The United Arab Emirates issued Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 regarding the Criminal Law, amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021. This law is one of the earliest federal laws that regulates the provisions of crimes and the penalties associated with them.
The crime is described in all laws worldwide as an act contrary to the system of a healthy society, violating all its rules and beliefs. It is an act that causes serious harm to individuals within the community, hence the law imposes severe penalties for it.
The text of the UAE Criminal Law is based on a general principle that presumes innocence in humans, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Types of crimes include:
- Felonies (Al-Jinayat): Felonies are crimes punishable by one of the following penalties:
- Any of the retribution penalties.
- Death penalty.
- Life imprisonment.
- Temporary imprisonment.
- Misdemeanors (Al-Junh): Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by one or more of the following penalties:
- Imprisonment.
- Fine exceeding AED 10,000.
- Blood money (diyah).
- Violations (Al-Mukhalafat): Violations encompass any act or omission punishable by one or more of the following penalties:
- Detention for a period not less than 24 hours and not exceeding 10 days, with the detainee placed in designated facilities.
- Fine not exceeding AED 10,000.
The Criminal Law covers all types of crimes, including those that pose a threat to state security, crimes against persons (such as murder and assault), crimes against honor (such as rape and indecent acts), crimes against reputation (such as defamation and insult), and crimes against property (such as theft, fraud, breach of trust, and begging). The law specifies the penalties for these crimes.
If you need expert legal advice on UAE Criminal Law matters, our office, Sendeyyah Ali Al Hantoobi Advocates & Legal Consultants, has experienced consultants who can be relied upon for all matters related to this type of legal issues. You can also request a consultation or present your case by contacting us.
Key Benefits
Hiring a criminal law advocate in the UAE offers expertise, representation, guidance, and penalty mitigation.
Navigating Emirates’ legal system is complex without proper guidance. A criminal law advocate can assist in case assessment, representation, negotiations, and procedural guidance.
Sendeyyah Al Hantoobi specializes in criminal cases: theft and fraud, drug offenses, assault and violence, and white-collar crimes.
Clients can benefit from the services of Sendeyyah Al Hantoobi advocates in the following ways:
Personalized approach – Strong track record -Client-focused representation – Confidentiality and professionalism.
Sendeyyah Al Hantoobi advocates offer personalized attention, tailor legal strategies, have a successful track record defending clients in criminal cases, possess extensive knowledge of the Emirates’ legal system, prioritize client interests, maintain open communication, and uphold confidentiality and professionalism.