If you are convicted or sentenced, you may be able to appeal. Appeals are subject to strict time limits, so the first step is to find out the deadline immediately.
Where this fits: Appeal stage.
Can I appeal a criminal conviction?
Generally there are routes of appeal to a higher court, and later to the Court of Cassation on points of law.
Which routes are open depends on the judgment.
What are the time limits?
They are short and strict.
Exact deadlines depend on the type of judgment and must be confirmed against current law as soon as the judgment is issued.
What if the judgment was given in my absence?
There may be a way to challenge it, within time limits.
Act quickly and get advice before returning to or leaving the UAE.
What should I do first?
Get the judgment
A lawyer needs the full text to assess grounds.
Confirm the deadline the same day
Do not assume you have time.
Identify grounds
Errors in law, procedure or the assessment of evidence.
Decide strategy
Appeal, cassation or another remedy.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Topics in this area
Within criminal appeals we cover:
- Appeal a conviction
- Appeal time limits
- Cassation
- Judgment in absentia
Detailed guides
Appeal Time Limits
The deadlines for appealing a criminal judgment and for going to the Court of Cassation, and what changes if the judgment was given in your absence.
Read the guideAppeal a Conviction
How an appeal is filed, what happens if you are in prison, and how an appeal differs from cassation.
Read the guideCriminal Cassation
What cassation is, the grounds on which a final appeal judgment can be challenged and the deadline and formalities.
Read the guideJudgment in Absentia
What happens if you do not attend and a judgment is given in your absence, the deadlines to challenge it and the risks of staying away.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Does an appeal stop the sentence?
Not automatically in every case. Ask your lawyer what applies.
Can the prosecution appeal too?
Generally yes, the prosecution can also appeal certain judgments.
Is a second appeal possible?
Cassation is possible on legal grounds, within time limits.
Related guides
Criminal Courts
Hearings in the Court of First Instance, appeal and cassation, and how sentencing works.
Read the guideCriminal Case Process
What happens, in order, from the first investigation to the end of a criminal case.
Read the guideTravel Bans & Arrest Warrants
Checking and challenging travel bans and arrest warrants, and what happens to your passport.
Read the guide