The United Arab Emirates has established a comprehensive penal code that serves as the foundation for its criminal law. This legal framework plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the country while reflecting the cultural values and traditions of the UAE society. An understanding of the UAE’s penal code is essential for residents, visitors, and businesses operating in the nation to ensure compliance and avoid legal consequences. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the criminal law of the UAE, exploring the key aspects and provisions outlined in the penal code.

What is The Main Criminal Law Governing The UAE?

The UAE Penal Code, officially known as the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on Issuance of the Penal Code, recently updated in 2022 with Federal Law No. 31 of 2021, is based on a combination of Sharia (Islamic law) principles and contemporary legal practices. In addition to Islamic principles, the criminal process in Dubai draws regulation from the Criminal Procedures Law No 35 of 1991. This law directs the filing of criminal complaints, criminal investigations, trial processes, judgments, and appeals.

Helstu leikmenn sem taka þátt í glæpaferli Sameinuðu arabísku furstadæmanna eru fórnarlambið/kvartandi, ákærði/sakborningur, lögregla, ríkissaksóknari og dómstólar. Sakamál hefjast venjulega þegar fórnarlambið leggur fram kæru á hendur sakborningi á lögreglustöð á staðnum. Lögreglu ber skylda til að rannsaka meint brot en ríkissaksóknari ákærir ákærða fyrir dómstólum.

Dómskerfið í UAE inniheldur þrjá aðaldómstóla:

Dómstóllinn í fyrsta lagi: Þegar nýlögð er, koma öll sakamál fyrir þennan dómstól. Dómstóllinn samanstendur af einum dómara sem fer með málið og kveður upp dóm. Þrír dómarar taka hins vegar fyrir og ákveða málið í réttarhöldunum um glæpi (sem hefur þung viðurlög). Það er engin heimild fyrir dómnefnd á þessu stigi.
Áfrýjunardómstóll: Eftir að dómstóll fyrsta dómstóls hefur kveðið upp dóm sinn getur hvor aðili áfrýjað til áfrýjunardómstólsins. Athugið að þessi dómstóll fjallar ekki um málið að nýju. Það þarf aðeins að skera úr um hvort um mistök hafi verið að ræða í dómi undirréttar.
Dómstóll: Hver sá sem er óánægður með dóm áfrýjunardómstólsins getur áfrýjað frekar til gjaldeyrisdómstólsins. Niðurstaða þessa dóms er endanleg.

Ef þú ert fundinn sekur um glæp, að skilja Sakamálaáfrýjunarferli í UAE er ómissandi. Reyndur sakamálalögfræðingur getur hjálpað til við að finna ástæður fyrir áfrýjun dómsins eða dómsins.

What are the key principles and provisions of the UAE’s Penal Code?

The UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987) is based on a combination of Sharia (Islamic law) principles and contemporary legal concepts. It aims to maintain law and order while preserving the cultural and religious values of the UAE society, as per the general principles outlined in Article 1.

Principles Derived from Sharia Law

Prohibitions on activities like gambling, alcohol consumption, illicit sexual relations
Hudud crimes like theft and adultery have Sharia-prescribed punishments e.g. amputation, stoning
Retributive “eye for an eye” justice for crimes like murder and bodily harm

Contemporary Legal Principles

Codification and standardization of laws across emirates
Clearly defined crimes, penalties, statutory limitations
Due process, presumption of innocence, right to counsel

Helstu ákvæði

Crimes against state security – treason, terrorism, etc.
Crimes against individuals – murder, assault, defamation, honor crimes
Financial crimes – fraud, breach of trust, counterfeiting, money laundering
Cybercrimes – hacking, online fraud, illegal content
Public safety, moral crimes, prohibited activities

The Penal Code blends Sharia and contemporary principles, though some provisions face human rights criticism. Consulting local legal experts is recommended.

Criminal Law vs Criminal Procedure Law in the UAE

Criminal Law defines the substantive rules that establish what constitutes a crime and prescribe the punishment or penalty to be imposed for proven offenses. It is covered under the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987).

Helstu þættir:

Categories and classifications of crimes
Elements that must be proven for an act to qualify as a crime
The punishment or sentence corresponding to each crime

For example, the Penal Code defines murder as a criminal offense and specifies the punishment for someone convicted of murder.

