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Criminal Law

Criminal Lawyer & Criminal Legal Services led by the renowned Emirati Lawyer Mr. Majid Aljassim

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About Our Criminal Defense Services

MJ Law Firm provides comprehensive criminal defence representation for individuals and organisations facing criminal proceedings in the UAE. Led by founding partner Mr. Majid Al Jassim, our criminal defence team brings decades of courtroom experience to every case — from minor misdemeanours to serious felony charges.
Criminal Law

Our Approach to Criminal Defence

  • Attend police station interviews and investigations on your behalf
  • Review all evidence, witness statements, and prosecution materials
  • File all necessary legal motions, appeals, and urgent applications
  • Represent you before the Public Prosecution and all UAE courts
  • Negotiate bail, reduced charges, and favourable settlement terms
  • Handle appeals before the Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation

Every client deserves a legal partner who listens, guides, and fights for their best interests — regardless of the charges they face.

Mr. Majid Al Jassim, Founding Partner

Why Choose MJ Law for Criminal Defence?

Our criminal defence practice combines a deep understanding of UAE criminal law with a genuine commitment to client outcomes. We handle each matter with the urgency, precision, and confidentiality it deserves. With an extensive network across UAE courts and prosecution offices, MJ Law is uniquely positioned to deliver results where it counts most.

  • UAE-licensed criminal lawyers with 20+ years of experience
  • Bilingual representation — full service in English and Arabic
  • 24/7 emergency response for urgent criminal matters
  • Direct client confidentiality at every stage
  • Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
Key Contacts
Majid Al Jassim
Majid Al Jassim
Founder, Senior Lawyer
info@mjlaw.co
Ahmed Kheiri
Ahmed Kheiri
Senior Legal Consultant
info@mjlaw.co
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Tell us briefly about your criminal matter and our team will respond promptly.

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UAE Legal Framework

About Criminal Law in the UAE

Governing Legislation

Criminal law in the UAE is primarily governed by Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (the Penal Code) and Federal Law No. 35 of 1992 (the Code of Criminal Procedure), both of which have been amended several times to reflect the evolving legal landscape.

Penal Code Federal Law No. 3/1987 Criminal Procedures Federal Law No. 35/1992 Cybercrime Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021 Anti-Narcotics Federal Decree-Law No. 30/2021 Anti-Money Laundering Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2018

Classification of Criminal Offences

UAE criminal offences are classified into three categories under the Penal Code:

  • Contraventions — Minor infringements punishable by fines or imprisonment up to three years.
  • Misdemeanours — Punishable by fines or imprisonment up to three years, or fines.
  • Felonies — Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding three years, life imprisonment, or capital punishment.

Stages of Criminal Proceedings

  1. 1
    Arrest & Police Investigation

    Police arrest, detention (up to 48 hours), and initial investigation. Rights to legal representation apply immediately.

  2. 2
    Public Prosecution Review

    The Public Prosecution reviews the case file, may order further investigation, release, or refer the matter to court.

  3. 3
    Trial Before the Court of First Instance

    The case is heard before the competent court. Parties present evidence, witnesses testify, and arguments are heard.

  4. 4
    Verdict & Sentencing

    The court issues its judgment. If convicted, the sentence is pronounced. Both parties may appeal the verdict.

  5. 5
    Appeal & Court of Cassation

    Appeals may be filed before the Court of Appeal and further to the Court of Cassation on points of law.

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Our Process

How MJ Law Handles Your Criminal Case

A clear, structured approach at every stage of your criminal defence.

01
Initial Consultation

Confidential discussion of your case, charges, and immediate legal options.

02
Case Assessment

Thorough review of evidence, police reports, and applicable UAE laws.

03
Legal Strategy

Building a robust defence strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

04
Court Representation

Active advocacy before prosecution, trial courts, and appellate courts.

05
Resolution

Verdict, sentencing, review, appeals, and post-judgment guidance.

Criminal Law FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about criminal law and the legal process in the UAE. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly.

Ask Our Lawyers

Upon arrest in the UAE, you have the right to be informed of the charges against you, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation. You must be brought before the Public Prosecution within 48 hours. You also have the right to contact your country's embassy or consulate if you are a foreign national.

Police may detain a suspect for up to 48 hours before the matter must be referred to the Public Prosecution, which may extend detention pending investigation under defined legal limits.

Misdemeanours are punishable by detention and fines, while felonies are more serious crimes carrying imprisonment exceeding three years, life imprisonment, or capital punishment.

Yes. Courts may order deportation of foreign nationals following conviction for certain offences, either as a mandatory or discretionary measure depending on the crime.

Timeframes vary by complexity, but many first-instance criminal matters conclude within a few months, with appeals adding further time.

Yes. Convictions may be appealed before the Court of Appeal, and on points of law before the Court of Cassation, within the prescribed statutory deadlines.

Arabic is the official language of UAE courts. Court-appointed or private interpreters are provided for non-Arabic speakers to ensure a fair process.