How long do I have to appeal?
Fifteen days. Under Article 234(1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 Promulgating the Criminal Procedures Law, an appeal is made by filing a statement of appeal with the criminal clerk's office within 15 days of the date the judgment was pronounced in the presence of the parties, or of the date of the judgment on opposition.
The clock starts on the day of the judgment, so confirm the date and instruct a lawyer immediately.
What if I am in prison or released on bail?
If you are imprisoned, you may file your statement of appeal with the prison director, who must submit it forthwith to the criminal clerk's office (Article 234(2)).
If you were released on bail, the court of appeal may release you on an undertaking or any other security it sets until the appeal is decided (Article 234(3)).
What if the judgment was given in my absence?
Article 235 deals with judgments rendered as if you were present under Articles 190 and 191. For the party in whose absence the judgment was given, the appeal period starts from the date of service.
Whether a judgment falls into that category is a legal question, and it should not be assumed. Get the judgment and the service details to a lawyer straight away.
How long do I have to go to the Court of Cassation?
Thirty days. Under Article 245(1), a cassation appeal is made by filing a petition setting out the grounds with the court's Case Management Office within 30 days following the date of the judgment, or from the date of service where the judgment is treated as given in presence.
A petition from a party other than the Public Prosecution must have its grounds signed by an attorney admitted before the court of cassation (Article 245(2)). The respondent is served within eight days of registration and may file a response within eight days of notification (Article 245(3)).
Does the prosecution have a different deadline?
Yes. Article 234(4) allows the Attorney General to appeal any judgment within 30 days of the judgment date.
That means a judgment in your favour can still be appealed, so keep your lawyer involved after a good result.
What should I do first?
Get the full judgment on the day
Your lawyer needs the text and the date.
Diary 15 days and 30 days
Appeal and cassation deadlines.
Decide the grounds
Errors of law, procedure or the assessment of evidence.
File early
Do not leave filing to the last day.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to appeal a criminal judgment?
15 days from the pronouncement of a judgment given in the presence of the parties (Article 234(1)).
What is the deadline for cassation?
30 days following the date of the judgment, or from service where the judgment is treated as given in presence (Article 245(1)).
Can I file from prison?
Yes. You may file your statement of appeal with the prison director, who must submit it to the criminal clerk's office (Article 234(2)).
Can the prosecution appeal an acquittal?
The Attorney General may appeal any judgment within 30 days of the judgment date (Article 234(4)).
Related guides
Criminal Appeals overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewPre-Trial Detention
How long the Public Prosecution and the court can hold someone before trial, how extensions work and how to challenge them.
Read the guideBail Application
Who decides on release, what forms bail can take, how it is paid, and what happens to the money if conditions are broken.
Read the guideSources
Source: official English text of the Criminal Procedures Law on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active, in force from 1 March 2023 and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.