Criminal Procedure Law, on the other hand, establishes the procedural rules and processes for enforcing the substantive criminal laws. It is outlined in the UAE Criminal Procedure Law (Federal Law No. 35 of 1992).

Helstu þættir:

Powers and limitations of law enforcement in investigations
Procedures for arrest, detention, and charging an accused
Rights and protections afforded to the accused
Conducting trials and court proceedings
The appeals process after a judgment

For instance, it lays down rules for collecting evidence, the process of charging someone, conducting a fair trial, and the appeals mechanism.

While criminal law defines what a crime is, criminal procedure law ensures those substantive laws are implemented properly through an established judicial process, from investigation to prosecution and trials.

The former outlines legal consequences, the latter enables enforcement of those laws.

Flokkun afbrota og glæpa í refsilögum UAE

Áður en kæra er lögð fram er mikilvægt að kynna sér tegundir brota og glæpa samkvæmt lögum UAE. Það eru þrjár megingerðir brota og viðurlög þeirra:

Brot (brot): Þetta er minnst harkalegur flokkur eða minniháttar brot af UAE-brotum. Þau fela í sér hvers kyns athöfn eða athafnaleysi sem kallar á refsingu eða refsingu sem nemur ekki meira en 10 daga fangelsi eða hámarkssekt upp á 1,000 dirham.
Misvísanir: A misdemeanor is punishable with confinement, a fine of 1,000 to 10,000 dirhams at most, or deportation. The offence or penalty may also attract Diyyat, íslamsk greiðslu á „blóðpeningum“.
Afbrot: Þetta eru hörðustu glæpir samkvæmt lögum Sameinuðu arabísku furstadæmanna, og þeim er refsað með lífstíðarfangelsi, dauða eða Diyyat.

How Are Criminal Laws Enforced in The UAE?

Criminal laws in the UAE are enforced through the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, the public prosecution, and the judicial system, as outlined in the UAE Criminal Procedure Law. The process typically begins with an investigation conducted by police authorities upon receiving information about a potential crime. They have the power to summon individuals, collect evidence, make arrests, and refer cases to the public prosecution.

The public prosecution then reviews the evidence and decides whether to press formal charges or dismiss the case. If charges are filed, the case proceeds to trial in the relevant court – the Court of First Instance for felonies and misdemeanors, and the Court of Misdemeanors for lesser offenses. Trials are overseen by judges who evaluate the evidence and testimonies presented by the prosecution and defense.

After the court issues a judgment, both the convicted person and the prosecution reserve the right to appeal to higher courts like the Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation. The enforcement of final verdicts and sentences is carried out through the police, public prosecution, and the prison system in the UAE.

What is The Process For Reporting A Crime in The UAE?

When a crime occurs in the UAE, the first step is to file a complaint with the police at the nearest station, preferably close to where the incident took place. This can be done either orally or in writing, but the complaint must clearly detail the events that constitute the alleged criminal offense.

The police will have the complainant provide their statement, which is recorded in Arabic and must be signed. Additionally, UAE law allows complainants to call witnesses who can corroborate their account and lend credibility to the allegations. Having witnesses provide supplementary context can greatly aid the subsequent criminal investigation.

Once a complaint is filed, the relevant authorities commence an investigation to verify the claims and attempt to identify and locate potential suspects. Depending on the nature of the crime, this could involve legal officers from the police, immigration officials, coast guards, municipality inspectors, border patrol, and other law enforcement agencies.

A key part of the investigation is interrogating any identified suspects and taking their statements. The suspects also have the right to present their own witnesses to support their version of events. Authorities collect and analyze all available evidence such as documents, photos/videos, forensics, and witness testimony.

If the investigation finds sufficient evidence of a criminal act, the public prosecutor then decides whether to press formal charges. If charges are filed, the case proceeds to the UAE courts as per the Criminal Procedure Law.

At this stage, those looking to pursue a criminal case against another party should take certain steps in addition to the police complaint:

Obtain a medical report documenting any injuries
Gather other evidence like insurance records and witness statements
Consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer

If the prosecutor moves forward with charges, the complainant may need to file a civil lawsuit to have the criminal case heard in court.

Hvaða tegundir glæpa er hægt að tilkynna?

