Criminal Lawyer Dubai

A criminal accusation in the UAE moves fast: an arrest, a police statement, referral to Public Prosecution, and a court date can all happen within days. What you say in the first police interview often decides the case. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants provides urgent criminal defence representation across Dubai — from the police station to the Court of Cassation — for residents, visitors, and businesses.

As a licensed Emirati law firm, our advocates have full rights of audience before all Dubai criminal courts and appear before Public Prosecution daily. We defend clients in Arabic, the language of the proceedings, and keep you informed in English at every step.

Criminal Cases We Defend in Dubai

  • Cybercrime and Online Offences: Charges under the UAE Cybercrime Law are among the most common cases against expatriates — defamation through WhatsApp or social media, online insults, hacking allegations, electronic fraud, and blackmail. Many of these cases can be resolved through early settlement or by challenging the technical evidence.
  • Drug and Alcohol Offences: Possession, use, and trace-quantity cases, including airport transit arrests. We pursue every available defence and, where applicable, rehabilitation alternatives to imprisonment available under UAE law.
  • Financial Crimes and Fraud: Breach of trust, embezzlement, forgery, money laundering allegations, and fraud complaints — defending the accused and filing complaints for victims.
  • Bounced Cheque Cases: Although most bounced cheque matters are now civil, criminal liability still applies in specific circumstances such as bad-faith conduct. We defend cheque cases and negotiate settlements that lift travel bans and close police files.
  • Assault, Theft and Public Order Offences: From workplace altercations to theft accusations, we build the defence from CCTV, witness statements, and forensic reports.
  • Travel Ban and Arrest Warrant Removal: We check for travel bans, identify the underlying case, and file the applications or settlements required to lift the ban so you can travel again.
  • Bail Applications and Criminal Appeals: Urgent bail requests before Public Prosecution, appeals against conviction and sentence, and cassation challenges on points of law.

What To Do If You Are Arrested or Called by Dubai Police

  • Do not sign a statement you do not fully understand. Police statements are recorded in Arabic. You are entitled to a translator — and to legal advice before questioning in many circumstances. Call us first.
  • Act within the deadlines. Appeals against criminal judgments must be filed within 15 days. Missing the deadline usually means the conviction becomes final.
  • Preserve the evidence. Screenshots, chat logs, contracts, and CCTV footage disappear quickly. We move immediately to secure what supports your defence.

Why Clients Trust Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates in Criminal Matters

Criminal defence in Dubai is local work. It depends on knowing how the Dubai Public Prosecution processes files, which cases can be settled before referral to court, and how the criminal courts assess evidence. Our founding advocate and team have handled thousands of criminal files in the Dubai Courts, and our Deira office sits minutes from the main court complex — which matters when a bail hearing is scheduled with hours of notice.

Every criminal case is treated with strict confidentiality. We tell you honestly whether to fight, settle, or negotiate — and what each path will cost.

Frequently Asked Questions — Criminal Law in Dubai

Can a criminal case in Dubai be settled or withdrawn?

Many cases — including defamation, minor assault, and some financial complaints — can end if the complainant waives the complaint, often as part of a negotiated settlement. Certain offences, however, proceed regardless of waiver. We advise on which category your case falls into before recommending a strategy.

How do I check if I have a travel ban in the UAE?

Travel bans can be checked through Dubai Police channels and the courts using your Emirates ID or passport details. As your legal representatives, we can verify the existence of a ban, identify the case behind it, and take the steps needed to lift it.

Will I go to jail for a bounced cheque in Dubai?

Since the 2022 amendments, most bounced cheques are handled as civil debt matters rather than crimes. Criminal liability remains in limited cases, such as issuing a cheque with intent to defraud. Either way, the debt itself remains enforceable, so early legal advice on settlement is essential.

Can I leave the UAE while a criminal case is ongoing?

It depends on whether Public Prosecution or the court has imposed a travel ban or holds your passport. In some cases we can apply for the return of a passport or the lifting of a ban pending judgment, sometimes against a guarantee.

Do I need a lawyer for a police complaint filed against me?

Yes — the earlier, the better. The police and prosecution stage is where cases are most often won, settled, or closed before ever reaching a courtroom.

Urgent Criminal Defence — Contact Us Now

If you or a family member is facing arrest, questioning, or charges in Dubai, call +971 55 767 9696 or message us on WhatsApp for an immediate, confidential consultation. Arabic and English spoken.