Criminal Lawyers in Dubai

Criminal charges in the UAE carry severe consequences — imprisonment, heavy fines, travel bans and deportation for expatriates. Whether you have been accused, arrested, or need to file a criminal complaint against someone, immediate legal representation makes the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.

600+ criminal cases resolved across financial crime, cybercrime, drugs and violent crime.
Managing Partner licensed before all UAE courts including the Court of Cassation.
Multilingual team across 11 languages for accurate Arabic court representation.
Urgent response — rapid attendance at police stations within the 48-hour limit.

At AMCO Law Firm, our criminal lawyers in Dubai provide full legal representation from the moment of arrest or investigation through to final judgment at the Court of Cassation. We represent clients before the Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, Public Prosecution offices and all UAE criminal courts — including Courts of First Instance, Courts of Appeal and the Court of Cassation.

Our criminal law practice is led by Managing Partner Ammar Almulla, George SK (Head of Disputes Practice) and Marwa Abdalrahzig. Together, they have resolved 600+ criminal cases — including full acquittals in complex financial crime prosecutions, successful cross-border cybercrime defences, and significant charge reductions in drug possession matters. Ammar Almulla is licensed to practice before all courts in the UAE including the Court of Cassation, and serves as Arbitrator and Reformer with the UAE Sports Arbitration Center.

With a team of 40+ legal experts speaking Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Nepali, Malayalam, Tamil, Chinese, and Pashto, AMCO handles personal crimes, financial crimes, drug offences, cybercrime, white-collar fraud and every other category of criminal offence under UAE law.

UAE Criminal Law: How It Works

Criminal law in the UAE is governed by several key pieces of legislation:

Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (UAE Crimes and Penalties Law) — the primary penal code governing all criminal offences in the country. It replaced the older 1987 Penal Code and covers everything from assault and theft to murder, fraud and crimes against the state.

Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law) — governs how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted and tried. It sets out the rights of the accused, arrest procedures, detention limits, bail rules and appeal timelines.

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrime Law) — covers online defamation, hacking, electronic fraud, sharing private images, fake news and other digital offences.

Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics Law) — the UAE’s zero-tolerance drug law covering possession, use, trafficking and distribution.

The UAE classifies criminal offences into three categories. Contraventions are minor violations punishable by small fines. Misdemeanours include theft, simple assault, certain bounced cheques and defamation — punishable by larger fines, imprisonment up to 3 years and possible deportation. Felonies are the most serious offences including murder, drug trafficking and large-scale fraud — carrying long prison terms, life imprisonment or in rare cases the death penalty.

Every person in the UAE — citizen, resident or visitor — is subject to UAE criminal law. For expatriates, a criminal conviction often triggers mandatory deportation, visa cancellation and a permanent re-entry ban, making expert legal representation essential from the very first interaction with the police.

Criminal Law Services We Provide

AMCO’s criminal lawyers handle every stage of a criminal case — from police investigation through to final appeal. Each case is led by a senior lawyer with specific experience in the relevant offence category.

Police Station Representation

If the police call you for questioning or you are arrested, you have a legal right to a lawyer. What you say during the first police interview shapes the entire case file — and mistakes at this stage are difficult to reverse. Our criminal lawyers accompany you to the police station, ensure your statement is recorded accurately, advise you on what to say and what not to say, and protect you from self-incrimination. Under UAE law, police must refer a suspect to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours of arrest.

Bail and Travel Ban Applications

Being held in detention while awaiting trial adds enormous stress for you and your family. Our lawyers prepare and file bail applications to secure your temporary release. Bail in the UAE is discretionary and depends on the severity of the offence. For misdemeanours, bail typically requires a financial bond or surrendering your passport. Travel bans are automatically imposed during criminal investigations. Our lawyers petition the Public Prosecution or judge to lift travel bans where appropriate.

Financial Crime Defence

The UAE enforces strict financial crime laws. AMCO defends individuals and companies accused of money laundering, fraud and embezzlement, breach of trust, bounced cheques (criminal cases involving bad faith), and corporate fraud. Our defence strategy begins with a thorough analysis of the evidence, financial records and transaction histories. We identify procedural errors, challenge the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate settlements where the Criminal Procedures Law allows.

