The United Arab Emirates has established a comprehensive penal code that serves as the foundation for its criminal law. This legal framework plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the country while reflecting the cultural values and traditions of the UAE society. An understanding of the UAE’s penal code is essential for residents, visitors, and businesses operating in the nation to ensure compliance and avoid legal consequences. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the criminal law of the UAE, exploring the key aspects and provisions outlined in the penal code.

What is The Main Criminal Law Governing The UAE?

The UAE Penal Code, officially known as the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on Issuance of the Penal Code, recently updated in 2022 with Federal Law No. 31 of 2021, is based on a combination of Sharia (Islamic law) principles and contemporary legal practices. In addition to Islamic principles, the criminal process in Dubai draws regulation from the Criminal Procedures Law No 35 of 1991. This law directs the filing of criminal complaints, criminal investigations, trial processes, judgments, and appeals.

De wichtichste spilers belutsen by it strafrjochtlik proses fan 'e UAE binne it slachtoffer / klager, beskuldige persoan / fertochte, plysje, de Iepenbier Ministearje, en de rjochtbanken. Strafsaken begjinne typysk as it slachtoffer in klacht yntsjinnet tsjin in beskuldige persoan by in pleatslik plysjeburo. De plysje hat de plicht om fertochte misdriuwen te ûndersykjen, wylst it Iepenbier Ministearje de fertochte oanklaget foar de rjochtbank.

It rjochtbanksysteem fan 'e UAE omfettet trije haadgerjochten:

It Gerjocht fan earste ynstânsje: As nij yntsjinne, komme alle strafsaken foar dizze rjochtbank. De rjochtbank bestiet út ien rjochter dy't de saak heart en oardiel jout. Trije rjochters hearre en bepale de saak lykwols yn in misdiedsproef (dy't hurde straffen hat). D'r is op dit stuit gjin fergoeding foar in sjueryproseduere.
It Hof fan Berop: Nei't it Gerjocht fan Earste Ynstânsje syn oardiel jout, kin elke partij in berop yntsjinje by it Hof fan Berop. Tink derom dat dizze rjochtbank de saak net opnij heart. It moat allinnich fêststelle oft der in flater wie yn it oardiel fan de legere rjochtbank.
It Kassaasjegerjocht: Elke persoan dy't ûntefreden is mei it oardiel fan it Hof fan Berop kin fierder yn berop dwaan by it Kassaasjegerjocht. It beslút fan dizze rjochtbank is definityf.

As feroardiele fan in misdie, begripe de Criminal Appeals Process yn UAE is essinsjeel. In betûfte advokaat foar kriminele berop kin helpe om redenen te identifisearjen foar it beswieren fan it oardiel of sin.

What are the key principles and provisions of the UAE’s Penal Code?

The UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987) is based on a combination of Sharia (Islamic law) principles and contemporary legal concepts. It aims to maintain law and order while preserving the cultural and religious values of the UAE society, as per the general principles outlined in Article 1.

Principles Derived from Sharia Law

Prohibitions on activities like gambling, alcohol consumption, illicit sexual relations
Hudud crimes like theft and adultery have Sharia-prescribed punishments e.g. amputation, stoning
Retributive “eye for an eye” justice for crimes like murder and bodily harm

Contemporary Legal Principles

Codification and standardization of laws across emirates
Clearly defined crimes, penalties, statutory limitations
Due process, presumption of innocence, right to counsel

Key bepalings

Crimes against state security – treason, terrorism, etc.
Crimes against individuals – murder, assault, defamation, honor crimes
Financial crimes – fraud, breach of trust, counterfeiting, money laundering
Cybercrimes – hacking, online fraud, illegal content
Public safety, moral crimes, prohibited activities

The Penal Code blends Sharia and contemporary principles, though some provisions face human rights criticism. Consulting local legal experts is recommended.

Criminal Law vs Criminal Procedure Law in the UAE

Criminal Law defines the substantive rules that establish what constitutes a crime and prescribe the punishment or penalty to be imposed for proven offenses. It is covered under the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987).

Wichtige aspekten:

Categories and classifications of crimes
Elements that must be proven for an act to qualify as a crime
The punishment or sentence corresponding to each crime

For example, the Penal Code defines murder as a criminal offense and specifies the punishment for someone convicted of murder.

