Criminal law practice in Dubai and across the UAE
Criminal defence lawyers in Dubai, with clear advice at every stage
Facing a criminal complaint, a summons or a travel ban in Dubai? Althea & Jacobs is a team of criminal defence lawyers in Dubai who explain where you stand, prepare your defence on the evidence and UAE law, and arrange representation before the Public Prosecution and the criminal courts together with our UAE National Advocates.
- 25+ years of combined legal experience
- Call back within 24 hours
- Court representation with UAE National Advocates
- Strictly confidential, advice in plain English
Reviewed by Althea Edwina Rozario, Managing Partner, Althea & Jacobs Legal Consultants. Last updated .
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Meet your criminal defence team in Dubai
When you contact Althea & Jacobs, you speak to real people who explain the allegation, the process and your options from the first conversation. Led by Managing Partner Althea Edwina Rozario, our Dubai team prepares your case and works alongside UAE National Advocates and Associates, who represent clients before the Public Prosecution and the criminal courts.
Our consultants bring experience in civil and criminal litigation across the UAE and India, including an LLM in Criminal Law, so your defence is prepared by people who understand both the law and what is at stake for you.
What does a criminal defence lawyer in Dubai do?
A criminal defence lawyer in Dubai protects anyone who is accused, questioned or arrested in a criminal matter. They advise you before police statements, prepare your defence for the Public Prosecution, apply for bail, challenge the evidence, and arrange your defence before the criminal courts and on appeal.
Why the first 48 hours shape your case
Criminal cases in Dubai move quickly. A police complaint can turn into a statement, an arrest, a travel ban or a referral to the Public Prosecution within days, and the investigation, statements and court papers are all handled in Arabic. What you say and sign at the start often decides how your case ends.
That is why it pays to take advice early. We explain the allegation in plain English, prepare you before any statement, advise on bail (provisional release) where it is available, and build an evidence-led defence that our UAE National Advocates present to the Public Prosecution and the criminal courts.
Whatever the allegation, you get one team that gives you honest advice about your options and arranges representation before every competent authority across the UAE through our UAE National Advocates and Associates.
Our criminal defence services in Dubai
From the first complaint to the final appeal, our team advises you at every stage of the UAE criminal process, with court representation through our UAE National Advocates.
Criminal cases we defend in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE
Every allegation is different. We assess the evidence, intent and procedure behind your specific charge, not just the label on the file.
Fraud and breach of trust
Embezzlement, misappropriation and employer-employee financial disputes.
Financial crime and money laundering
AML investigations, white-collar and banking offences, and asset freezes.
Cybercrime and online defamation
Complaints over social media posts, WhatsApp messages, hacking, privacy breaches and e-extortion.
Drug offences
Possession, consumption, positive tests and trafficking allegations.
Assault and violent crimes
Physical assault, threats, domestic violence and self-defence claims.
Theft and property crimes
Theft, robbery, trespass and damage-to-property charges.
Forgery and bad-faith cheques
Document forgery and cheques issued in bad faith or on a closed account.
Alcohol and public order offences
Drink-driving, public intoxication and public decency complaints.
Immigration and deportation matters
Absconding cases, visa violations and deportation orders.
Corporate and regulatory offences
Directors’ liability, commercial fraud and regulatory investigations.
Extortion and blackmail
Defence of accused persons and support for victims filing complaints.
Criminal complaints against you abroad
Cases opened in Dubai while you are outside the UAE, including warrants and in-absentia judgments.
Not sure where your case fits? Describe it in confidence and a lawyer will tell you where you stand.
Describe my caseHow to check for a travel ban or police case in Dubai
Many people only discover a criminal case at the airport. If you think a complaint has been filed against you, check your status before you travel, then let a lawyer deal with the cause.
Check online with your Emirates ID
Use the official Dubai Police app or website, or the Dubai Public Prosecution e-services, to see whether a travel ban, arrest warrant or open case is linked to you.
Do not travel until you know
Being stopped at the airport can lead to detention. If you suspect a ban, confirm your status before you book or board a flight.