Eftirfarandi glæpi má tilkynna til lögreglunnar í UAE:

Murder
Homicide
Nauðgun
Kynferðislegt árás
Innbrot
þjófnaður
Myrkvi
Umferðartengd mál
Fölsun
Fölsun
Fíkniefnabrot
Sérhver annar glæpur eða athöfn sem brýtur í bága við lög

Fyrir atvik tengd öryggi eða áreitni er hægt að ná í lögregluna beint í gegnum Aman þjónustuna í síma 8002626 eða með SMS í 8002828. Auk þess geta einstaklingar tilkynnt um glæpi á netinu í gegnum Vefsíða lögreglunnar í Abu Dhabi eða í hvaða útibúi sem er af rannsóknardeild lögreglunnar (CID) í Dubai.

What Are The Procedures For Criminal Investigations And Trials in The UAE?

Criminal investigations in the UAE are governed by the Criminal Procedure Law and overseen by the public prosecution. When a crime is reported, the police and other law enforcement agencies conduct an initial investigation to gather evidence. This can involve:

Questioning suspects, victims, and witnesses
Collecting physical evidence, documents, recordings etc.
Conducting searches, seizures, and forensic analysis
Working with experts and consultants as needed

The findings are presented to the public prosecution, who reviews the evidence and decides whether to press charges or dismiss the case. The Public Prosecutor will invite and separately interview the complainant and suspect to ascertain their stories. At this stage, either party may produce witnesses to verify their account and help the Public Prosecutor determine if a charge is necessary. Statements at this stage are also made or translated into Arabic and signed by both parties. If charges are filed, the prosecution prepares the case for trial.

Criminal trials in the UAE take place in the courts under the purview of judges. The process typically involves:

The charges being read out by the prosecution
The defendant entering a plea of guilty or not guilty
The prosecution and defense presenting their evidence and arguments
Examination of witnesses from both sides
Closing statements from prosecution and defense

The judge(s) then deliberate in private and issue a reasoned judgment – acquitting the defendant if not convinced of guilt beyond reasonable doubt or issuing a conviction and sentence if they find the defendant guilty based on the evidence.

Both the convicted person and prosecution have the right to appeal to higher courts against the judgment or sentence. The appeals courts review the case records and may uphold or overturn the lower court’s decision.

Throughout the process, certain rights such as presumption of innocence, access to legal counsel, and standards of evidence and proof must be upheld as per UAE law. Criminal courts handle cases ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes like financial fraud, cybercrimes, and violence.

Er hægt að reka sakamál ef ekki er hægt að finna gerandann?

Já, það er hægt að reka sakamál í sumum tilfellum, jafnvel þótt ekki sé hægt að finna geranda. Segjum sem svo að fórnarlambið hafi safnað sönnunargögnum sem skjalfesta hvernig það slasaðist og geti veitt skýr skjöl um hvenær og hvar atvikið átti sér stað. Í því tilviki verður hægt að reka sakamál.

What Are The Legal Rights Of Victims Under UAE’s Criminal Law?

The UAE takes measures to protect and uphold the rights of crime victims during the legal process. Key rights afforded to victims under the UAE Criminal Procedure Law and other regulations include:

Right to File a Criminal Complaint Victims have the right to report crimes and initiate legal proceedings against perpetrators
Rights During Investigation

Right to have complaints promptly and thoroughly investigated
Right to provide evidence and witness testimony
Right to participate in certain investigative measures

Rights During Trial

Right to access legal counsel and representation
Right to attend court hearings unless excluded for reasons
Right to review/comment on evidence submitted

Right to Seek Damages/Compensation

Right to claim compensation from perpetrators for damages, injuries, medical expenses and other quantifiable losses
Victims can also seek reimbursement for travel and other expenses but not for wages/income lost due to time spent attending court proceedings

Rights Related to Privacy, Safety and Support

Right to have identities protected and kept confidential if required
Right to protection measures for victims of crimes like human trafficking, violence etc.
Access to victim support services, shelters, counseling and financial aid funds

The UAE has established mechanisms for victims to claim damages and compensation through civil lawsuits against perpetrators. Additionally, victims have the right to legal assistance and can appoint lawyers or have legal aid assigned. Support entities also provide free advice and counsel.

