The most important hours in a UAE criminal case happen before anyone reaches a courtroom. Statements taken at the police station and before the Public Prosecution form the backbone of the file, and a statement signed in a language you do not read is extremely difficult to withdraw later.
Dubai Legal Expert defends individuals and companies across the UAE at every stage, from the first police interview through prosecution, trial, appeal and cassation, and acts urgently where someone has just been detained.
A case normally begins with a police report, followed by referral to the Public Prosecution, which questions the accused, decides on detention and determines whether charges are filed. From there the matter proceeds to the Court of First Instance, with appeal and cassation available afterwards.
You have the right to legal representation and to an interpreter. Exercising both from the outset matters, because the prosecution file that is built in the first days is what the court will be reading months later.
Immediate attendance where someone has been detained, before statements are given without advice.
Representation at prosecution questioning, on detention decisions and on the decision whether to charge.
Applications for release, including where passport surrender or a travel ban is imposed as a condition.
Full defence at the Court of First Instance, including challenges to evidence, procedure and expert reports.
Appeals against conviction or sentence, and cassation applications on points of law.
We attend urgently where someone is in custody, because the earliest statements shape the whole case.
Never sign a document you cannot read. We ensure interpretation and check what is recorded against what was said.
The prosecution file is examined line by line for procedural defects, gaps in evidence and unsupported conclusions.
Bail and release applications pursued promptly, alongside challenges to travel bans and passport retention.
Where the offence permits settlement with the complainant, that route is explored, as it can end the case entirely.
Appeals prepared properly, since the appeal stage is a genuine second hearing rather than a formality.
We are frequently instructed after a client has already given a full statement, often in Arabic, without a lawyer present and without a proper interpreter. That statement then anchors the entire case, and contradicting it later damages credibility even where the original was inaccurate.
There is no substitute for advice before that point. If you or a family member has been detained, the single most useful thing you can do is instruct a lawyer immediately and say nothing substantive until they arrive.
From the first hours in custody through to appeal.
We attend the police station or prosecution urgently and advise before any statement is given.
The complaint, statements, reports and any expert evidence are examined for weaknesses and procedural defects.
Applications are made for release, with challenges to detention renewals and travel restrictions where appropriate.
Written submissions are made to the Public Prosecution, which can result in the case being closed before trial.
Full representation at trial including challenges to evidence, cross examination and closing submissions.
Appeals against conviction or sentence are prepared and argued, with cassation on points of law.
Ask to contact a lawyer and your embassy, and do not sign any statement you cannot read or have not had properly interpreted. Say nothing substantive until your lawyer arrives.
Yes. UAE criminal procedure provides for legal representation and for interpretation where you do not speak Arabic, and both should be requested immediately.
Detention is subject to periods set by the Criminal Procedure Law, with renewals requiring authorisation. Your lawyer can challenge detention and apply for release.
Release is possible in many cases, often with conditions such as passport surrender, a travel ban or a guarantor. Applications should be made promptly.
For certain offences, reconciliation with the complainant can bring the criminal case to an end. Whether that applies depends on the specific charge.
Deportation can follow conviction for certain offences, and in some cases the court has discretion. This should be addressed as part of the defence.
If someone has been detained, call us immediately. Do not give a statement before you have spoken to a lawyer. The first consultation is free.
Dubai Legal Experts provides trusted legal advocacy across the UAE with experienced lawyers and clear legal guidance.