Cybercrime Defence

The UAE Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) is one of the strictest in the region. Offences that may seem minor elsewhere — posting a negative review, sharing someone’s photo without consent, making an offensive comment on WhatsApp — can result in heavy fines or imprisonment. Our cybercrime defence lawyers handle cases involving online defamation, unauthorised access to data, electronic fraud, sharing private photographs, spreading false information, and violations of the Child Digital Safety Law.

Drug Offence Defence

The UAE maintains a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, first-time possession for personal use carries a minimum of 3 months imprisonment or a fine between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000. For non-residents, even small amounts typically result in deportation. Cases involving prescription medications present unique challenges — certain medicines legal in other countries are classified as controlled substances in the UAE. AMCO’s drug offence lawyers challenge evidence collection procedures, question chain-of-custody issues and pursue every avenue to reduce charges or secure acquittal.

Violent Crime and Personal Disputes

Our criminal lawyers represent clients involved in assault and battery, domestic violence, harassment, threats, accidental injury cases and traffic accident disputes involving criminal liability. For victims, we handle criminal complaints and pursue compensation. For those accused, we build comprehensive defences examining circumstances, provocation, self-defence and procedural irregularities.

Appeals and Higher Courts

If you disagree with a court judgment, the UAE appeals system provides opportunities to challenge the decision. You must file an appeal to the Court of Appeal within 15 days. The Public Prosecution has 30 days. A further appeal to the Court of Cassation must be filed within 30 days of the Appeal judgment. AMCO’s appellate lawyers identify legal errors, procedural failings and evidentiary issues that can overturn or reduce sentences.

The Criminal Case Process in the UAE

Step 1: Arrest or Complaint Filing — The process begins with arrest by police or filing a criminal complaint. Police investigate and must refer you to Public Prosecution within 48 hours.
Step 2: Public Prosecution Investigation — The Public Prosecutor reviews the file within 24 hours. They can release you, order further detention, or refer the case to court.
Step 3: Bail Application — If detention is ordered, we immediately file a bail application. For misdemeanours, bail is often granted with a financial bond.
Step 4: Court Hearing (First Instance) — The first hearing is typically scheduled within 3 working days of referral. Our lawyers present your defence and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Step 5: Judgment — The court issues its ruling — acquittal, fine, imprisonment or combination.
Step 6: Appeal (If Needed) — We file an appeal within 15 days. The Court of Appeal conducts a full review. A further appeal to the Court of Cassation is available.

Who Needs a Criminal Lawyer in the UAE?

Individuals Under Investigation or Arrested — A criminal lawyer protects your rights from the first statement. What you say at the police station determines the trajectory of your case.
Business Owners and Corporate Officers — Directors, managers and company owners facing allegations of fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, money laundering or tax violations need specialist white-collar crime defence.
Victims of Crime — If someone has harmed you, stolen from you or threatened you, our lawyers file criminal complaints and pursue justice and compensation.
Expatriates Facing Criminal Charges — A criminal conviction can mean deportation, visa cancellation and a permanent re-entry ban.
Individuals Facing Cybercrime Charges — Social media posts, online reviews, private messages — actions you may not realise are criminal in the UAE can lead to charges.

Why Choose AMCO for Criminal Cases in Dubai

600+ Criminal Cases Resolved

Our criminal law team — led by Managing Partner Ammar Almulla, George SK and Marwa Abdalrahzig — has resolved over 600 criminal cases across financial crime, cybercrime, drug offences and violent crime.

Managing Partner Licensed Before All UAE Courts

Ammar Almulla holds a Bachelor of Law from Ajman University, completed the Lawyer License Training Course at the Judicial Institute of Sharjah, and the International Commercial Arbitration Course at the University of Sharjah. He is licensed to practice before all courts in the UAE including the Court of Cassation — ensuring your case has the most senior representation at every level.

Multilingual Team (11 Languages)

Criminal proceedings in the UAE are conducted in Arabic. Our multilingual team ensures every statement, document and court submission is accurately translated — whether you speak English, Hindi, Urdu, French, Arabic, Spanish, Nepali, Malayalam, Tamil, Chinese, or Pashto.