Find out what caused it
A ban is usually tied to a criminal complaint, an ongoing investigation or an unpaid judgment. The source decides how it can be removed.
Ask us to lift or suspend it
Once the legal reason no longer applies, we apply to the Public Prosecution or the court to lift the ban, or to suspend it so you can travel.
The criminal process in Dubai, step by step
Criminal procedure in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022, the Criminal Procedures Law. Here is how a typical case progresses and what your lawyer does at each step.
Police complaint
A complaint is filed with Dubai Police or online. We review it and prepare you before any statement.
Investigation and arrest
Questioning, evidence collection and possible detention. We apply for release where possible and advise you on your rights.
Public Prosecution
The prosecutor decides to charge, settle or close. Our defence memoranda aim to stop weak cases here.
Court of First Instance
Trial before the criminal court, with evidence, witnesses and defence pleadings presented by our UAE National Advocates.
Appeal and cassation
Challenging the verdict, sentence, fine or deportation within the strict appeal deadlines.
Your rights if you are arrested or accused in Dubai
- Presumption of innocence: you are innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial.
- To know the charge against you, clearly and promptly.
- To a lawyer during the investigation and trial.
- To an interpreter if you do not speak Arabic, the official language of proceedings.
- To request bail (provisional release) and to contact your embassy or family.
What to do in the first 48 hours
- Stay calm and be polite with officers. Do not argue or resist.
- Do not sign any Arabic document you do not fully understand.
- Ask for an interpreter and say you want to speak to a lawyer.
- Do not delete messages, posts or files, as this can worsen the case.
- Ask a family member to call a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible.
UAE criminal laws behind your defence
A strong criminal defence starts with the right statute. These are the key federal laws behind most criminal cases in Dubai.
| Law | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, as amended | Crimes and Penalties Law (UAE Penal Code), which defines offences and punishments |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 | Criminal Procedures Law: arrest, detention, bail, travel bans, trial and appeal |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 | Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes: online offences, defamation and hacking |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 | Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances |
| Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 | Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) |
Why clients choose Althea & Jacobs as their criminal law firm in Dubai
Advice from day one
Early advice, before statements are given, is where many cases are shortened or closed.
Evidence-led strategy
We test intent, proof and procedure, including digital evidence and forensic reports.
Plain-English updates
Arabic proceedings, explained clearly to you and your family at every stage.
Representation across all seven Emirates
Together with our UAE National Advocates before the Public Prosecution and the criminal courts.
Discretion guaranteed
Your career, residency and reputation are protected by strict confidentiality.
One firm for the whole problem
Our litigation, corporate and commercial and IP teams work under one roof when a case touches the rest of your life or business.
How to choose the best criminal lawyer in Dubai
The best criminal defence lawyers in Dubai are not the ones with the loudest promises. They are the ones who act promptly, know the UAE criminal process well, and keep you informed at every stage.
Use these questions when you compare criminal lawyers in the UAE, including us.
Have they handled cases like yours?
Criminal procedure in the UAE is specialised, so ask about their experience with your type of allegation.
Who will represent you in court?
Only UAE National Advocates have rights of audience in the local criminal courts, so check who will appear for you.
How fast can they act?
Statements and travel bans can move quickly. Ask when a lawyer will call you back.
Will they explain everything in your language?
Proceedings are in Arabic, but your documents can be translated by court-approved legal translators, and your lawyer should explain every document and every step to you.
Is the fee clear before you start?
A written quote per stage avoids surprises. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a result.
An English-speaking criminal lawyer in Dubai for expats and visitors
Being accused of a crime far from home is frightening. A criminal case can affect your job, your residence visa and your ability to leave the country. We explain each step in English, keep your family informed, coordinate with your embassy where needed, and address travel bans, deportation risk and residency consequences alongside the criminal charge.
Talk to a lawyer about your situationResidents
Protect your job and visa
Visitors
Lift bans and get home
Business owners
Corporate and director liability
Families
Support for a detained relative
Criminal lawyer fees in Dubai
There is no one-size price for a criminal case. Fees depend on the seriousness of the charge, the stage the case has reached, the volume of evidence, and whether court attendance or an appeal is needed.