Criminal Procedure Law, on the other hand, establishes the procedural rules and processes for enforcing the substantive criminal laws. It is outlined in the UAE Criminal Procedure Law (Federal Law No. 35 of 1992).

Wichtige aspekten:

Powers and limitations of law enforcement in investigations
Procedures for arrest, detention, and charging an accused
Rights and protections afforded to the accused
Conducting trials and court proceedings
The appeals process after a judgment

For instance, it lays down rules for collecting evidence, the process of charging someone, conducting a fair trial, and the appeals mechanism.

While criminal law defines what a crime is, criminal procedure law ensures those substantive laws are implemented properly through an established judicial process, from investigation to prosecution and trials.

The former outlines legal consequences, the latter enables enforcement of those laws.

Klassifikaasje fan misdieden en misdieden yn UAE strafrjocht

Foardat jo in kriminele klacht yntsjinje, is it essensjeel om de soarten misdriuwen en misdieden te learen ûnder UAE-wet. D'r binne trije haadtypen fan oertredings en har straffen:

Oertredings (oertredings): Dit is de minste hurde kategory as lytse oertreding fan UAE-misdriuwen. Se omfetsje elke hanneling of weglating dy't in straf of straf fan net mear as 10 dagen finzenis of in maksimum boete fan 1,000 dirham lûkt.
Misdemeanors: A misdemeanor is punishable with confinement, a fine of 1,000 to 10,000 dirhams at most, or deportation. The offence or penalty may also attract Diyyat, in islamityske betelling fan "bloedjild".
Felonies: Dit binne de hurdste misdieden ûnder UAE wet, en se binne strafber mei maksimaal libbenslange finzenisstraf, dea, of Diyyat.

How Are Criminal Laws Enforced in The UAE?

Criminal laws in the UAE are enforced through the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, the public prosecution, and the judicial system, as outlined in the UAE Criminal Procedure Law. The process typically begins with an investigation conducted by police authorities upon receiving information about a potential crime. They have the power to summon individuals, collect evidence, make arrests, and refer cases to the public prosecution.

The public prosecution then reviews the evidence and decides whether to press formal charges or dismiss the case. If charges are filed, the case proceeds to trial in the relevant court – the Court of First Instance for felonies and misdemeanors, and the Court of Misdemeanors for lesser offenses. Trials are overseen by judges who evaluate the evidence and testimonies presented by the prosecution and defense.

After the court issues a judgment, both the convicted person and the prosecution reserve the right to appeal to higher courts like the Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation. The enforcement of final verdicts and sentences is carried out through the police, public prosecution, and the prison system in the UAE.

What is The Process For Reporting A Crime in The UAE?

When a crime occurs in the UAE, the first step is to file a complaint with the police at the nearest station, preferably close to where the incident took place. This can be done either orally or in writing, but the complaint must clearly detail the events that constitute the alleged criminal offense.

The police will have the complainant provide their statement, which is recorded in Arabic and must be signed. Additionally, UAE law allows complainants to call witnesses who can corroborate their account and lend credibility to the allegations. Having witnesses provide supplementary context can greatly aid the subsequent criminal investigation.

Once a complaint is filed, the relevant authorities commence an investigation to verify the claims and attempt to identify and locate potential suspects. Depending on the nature of the crime, this could involve legal officers from the police, immigration officials, coast guards, municipality inspectors, border patrol, and other law enforcement agencies.

A key part of the investigation is interrogating any identified suspects and taking their statements. The suspects also have the right to present their own witnesses to support their version of events. Authorities collect and analyze all available evidence such as documents, photos/videos, forensics, and witness testimony.

If the investigation finds sufficient evidence of a criminal act, the public prosecutor then decides whether to press formal charges. If charges are filed, the case proceeds to the UAE courts as per the Criminal Procedure Law.

At this stage, those looking to pursue a criminal case against another party should take certain steps in addition to the police complaint:

Obtain a medical report documenting any injuries
Gather other evidence like insurance records and witness statements
Consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer

If the prosecutor moves forward with charges, the complainant may need to file a civil lawsuit to have the criminal case heard in court.

Hokker soarten misdieden kinne wurde rapportearre?

De folgjende misdieden kinne wurde rapportearre by de plysje yn UAE:

Moard
Homicide
Koalsied
Sexual Assault
Ynbraak
Stellerij
Fertsjustering
Ferkear-relatearre gefallen
Ferfalsking
Falskemunterij
Drugs misdriuwen
Elke oare misdied of aktiviteit dy't yn striid is mei de wet

Foar ynsidinten dy't keppele binne oan feiligens of oerlêst, kin de plysje direkt berikt wurde fia har Aman Service op 8002626 of fia in sms nei 8002828. Derneist kinne partikulieren online misdieden melde fia de Abu Dhabi plysje webside of by elke ôfdieling fan 'e Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yn Dubai.

What Are The Procedures For Criminal Investigations And Trials in The UAE?

Criminal investigations in the UAE are governed by the Criminal Procedure Law and overseen by the public prosecution. When a crime is reported, the police and other law enforcement agencies conduct an initial investigation to gather evidence. This can involve:

Questioning suspects, victims, and witnesses
Collecting physical evidence, documents, recordings etc.
Conducting searches, seizures, and forensic analysis
Working with experts and consultants as needed

The findings are presented to the public prosecution, who reviews the evidence and decides whether to press charges or dismiss the case. The Public Prosecutor will invite and separately interview the complainant and suspect to ascertain their stories. At this stage, either party may produce witnesses to verify their account and help the Public Prosecutor determine if a charge is necessary. Statements at this stage are also made or translated into Arabic and signed by both parties. If charges are filed, the prosecution prepares the case for trial.

Criminal trials in the UAE take place in the courts under the purview of judges. The process typically involves:

The charges being read out by the prosecution
The defendant entering a plea of guilty or not guilty
The prosecution and defense presenting their evidence and arguments
Examination of witnesses from both sides
Closing statements from prosecution and defense

The judge(s) then deliberate in private and issue a reasoned judgment – acquitting the defendant if not convinced of guilt beyond reasonable doubt or issuing a conviction and sentence if they find the defendant guilty based on the evidence.

Both the convicted person and prosecution have the right to appeal to higher courts against the judgment or sentence. The appeals courts review the case records and may uphold or overturn the lower court’s decision.

Throughout the process, certain rights such as presumption of innocence, access to legal counsel, and standards of evidence and proof must be upheld as per UAE law. Criminal courts handle cases ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes like financial fraud, cybercrimes, and violence.

Is it mooglik om in strafsaak te ferfolgjen as de dieder net fûn wurde kin?

Ja, yn guon gefallen is it mooglik om in strafsaak te ferfolgjen, sels as de dieder net te finen is. Stel dat it slachtoffer bewiis hat sammele dat dokumintearret hoe't se ferwûne binne en dúdlike dokumintaasje kin leverje fan wannear en wêr't it ynsidint barde. Yn dat gefal sil it mooglik wêze om in strafsaak te ferfolgjen.

What Are The Legal Rights Of Victims Under UAE’s Criminal Law?

The UAE takes measures to protect and uphold the rights of crime victims during the legal process. Key rights afforded to victims under the UAE Criminal Procedure Law and other regulations include:

Right to File a Criminal Complaint Victims have the right to report crimes and initiate legal proceedings against perpetrators
Rights During Investigation

Right to have complaints promptly and thoroughly investigated
Right to provide evidence and witness testimony
Right to participate in certain investigative measures

Rights During Trial

Right to access legal counsel and representation
Right to attend court hearings unless excluded for reasons
Right to review/comment on evidence submitted

Right to Seek Damages/Compensation

Right to claim compensation from perpetrators for damages, injuries, medical expenses and other quantifiable losses
Victims can also seek reimbursement for travel and other expenses but not for wages/income lost due to time spent attending court proceedings

Rights Related to Privacy, Safety and Support

Right to have identities protected and kept confidential if required
Right to protection measures for victims of crimes like human trafficking, violence etc.
Access to victim support services, shelters, counseling and financial aid funds

The UAE has established mechanisms for victims to claim damages and compensation through civil lawsuits against perpetrators. Additionally, victims have the right to legal assistance and can appoint lawyers or have legal aid assigned. Support entities also provide free advice and counsel.

Overall, UAE laws aim to safeguard victims’ rights to privacy, prevent re-victimization, ensure safety, enable compensation claims, and provide rehabilitation services during the criminal justice process.