Urgent Response

We return all calls and emails promptly. If you are arrested or called for questioning, our lawyers can reach the police station quickly. The 48-hour police detention limit means early intervention is critical.

Representation Across All UAE Courts

AMCO represents clients in police stations, Public Prosecution offices, Courts of First Instance, Courts of Appeal and the Court of Cassation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates. Registered with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, DIAC, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and DIFC Courts.

Representative Case Outcomes

Our criminal law team has achieved significant results for clients across Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts:

Secured a full acquittal before the Dubai Criminal Courts in a complex financial crime and fraud case, successfully challenging the evidentiary basis and intent elements underpinning the prosecution.
Represented a corporate client in a cross-border cybercrime investigation in Dubai, resulting in dismissal of criminal liability and recovery of misappropriated funds through coordinated legal action.
Achieved a substantial reduction of charges and penalties in an Abu Dhabi criminal case involving alleged drug possession, by contesting procedural irregularities and evidentiary handling.
Successfully defended a client in a high-value embezzlement and breach of trust case before Dubai Courts, leading to acquittal following forensic accounting review and dismantling of the prosecution’s claims.
Acted on behalf of a victim in a cyber fraud and online scam case in Dubai, securing criminal conviction of the perpetrators and facilitating recovery through parallel proceedings.
Obtained a favourable judgment in a money laundering investigation before Abu Dhabi Courts, limiting exposure and resolving the matter through strategic engagement with authorities.
Represented a client in a multi-defendant criminal conspiracy case in Dubai, resulting in dismissal of charges against the client due to lack of direct involvement and evidentiary linkage.
Successfully challenged and lifted a travel ban and asset freeze in a financial crime case before Dubai Courts, restoring the client’s mobility and access to funds during ongoing proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions — Criminal Lawyers in Dubai

Yes. Under UAE law, every person has the right to legal representation. You can request a criminal lawyer before or during the recording of your official statement at the police station.

Police conduct an initial investigation and must refer you to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours. The Public Prosecutor has 24 hours to release you, order further detention or refer the case to court.

Bail is available for many misdemeanours and some felonies, but it is discretionary. For serious offences like drug trafficking, bail may be denied.

For many serious crimes, deportation is mandatory for expatriates. For misdemeanours, deportation is at the judge’s discretion after the sentence is served.

You must file an appeal to the Court of Appeal within 15 days of the judgment. A further appeal to the Court of Cassation must be filed within 30 days of the Appeal decision.

Most commercial cheque disputes have been decriminalised and are now civil matters. However, a bounced cheque remains criminal if it involves bad faith or fraud.

First-time possession for personal use carries a minimum of 3 months imprisonment or a fine between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000 under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021. Trafficking carries much heavier penalties.

Yes. Under the Criminal Procedures Law (No. 38 of 2022), certain misdemeanours and financial crimes can be settled if the victim signs a reconciliation waiver and the Public Prosecution approves.

A travel ban prevents you from leaving the UAE while the case is pending. Your lawyer can petition to lift it by providing a financial guarantee or guarantor.

Yes. The Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) is strictly enforced. Posting defamatory content, sharing private photos, or spreading false information can all lead to criminal charges.

Absolutely. Legal representation from the investigation stage is critical. A lawyer can protect you from self-incrimination and often prevent a case from escalating.

Yes. UAE criminal law is territorial — it applies to everyone within the country regardless of nationality.

Simple misdemeanours may be resolved within a few weeks. Complex felonies can take 6 to 12 months or more.

Yes. A criminal record — especially involving drugs, violence or offences of ‘moral turpitude’ — can be used in family court to argue that a parent is unfit for custody.

Fees vary based on the severity of the charges and the courts involved. AMCO provides a transparent fee estimate during your initial consultation.

Contact AMCO’s Criminal Lawyers Today

Criminal charges in the UAE demand immediate action. The sooner you have a lawyer, the better your chances of a positive outcome. AMCO Law Firm provides complete criminal defence and prosecution services across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and all UAE emirates. Our team is available for urgent matters outside regular hours.

Call +971 56 369 9034 for a free, confidential consultation. Or schedule a meeting through our website.