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Criminal Trial Defence

Preparing and presenting your defence before the criminal court.

Last updated 15 October 2026. Statutes checked against the official text.

Dr Alaa Al Houshy
Speak to a lawyerDr Alaa Al HoushyCriminal defence, AK Criminal Lawyers

When does the trial stage begin?

When the public prosecution refers the case to the competent court and a hearing date is set.

From then, the court examines the charge, the evidence and your defence.

What does trial defence involve?

We study the file, prepare the defence memorandum, request evidence or witnesses and appear at each hearing.

We challenge the evidence that does not meet the standard and present what supports your position.

What should you expect?

Several hearings, a decision, and the possibility of appeal.

We explain each step beforehand so that none comes as a surprise.

What should I do first?

  1. