What is a plea bargain in the UAE?
For misdemeanours, the Public Prosecution may propose a final out-of-court settlement by accepting listed penalties, enforced after the competent criminal judge approves the report (Article 360 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)). For felonies, it may offer, in the presence of the defendant's attorney, to request a reduced sentence in exchange for a detailed confession (Article 368).
The offer for felonies can come on the prosecution's own initiative or at the defendant's request.
What can the offer contain?
For misdemeanours: a fine not exceeding half the legal maximum, waiver of objects used in the offence, suspension or revocation of a licence for up to six months, closure for up to six months, community service, denial of access to certain places for up to one year, restriction on communication means for up to six months, or provisional compensation to the victim (Article 362). A fine and community service cannot be imposed together.
For felonies punishable by a determinate prison sentence, the proposal is a prison sentence of no less than three months and no more than three years, with possible additional penalties from Article 362 (Articles 369 and 370).
Which offences are excluded?
Article 361 excludes Qisas and Diyya offences, national security offences, juvenile delinquent offences, offences for which reduced sentences are not allowed, offences dealt with by criminal order, and offences inseparably linked to excluded ones.
Felonies are limited to those punishable by a determinate prison sentence and inseparably linked misdemeanours (Article 369).
What are my protections?
Your attorney must be present. In felony plea bargaining their presence is mandatory, and if you cannot afford one the Public Prosecution appoints one at State expense (Article 376). You and your attorney can review the case papers (Article 376(2)).
For misdemeanours, you have five business days to accept or decline, and not answering counts as rejection (Article 363). An accepted misdemeanour bargain is not treated as a criminal conviction entailing rehabilitation (Article 367), and once the court approves it you cannot retract or challenge it (Article 365).
What should I do first?
Ask for the offer in writing
With the charge and the articles.
Note the five-business-day deadline
For misdemeanours.
Review the case papers first
You are entitled to (Article 376).
Do not confess without your attorney
It is mandatory in felony bargains.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for a plea bargain?
Yes in felonies it is mandatory, and the prosecution appoints one if you cannot afford one (Article 376).
How long do I have to answer?
Five business days for a misdemeanour offer (Article 363).
Is a plea bargain a conviction?
A misdemeanour bargain is not a criminal conviction entailing rehabilitation (Article 367).
Can I change my mind afterwards?
Not once the court approves a misdemeanour bargain (Article 365(2)).
Related guides
Criminal Case Process overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCriminal Conciliation
Which offences can be settled by conciliation, how it works at any stage and what it does to the case.
Read the guideCriminal Sentencing
How courts move from the penalty range to the actual sentence: stay of execution, extenuating and aggravating factors and recidivism.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.