Stage 01
Investigation and police stage
We prepare you before questioning, attend where permitted, and advise on what to say, what to provide and what to avoid.
Criminal Law & Criminal Defence
Criminal defence lawyers for individuals and businesses in Dubai and the UAE
Shuaib Alsuwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants represents clients in criminal matters in Dubai and across the UAE. We assist people and companies who are under investigation, have been summoned by the police or Public Prosecution, or are facing charges, and we also act for complainants who need to bring a criminal complaint. Early legal advice often shapes how a case develops, so we act quickly and keep you informed at every stage.
Stages of a case
Where we step in during a criminal matter.
A criminal case moves through distinct stages, each with its own deadlines and decisions. We advise you on the next step at every stage, not only at trial.
Stage 02
Public Prosecution
We present your position to the prosecutor, deal with evidence and witness statements, and seek release, bail or a closure of the case where the facts support it.
Stage 03
Court proceedings
We prepare the defence, test the evidence and represent you before the criminal courts at each hearing.
Stage 04
Appeal and after the judgment
We advise on appeal, enforcement of the judgment, settlement options and steps to resolve related restrictions such as travel bans.
Clients
Who we act for.
Criminal matters affect people in very different positions. We advise each client according to their own circumstances and risk.
Individuals and residents
People summoned, arrested or accused of an offence, and families seeking urgent guidance.
Senior executives and business owners
Individuals facing allegations linked to their role, company dealings or financial decisions.
Companies and their management
Businesses responding to complaints, internal fraud or an investigation involving staff or counterparties.
Complainants and victims
Clients who have suffered fraud, breach of trust, threats or online abuse and want to bring a criminal complaint.
Non-residents and visitors
People with a case in the UAE who are abroad or need to travel, and families instructing us on their behalf.
Services
Our criminal law & defence services.
Clear, practical advice on the process, evidence and decisions behind a criminal matter, under UAE law.
Speak to a criminal lawyer-
01
Representation at the police and prosecution stage
We advise before and during questioning by the police and Public Prosecution, review the complaint and available evidence, prepare written statements and memoranda, and engage with the prosecutor to seek release, bail or closure of the case.
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02
Criminal defence in court
We defend clients in misdemeanour and felony cases before the UAE criminal courts. We analyse the file, challenge the evidence where appropriate, prepare written defence submissions, and present the case at each hearing and on appeal.
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03
Financial crime, fraud and breach of trust
We act in cases involving fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, forgery and cheque-related disputes, including anti-money laundering allegations. We also advise companies facing internal fraud or an investigation involving staff or counterparties.
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04
Cybercrime, defamation and online offences
We represent clients accused of, or targeted by, offences involving social media, electronic communications, online defamation and data misuse, and advise on preserving digital evidence.
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05
Bail, travel bans and case status
We advise on release and bail, check whether a case or travel ban exists, and work toward lifting restrictions on a client's movement once the legal basis is addressed.
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06
Criminal complaints and claims for victims
We prepare and file criminal complaints, support complainants through the prosecution process, and advise on pursuing compensation alongside or following the criminal case.
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07
Settlement and amicable resolution
Where the law allows, we negotiate settlements and waivers with complainants and advise on how a settlement affects the criminal case.
Our approach
How we run a criminal matter.
Our approach is the same on every case: understand the facts, identify the risks and agree a strategy that is realistic and protects your position.
Scoping
We review the complaint, documents, summons and timeline, and identify what is urgent.
Strategy
We set out your options, the risks and the likely outcomes, honestly and without guarantees.
Execution
We manage statements, filings and hearings, and keep you updated at every step.
Communication
We keep you and, where appropriate, your family informed about progress, deadlines and next steps.
All matters are handled in strict confidence.
People
Your criminal defence team.
Our team supports clients across civil, commercial and criminal matters. The lawyer assigned to your case will depend on the nature of the matter and the experience required.
Shuaib Al Suwaidi
Managing Director | Senior Legal Attorney, Dubai, UAE. Leads the firm's legal services.
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Omar
Criminal lawyer; civil, commercial and criminal litigation, legal drafting and court filings.
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Basim
Corporate legal assistant; criminal litigation support, commercial matters & legal documentation.
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33+ years in UAE legal affairs
Leadership
The experience behind our advice.
Our Managing Director, Mr. Shuaib Al Suwaidi, brings more than 33 years of experience in UAE legal affairs, including senior legal and advisory roles with the Dubai Police General Command (1989–2015), where he reviewed legislation and advised senior departments, and as Director of Legal Affairs at Dubai Customs (2016–2022).
This background in public-sector legal work gives the team practical insight into how investigations and official procedures operate in the UAE.
Read his full profileNeed advice on a criminal matter?
Speak to our legal team in confidence to discuss your circumstances and your options under UAE law.
FAQs
Criminal law & defence FAQs.
Answers to the questions clients most often ask at the start of a criminal matter. This is general information, not legal advice on your case.
What should I do if I have been summoned or called in for questioning?
Speak to a lawyer before you give a statement wherever possible. What you say at the police and prosecution stage can shape the whole case. Bring any summons, messages and documents you have, and do not sign anything you do not fully understand.
Can I have a lawyer with me during questioning?
The rules depend on the stage, the type of offence and the authority involved. A lawyer can advise you in advance, explain your position and, where permitted, attend with you. We confirm what is possible as soon as we review your case.
What is the difference between a misdemeanour and a felony?
UAE law classifies offences by seriousness, which affects the court that hears the case, the possible penalties and the procedure. We explain how the charge in your case is classified and what that means for you.
Can I be released on bail?
It depends on the offence, the evidence and the decision of the prosecutor or court. We review the file and present the strongest basis for release.
Can I travel if there is a case or a travel ban against me?
That depends on the type of case and its status. We check whether a case or travel ban is registered, explain the position and advise on steps to resolve it. Do not attempt to travel before you have confirmed the position.
Can a criminal case be settled?
For some offences, the complainant can waive the complaint or reach a settlement, which may end or reduce the case. Other offences cannot be settled this way. We advise on the options in your matter.
I am a victim of fraud or online abuse. Can you help me file a case?
Yes. We prepare and file the criminal complaint, organise your evidence and support you through the prosecution, and advise on seeking compensation. See our guide on How to File a Fraud Case in Dubai.
Can my family instruct you if I am detained or abroad?
Yes. With the right authority and documents, a family member can instruct us on your behalf so that work can start quickly.
How do you structure fees for criminal matters?
We are open to fixed fees for defined stages, such as the police or prosecution stage, and stage-based or blended approaches for longer cases. Fee options are discussed openly at the start.
Start the conversation
Facing a criminal matter in the UAE?
A short, confidential first conversation is usually enough to understand your position and the urgent next steps.
Speak to our legal teamDubai Office
Dubai Healthcare City
Oud Metha Offices, 403Dubai Healthcare City
United Arab Emirates Office details & directions ↗