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Criminal Law
What Does a Criminal Lawyer in Dubai Do?
A criminal lawyer in Dubai provides legal defense to individuals charged with criminal offenses under UAE law. Salha Al Basti Advocates offers criminal defense representation across Dubai Courts, the Public Prosecution, and appellate courts—protecting the rights of UAE nationals, residents, and foreign nationals under UAE Federal Penal Code No. 3 of 1987. If you or someone you know has been arrested, detained, or is under investigation in Dubai, immediate legal representation is critical.Why You Need a Criminal Lawyer in Dubai
Being charged with a criminal offense in the UAE is a serious, time-sensitive matter with potentially life-altering consequences. UAE criminal law applies equally to residents and visitors, and the consequences — including fines, imprisonment, and deportation — demand experienced legal representation from the moment of arrest or investigation. The UAE legal system moves quickly once a matter is referred to the Public Prosecution, and early legal intervention is consistently associated with better outcomes for the accused. Salha Al Basti Advocates's criminal defense lawyers appear before the Dubai Public Prosecution, Dubai Criminal Courts, and Courts of Appeal, providing robust, rights-focused defense in all criminal matters. Our team provides 24/7 emergency legal support to ensure our clients have immediate access to qualified counsel at every stage of criminal proceedings.Governing UAE Criminal Laws & Regulations
Criminal proceedings in Dubai are governed by a comprehensive body of federal legislation:- UAE Federal Penal Code — Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (as amended)
- UAE Code of Criminal Procedure — Federal Law No. 35 of 1992
- UAE Cybercrime Law — Federal Law No. 5 of 2012
- UAE Anti-Narcotics Law — Federal Law No. 14 of 1995
- UAE Anti-Money Laundering Law — Federal Law No. 20 of 2018
- Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2012 — Dubai Public Prosecution
Criminal Defence Services We Provide
Our criminal defense team handles the full spectrum of criminal matters across Dubai and the wider UAE:- Emergency legal representation at police station and Public Prosecution
- Bail and release applications (kafala/surety bonds)
- Criminal defence before Dubai Courts of First Instance
- Defence in drug-related cases and cybercrime charges
- Financial crime and fraud defence
- Assault, traffic, and public order offences
- Appeals before Dubai Court of Appeal and Federal Supreme Court
- Deportation order challenges and immigration-related criminal matters
How We Handle Criminal Cases — Step by Step
Our criminal defense process is immediate, structured, and fully transparent:- Immediate contact: Call our 24/7 emergency line—a qualified lawyer responds within the hour
- Police station attendance and Public Prosecution interview support
- Full case file review and charge assessment
- Bail application and release from custody where possible
- Defence strategy preparation and evidence gathering
- Court hearings and cross-examination of prosecution witnesses
- Sentencing mitigation submissions if conviction occurs
- Appeal filing within the statutory time limit if the outcome is unsatisfactory
Case Example — Financial Fraud Defence
An expatriate professional contacted Salha Al Basti Advocates after being detained by Dubai Police over an alleged financial fraud claim filed by a former business partner. Our criminal defense team attended the public prosecution interview within four hours, challenged the evidence presented, and secured the client's release on bail pending investigation. After a detailed legal response demonstrating the commercial rather than criminal nature of the dispute, the public prosecution declined to refer the matter to criminal court, and the case was closed.Frequently Asked Questions — Criminal Law in Dubai
What should I do if I am arrested in Dubai?
Do not make any statement to police or prosecution without a lawyer present. You have the right to legal representation under UAE law. Contact Salha Al Basti Advocates immediately on our 24/7 emergency line. Making statements without legal advice — even seemingly innocent ones — can significantly harm your case. Our lawyers can attend police stations and public prosecution interviews to protect your rights from the outset.Can a foreigner be charged with a crime in Dubai?
Yes. UAE criminal law applies equally to nationals, residents, and tourists. Foreign nationals can be arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned in the UAE. In some cases, a criminal conviction leads to deportation after serving the sentence. Early legal intervention by an experienced criminal defense lawyer significantly improves outcomes, particularly for foreign nationals unfamiliar with UAE legal procedure.How long does a criminal case take in Dubai?
Straightforward criminal cases before Dubai Criminal Court can be resolved in 2–4 months. Complex fraud, drug, or cybercrime cases may take 12–24 months, particularly if international evidence is involved. Our lawyers actively manage case timelines through strategic case management and, where appropriate, negotiated resolution with the public prosecution.What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case in the UAE?
A criminal case is initiated by the public prosecution on behalf of the UAE state, with the objective of punishment—fines, imprisonment, or deportation. A civil case is initiated by a private party seeking financial compensation or a legal remedy. Importantly, the same incident can give rise to both civil and criminal proceedings simultaneously in the UAE—for example, a dishonored check can be pursued both criminally and civilly.Can criminal records be expunged in the UAE?
UAE criminal records are maintained by the Ministry of Interior. Under specific conditions—including completion of their sentence, good conduct, and a formal rehabilitation application—individuals may apply for removal of their criminal record. Salha Al Basti Advocates advises on eligibility criteria and manages the formal rehabilitation application process.What happens if I miss a court date in Dubai?
Missing a scheduled court date in UAE criminal proceedings can result in a bench warrant for arrest, automatic conviction in absentia, travel ban imposition, and bail forfeiture. It is critical to attend all court dates. If attendance is not possible, your lawyer must obtain an adjournment in advance. SAB proactively manages all hearing dates on behalf of our clients.Contact Us
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