The public prosecution reviews the police file, investigates further and decides whether to charge you, keep you in detention, release you, or refer the case to court.
Where this fits: Prosecution stage.
What does the public prosecution do?
It questions the accused and witnesses, reviews evidence, orders further steps and decides the direction of the case.
It is the stage where much of the file is built.
What happens at a prosecution interview?
You are asked about the allegation and the evidence.
Your answers are recorded. This is a key moment, and preparation with a lawyer matters.
How does the prosecution decide on detention or release?
It considers the allegation, the evidence, flight risk and the stage of the investigation.
Bail and conditions may be possible depending on the case.
What should I do first?
Confirm what you are summoned for
Ask the lawyer to review the summons and any file access available.
Prepare for questioning
Know the documents and dates you will be asked about.
Ask about bail early
If detention is possible, raise release and conditions at once.
Follow every instruction exactly
Missing a summons can lead to warrants or travel bans.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Topics in this area
Within public prosecution we cover:
- Prosecution investigation
- Summons
- Bail and detention
- Court referral
Detailed guides
Prosecution Investigation
How the Public Prosecution questions the accused, records the investigation and decides the next step.
Read the guideProsecution Summons
What a notice to appear from the Public Prosecution must contain, what happens if you ignore it, and the link to arrest warrants and travel bans.
Read the guideCourt Referral
How and when the Public Prosecution refers a case to court, what the referral decision contains and what happens to detention.
Read the guideCheck a Prosecution Case
The official Dubai Public Prosecution services for enquiring about a case, tracking a request and obtaining case papers, and what a lawyer can add.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Can I have a lawyer at the prosecution interview?
Yes, you can ask to be accompanied by a lawyer. Arrange this before the interview if possible.
What does referral to court mean?
The prosecution has decided there is enough to put the case before a criminal court for trial.
Can the prosecution close a case?
Yes. If it decides there is insufficient basis, it can close the case at this stage.
Related guides
Bail
Applying for release, what conditions apply and what to do if bail is refused.
Read the guideArrest & Detention
What happens after an arrest, your rights, pre-trial detention and release.
Read the guideCriminal Courts
Hearings in the Court of First Instance, appeal and cassation, and how sentencing works.
Read the guide