When do you appeal a sentence only?
When you accept the finding of guilt but the penalty seems excessive, wrongly calculated or wrongly imposed.
The ground of appeal is different from a challenge to guilt.
What do we do?
We compare the sentence with the offence and the court's reasoning, identify the error and argue for a lower or different penalty.
We also look at ancillary orders such as deportation, which may be challenged separately.
What are the risks?
An appeal may reopen the whole judgment, so we assess the risk before filing.
We give you our honest view of whether to proceed.
What should I do first?
Read the sentence and orders
Include any fine or deportation order.
Calculate the deadline
Count from the judgment date.
Collect mitigation
Family, work and conduct evidence.
Decide with us
Weigh the benefit against the risk.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sentence be reduced on appeal?
Yes, it can be, depending on the case. We tell you how strong the grounds are.
Can I challenge deportation separately?
It may form part of the appeal. We review the order with you.
Related guides
Criminal Courts & Appeals overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCriminal Sentencing
How courts move from the penalty range to the actual sentence: stay of execution, extenuating and aggravating factors and recidivism.
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 guideDeportation
When a court must or may order deportation, how it differs between ordinary crimes and drug offences, and the exception for family of UAE citizens.
Read the guideSources
This page describes how we act in this type of case. It does not restate the law: the linked guides set out the statutory position and cite the official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, uaelegislation.gov.ae. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.