After your free initial consultation you receive a written fee quote, usually a fixed fee per stage, so you know the cost before we start.
What our clients say on Google
5.0from 17 Google reviews
“I highly recommend Althea & Jacobs for all legal requirements in the UAE and beyond. The team is excellently led by Althea, a true professional who offers expert legal advice and thoughtful guidance at every step. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail make the entire process seamless.”
“My experience and interaction with Althea and Jacob’s was great. They explained everything very patiently and was very friendly. I really appreciate the honest advice and transparent pricing. The whole process was very smooth and stress free”
“Althea & Jacobs FZ LLC stands out for their professionalism, integrity, and client-focused approach. Althea and her team take the time to understand requirements thoroughly and provide clear, practical legal guidance throughout the process.”
Questions about criminal defence lawyers in Dubai
Straight answers to what clients ask us most. Can’t see yours? Ask a lawyer directly.
Do I need a criminal lawyer before speaking to Dubai Police?
Yes, it is strongly advised. Statements given to the police and the Public Prosecution are recorded in Arabic and used as evidence later. A criminal defence lawyer can prepare you, explain the allegation and make sure your account is recorded accurately.
What should I do if I am arrested in Dubai?
Stay calm, cooperate politely, ask for an interpreter and do not sign documents you do not understand. Ask for a lawyer, and have a family member contact a criminal defence lawyer in Dubai as soon as possible.
How can I check if I have a travel ban or police case in Dubai?
You can check through the official Dubai Police app or website, or the Dubai Public Prosecution e-services, using your Emirates ID. If you are outside the UAE or unsure what a result means, a lawyer can verify your status confidentially before you travel.
Is bail available in the UAE?
Bail, called provisional release, is possible but never automatic. Under the Criminal Procedures Law the accused may be released on a personal guarantee, a bail amount or with a travel ban, depending on the charge and the stage of the case.
Can I leave the UAE while a criminal case is pending?
Only if there is no travel ban, arrest warrant or court order stopping you. The Public Prosecution can issue a travel ban during an investigation. We check your status and apply to lift or suspend a ban once its legal basis no longer exists.
Can a criminal case in Dubai be settled out of court?
Some can. Certain offences may end through complaint withdrawal, reconciliation or criminal settlement, but not every case is eligible. Your lawyer will tell you whether a settlement route exists for your charge.
Is a bounced cheque still a crime in the UAE?
Since 2022 most bounced cheques are handled as civil and commercial matters rather than crimes. Criminal charges can still follow where a cheque was issued in bad faith, forged, or drawn on a closed account, so get advice before you respond to a complaint.
Can a social media post or WhatsApp message lead to a criminal case?
Yes. Under the UAE cybercrime law, posts, comments, messages and even forwarded content can lead to complaints for defamation, insult or privacy breaches. Do not delete anything, and speak to a criminal lawyer before you reply to a summons.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Dubai?
Fees depend on the charge, the case stage and the work involved. We offer a free initial consultation and then a written fixed-fee quote per stage, so there are no surprises.
Will a criminal case lead to deportation?
Deportation can be ordered for some convictions, drug offences in particular, but it is not automatic for every case. A strong defence or a reduced charge can remove or limit that risk, and deportation orders can be challenged on appeal.
How do I choose the right criminal defence lawyer in Dubai?
Look for experience with cases like yours, licensed representation before the UAE courts, prompt availability, clear communication in your language and a transparent fee quote. Avoid anyone who guarantees an outcome.
Do you handle criminal cases outside Dubai?
Yes. Working with our UAE National Advocates and Associates, we act for clients in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain as well as Dubai.
Speak to a criminal defence lawyer in Dubai today
Confidential, no-obligation advice from a team that understands what is at stake. Visit our Sheikh Zayed Road office or reach us by phone, WhatsApp or email.
- Office No. 18, 22nd Floor, Tower Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- +971 55 551 0930
- info@altheajacobs.com
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
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Protected by lawyer–client confidentiality.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter depends on its own facts; past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Court representation is provided together with our UAE National Advocates and Associates.
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