Overall, UAE laws aim to safeguard victims’ rights to privacy, prevent re-victimization, ensure safety, enable compensation claims, and provide rehabilitation services during the criminal justice process.

Hvert er hlutverk verjenda í sakamálum?

Verjandi ber ábyrgð á að verja brotamanninn fyrir dómi. Þeir geta mótmælt sönnunargögnum sem saksóknari hefur lagt fram og haldið því fram að sleppa beri brotamanni eða dæma refsingu.

Hér eru nokkrar af þeim skyldum sem sakamálalögmaður gegnir í sakamálum:

Verjandi getur talað fyrir hönd brotamanns í dómsfundum.
Ef málið endar með sakfellingu mun lögmaðurinn vinna með sakborningi að því að ákveða viðeigandi refsingu og leggja fram mildandi aðstæður til að draga úr refsingu.
Þegar samið er um mál við ákæruvaldið getur verjandi lagt fram tilmæli um refsingu.
Verjandi ber ábyrgð á að koma fram fyrir hönd stefnda við dómsuppkvaðningu.

Hvert er hlutverk réttarfræðilegra sönnunargagna í sakamálum?

Réttar sönnunargögn eru oft notuð í sakamálum til að staðfesta staðreyndir atviks. Þetta getur falið í sér DNA sönnunargögn, fingraför, ballistic sönnunargögn og aðrar tegundir vísindalegra sönnunargagna.

Hvert er hlutverk lögreglunnar í sakamálum?

Þegar kæra er tilkynnt mun lögregla vísa henni til hlutaðeigandi deilda (réttarlækningadeild, rafeindadeild o.fl.) til skoðunar.

Lögreglan mun síðan vísa kærunni til ríkissaksóknara þar sem saksóknari verður falið að fara yfir hana samkvæmt hegningarlögum Sameinuðu arabísku furstadæmanna.

Lögreglan mun einnig rannsaka kæruna og afla sönnunargagna málinu til stuðnings. Þeir geta einnig handtekið og kyrrsett hinn brotlega.

Hvert er hlutverk saksóknara í sakamálum?

Þegar kæru er vísað til ríkissaksóknara er saksóknari falið að fara yfir hana. Þá mun saksóknari ákveða hvort ákært verði í málinu eða ekki. Þeir geta einnig valið að fella málið niður ef ekki eru nægar sannanir til að styðja það.

Saksóknari mun einnig vinna með lögreglunni að rannsókn á kærunni og afla sönnunargagna. Þeir geta einnig handtekið og kyrrsett hinn brotlega.

Hvert er hlutverk lögmanns fórnarlambsins í sakamálum?

Í sumum tilvikum getur brotamaður verið sakfelldur og dæmdur til að greiða fórnarlambinu bætur. Lögmaður fórnarlambsins mun vinna með dómstólnum við refsingu eða síðar að því að safna sönnunargögnum til að ákvarða hvort brotamaðurinn hafi fjárhagslega getu til að bæta fórnarlambinu skaðabætur.

Lögmaður fórnarlambsins getur einnig komið fram fyrir hönd þeirra í einkamálum gegn brotamönnum.

Ef þú hefur verið sakaður um að fremja glæp er nauðsynlegt að leita til sakamálalögfræðings. Þeir munu geta ráðlagt þér um réttindi þín og komið fram fyrir hönd þín fyrir dómstólum.

How Does The UAE’s Criminal law Handle Cases Involving Foreigners Or Visitors?

The United Arab Emirates enforces its comprehensive legal system equally on citizens and non-citizens for any criminal offenses committed within its borders. Foreign nationals, expatriate residents, and visitors are all subject to the UAE’s criminal laws and judicial processes without exception.

If accused of a crime in the UAE, foreigners will go through arrest, charges, and prosecution via the local courts where the alleged offense occurred. Proceedings are in Arabic, with translation provided if needed. The same standards of evidence, legal representation provisions, and sentencing guidelines apply regardless of one’s nationality or residency status.

It’s crucial for foreigners to understand that actions acceptable elsewhere may constitute crimes in the UAE due to differences in laws and cultural norms. Ignorance of the law does not excuse criminal behavior.

Embassies may offer consular assistance, but the UAE maintains full authority over prosecution of foreign defendants. Respecting local laws is a must for visitors and residents alike.