Wat is de rol fan 'e advokaat foar ferdigening yn strafsaken?

De advokaat foar definsje is ferantwurdlik foar it ferdigenjen fan de oertreder yn 'e rjochtbank. Se kinne it bewiis útdaagje dat de oanklager presintearret en beweare dat de oertreder frijlitten wurde moat of in fermindere sin krije.

Hjir binne guon fan 'e taken dy't in kriminele advokaat spilet yn strafsaken:

De advokaat foar definsje kin sprekke út namme fan 'e oertreder by rjochtssittingen.
As de saak einiget yn in oertsjûging, sil de advokaat gearwurkje mei de fertochte om in passende sin te bepalen en mitigearjende omstannichheden te presintearjen om de straf te ferminderjen.
By it ûnderhanneljen fan in pleitsaak mei de oanklager kin de advokaat fan definsje in oanbefelling foar in fermindere straf yntsjinje.
De advokaat foar definsje is ferantwurdlik foar it fertsjinwurdigjen fan 'e fertochte yn harksittings.

Wat is de rol fan forensysk bewiis yn strafsaken?

Forensysk bewiis wurdt faak brûkt yn strafsaken om de feiten fan in ynsidint te fêstigjen. Dit kin DNA-bewiis, fingerprinten, ballistysk bewiis en oare soarten wittenskiplik bewiis omfetsje.

Wat is de rol fan 'e plysje yn strafsaken?

By it melden fan in klacht ferwiist de plysje dy nei de oanbelangjende ôfdielingen (ôfdieling forensyske medisinen, ôfdieling elektroanyske kriminaliteit, ensfh.) foar beoardieling.

De plysje sil de klacht dan ferwize nei it iepenbier ministearje, wêr't in oanklager wurdt tawiisd om it te beoardieljen neffens de UAE Penal Code.

De plysje sil de klacht ek ûndersykje en bewiis sammelje om de saak te stypjen. Se kinne ek de oertreder oanhâlde en oanhâlde.

Wat is de rol fan 'e oanklager yn strafsaken?

Wannear't in klacht wurdt ferwiisd nei it iepenbier ministearje, wurdt in oanklager tawiisd om dizze te besjen. De offisier fan justysje beslút dan oft de saak al of net ferfolge wurdt. Se kinne ek kieze om de saak te fallen as d'r net genôch bewiis is om it te stypjen.

De oanklager sil ek gearwurkje mei de plysje om de klacht te ûndersykjen en bewiis te sammeljen. Se kinne ek de oertreder oanhâlde en oanhâlde.

Wat is de rol fan de advokaat fan it slachtoffer yn strafsaken?

In oertreder kin yn guon gefallen feroardiele wurde en besteld wurde om it slachtoffer skeafergoeding te beteljen. De advokaat fan it slachtoffer sil by de útspraak of letter gearwurkje mei de rjochtbank om bewiis te sammeljen om te bepalen oft de oertreder de finansjele mooglikheden hat om it slachtoffer te kompensearjen.

De advokaat fan it slachtoffer kin har ek fertsjintwurdigje yn sivile rjochtsaken tsjin oertreders.

As jo beskuldige binne fan it begean fan in misdied, is it essensjeel om de tsjinsten fan in kriminele advokaat te sykjen. Se sille jo kinne advisearje oer jo rjochten en jo yn 'e rjochtbank fertsjintwurdigje.

How Does The UAE’s Criminal law Handle Cases Involving Foreigners Or Visitors?

The United Arab Emirates enforces its comprehensive legal system equally on citizens and non-citizens for any criminal offenses committed within its borders. Foreign nationals, expatriate residents, and visitors are all subject to the UAE’s criminal laws and judicial processes without exception.

If accused of a crime in the UAE, foreigners will go through arrest, charges, and prosecution via the local courts where the alleged offense occurred. Proceedings are in Arabic, with translation provided if needed. The same standards of evidence, legal representation provisions, and sentencing guidelines apply regardless of one’s nationality or residency status.

It’s crucial for foreigners to understand that actions acceptable elsewhere may constitute crimes in the UAE due to differences in laws and cultural norms. Ignorance of the law does not excuse criminal behavior.

