BR Law Firm (Office of Hassan Tamim Advocates & Legal Consultants). Last reviewed .