Moreover, foreigners should note that they may face detention during investigations, with pre-trial procedures and rights to understand. Court cases can also experience lengthy delays impacting one’s stay. Uniquely, double jeopardy principles from other nations may not apply – the UAE could retry someone for an offense they faced prosecution for elsewhere previously.

Hvað ef fórnarlambið er í öðru landi?

Ef fórnarlambið er ekki staðsett í Sameinuðu arabísku furstadæmunum gæti það samt lagt fram sönnunargögn til að styðja sakamál. Þetta er hægt að gera með því að nota myndbandsfundi, framlagningu á netinu og öðrum aðferðum til að safna sönnunargögnum.

How Can One Check The Status Of A Criminal Case Or Police Complaint in The UAE?

The method for tracking the progress of a criminal matter or police complaint filed in the United Arab Emirates varies based on the emirate where the case originated. The two most populous emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have distinct approaches.

Dubai

In Dubai, residents can utilize an online portal created by the Dubai Police force that allows case status checks by simply entering the reference number. However, if this digital service is inaccessible, alternative contact options like:

The police call center
Tölvupóstur
Website/app live chat

Abu Dhabi

On the other hand, Abu Dhabi takes a different route by offering a dedicated case tracking service through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s website. To use this, one must first register for an account using their Emirates ID number and date of birth before gaining access to view case details online.

Almennar ráð

No matter which emirate is involved, retaining the specific case reference number is vital for any online inquiry about its status and progress.

If the digital options are unavailable or experiencing technical difficulties, directly contacting either the original police station where the complaint was filed or the judicial authorities overseeing the case can provide the necessary updates.

It’s important to note that while these online tracking services aim to increase transparency, they are still evolving systems that may encounter limitations periodically. Traditional channels of communication with law enforcement and the courts remain reliable alternatives.

How Does the UAE’s Criminal Law Handle Arbitration or Alternative Dispute Resolution?

The UAE criminal law system primarily deals with prosecution of criminal offenses through the court system. However, it does allow for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods in certain cases before formal charges are brought.

For minor criminal complaints, police authorities may first attempt to resolve the matter through mediation between the parties involved. If a settlement is reached, the case can be closed without proceeding to trial. This is commonly used for issues like bounced cheques, minor assaults, or other misdemeanors.

Binding arbitration is also recognized for certain civil matters that have criminal implications, such as labor disputes or commercial conflicts. An appointed arbitration panel can render a decision that is legally enforceable. But for more serious criminal allegations, the case will go through the standard prosecution channels in the UAE courts.

Why Do You Need A Local Specialized And Experienced Criminal Lawyer

Facing criminal charges in the United Arab Emirates demands specialist legal expertise that only a local, seasoned criminal lawyer can provide. The UAE’s unique legal system, blending civil and Sharia laws, requires in-depth knowledge that comes from years of experience working within its judicial processes. A lawyer based in the Emirates understands the nuances that international practitioners may overlook.

More than just comprehending the laws, a local criminal lawyer serves as an invaluable guide for navigating the UAE’s courts. They are well-versed in the protocols, procedures and dynamics of the justice system. Their linguistic proficiency in Arabic ensures accurate translation of documents and clear communication during hearings. Aspects like these can be critical advantages.

Additionally, UAE lawyers with established careers often possess connections, reputation and a deep cultural understanding – assets that can benefit a client’s case strategy. They grasp how the society’s customs and values interplay with the laws. This context informs how they construct legal defenses and negotiate for favorable resolutions with authorities.

From managing different criminal charges to handling evidence properly, a specialized local criminal lawyer has honed tactics specific to the UAE Courts. Their strategic representation draws from direct experience uniquely relevant to your situation. While all legal counsel is important when accused, having an advocate deeply ensconced in UAE criminal law can make a pivotal difference.

Hvort sem þú hefur verið rannsakaður, handtekinn eða ákærður fyrir refsiverðan verknað í Sameinuðu arabísku furstadæmunum, þá er nauðsynlegt að hafa lögfræðing sem skilur lög landsins. Löglegur þinn samráði við okkur mun hjálpa okkur að skilja aðstæður þínar og áhyggjur. Hafðu samband til að skipuleggja fund. Hringdu í okkur núna til að fá Brýn skipun og fundur í +971506531334 +971558018669