Embassies may offer consular assistance, but the UAE maintains full authority over prosecution of foreign defendants. Respecting local laws is a must for visitors and residents alike.

Moreover, foreigners should note that they may face detention during investigations, with pre-trial procedures and rights to understand. Court cases can also experience lengthy delays impacting one’s stay. Uniquely, double jeopardy principles from other nations may not apply – the UAE could retry someone for an offense they faced prosecution for elsewhere previously.

Wat as it slachtoffer yn in oar lân is?

As it slachtoffer net yn UAE leit, kinne se noch bewiis leverje om in strafsaak te stypjen. Dit kin dien wurde mei fideokonferinsjes, online ôfsettings en oare metoaden foar it sammeljen fan bewiis.

How Can One Check The Status Of A Criminal Case Or Police Complaint in The UAE?

The method for tracking the progress of a criminal matter or police complaint filed in the United Arab Emirates varies based on the emirate where the case originated. The two most populous emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have distinct approaches.

dubai

In Dubai, residents can utilize an online portal created by the Dubai Police force that allows case status checks by simply entering the reference number. However, if this digital service is inaccessible, alternative contact options like:

The police call center
email
Website/app live chat

Abu Dhabi

On the other hand, Abu Dhabi takes a different route by offering a dedicated case tracking service through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s website. To use this, one must first register for an account using their Emirates ID number and date of birth before gaining access to view case details online.

Algemiene tips

No matter which emirate is involved, retaining the specific case reference number is vital for any online inquiry about its status and progress.

If the digital options are unavailable or experiencing technical difficulties, directly contacting either the original police station where the complaint was filed or the judicial authorities overseeing the case can provide the necessary updates.

It’s important to note that while these online tracking services aim to increase transparency, they are still evolving systems that may encounter limitations periodically. Traditional channels of communication with law enforcement and the courts remain reliable alternatives.

How Does the UAE’s Criminal Law Handle Arbitration or Alternative Dispute Resolution?

The UAE criminal law system primarily deals with prosecution of criminal offenses through the court system. However, it does allow for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods in certain cases before formal charges are brought.

For minor criminal complaints, police authorities may first attempt to resolve the matter through mediation between the parties involved. If a settlement is reached, the case can be closed without proceeding to trial. This is commonly used for issues like bounced cheques, minor assaults, or other misdemeanors.

Binding arbitration is also recognized for certain civil matters that have criminal implications, such as labor disputes or commercial conflicts. An appointed arbitration panel can render a decision that is legally enforceable. But for more serious criminal allegations, the case will go through the standard prosecution channels in the UAE courts.

Why Do You Need A Local Specialized And Experienced Criminal Lawyer

Facing criminal charges in the United Arab Emirates demands specialist legal expertise that only a local, seasoned criminal lawyer can provide. The UAE’s unique legal system, blending civil and Sharia laws, requires in-depth knowledge that comes from years of experience working within its judicial processes. A lawyer based in the Emirates understands the nuances that international practitioners may overlook.

More than just comprehending the laws, a local criminal lawyer serves as an invaluable guide for navigating the UAE’s courts. They are well-versed in the protocols, procedures and dynamics of the justice system. Their linguistic proficiency in Arabic ensures accurate translation of documents and clear communication during hearings. Aspects like these can be critical advantages.

Additionally, UAE lawyers with established careers often possess connections, reputation and a deep cultural understanding – assets that can benefit a client’s case strategy. They grasp how the society’s customs and values interplay with the laws. This context informs how they construct legal defenses and negotiate for favorable resolutions with authorities.

From managing different criminal charges to handling evidence properly, a specialized local criminal lawyer has honed tactics specific to the UAE Courts. Their strategic representation draws from direct experience uniquely relevant to your situation. While all legal counsel is important when accused, having an advocate deeply ensconced in UAE criminal law can make a pivotal difference.

Oft jo binne ûndersocht, arresteare of beskuldige fan in kriminele oertreding yn 'e Feriene Arabyske Emiraten, it is essensjeel om in advokaat te hawwen dy't de wetten fan it lân begrypt. Jo juridyske oerlis mei ús sil ús helpe om jo situaasje en soargen te begripen. Nim kontakt mei ús op om in gearkomste te plannen. Skilje ús no foar in Dringende ôfspraak en gearkomste op +971506531334 +971558018669