How does a court decide the sentence?
Within the range set for the offence in the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), taking into account extenuating and aggravating circumstances. Article 213 of the Criminal Procedures Law says the court renders the sentence under the provisions of the law once the incident is proven and punishable.
The court can also change the legal characterisation of the incident in its judgment, with notice to the defendant and time to prepare (Article 215).
What reduces a penalty?
Article 97 lists extenuating excuses: the young age of the perpetrator, committing the crime for non-malicious motives, or because the victim unjustly and dangerously provoked them.
Where there is an extenuating excuse, a death penalty is reduced to life or temporary imprisonment or incarceration of not less than one year, life imprisonment to temporary imprisonment or incarceration of not less than six months, and temporary imprisonment to incarceration of not less than three months, unless the law says otherwise (Article 98).
What increases it?
Article 103 lists aggravating circumstances such as a vile motive, exploiting the victim's weakness or incapacity to resist, savage means or mutilation, and a public servant exploiting the authority of their position.
Recidivism also matters. A person is a recidivist after a final felony judgment who commits a new crime, or after a final judgment of six months or more who commits a misdemeanour within three years before the penalty expires (Article 107).
Can the sentence be suspended?
For a non-proportional fine or incarceration not exceeding one year, the court may stay execution if it believes, from the convict's ethics, past, age or the circumstances of the crime, that they will not commit a new crime (Article 84).
For certain misdemeanours, and for theft, fraud and breach of trust against a spouse, ascendant or descendant, the prosecution stays the penalty if the victim waives or reconciles.
What should I do first?
Prepare mitigation early
Age, motive, background, provocation, conduct since.
Gather character and employment evidence
Letters and records.
Ask about suspension
Article 84 if the penalty is within one year.
Check recidivism
Previous judgments affect the range.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a sentence be reduced for provocation?
Yes. Provocation by the victim is an extenuating excuse (Article 97), and Article 98 sets the reductions.
What is recidivism?
Committing a new crime after a final felony judgment or a six-month sentence (Article 107).
Can my prison sentence be suspended?
A stay of execution is possible for a fine or incarceration of up to one year (Article 84).
Can a plea bargain reduce my sentence?
Yes in some cases. See our plea bargain guide.
Related guides
Criminal Courts overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCriminal Penalties
The principal, accessory and complementary penalties in the Crimes and Penalties Law, and the ranges that apply unless a specific offence says otherwise.
Read the guidePlea Bargain
How the Public Prosecution can offer a reduced sentence in exchange for acceptance or confession, what the offer can contain and your right to a lawyer.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 7 September 2026. The Arabic text prevails over translations. 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.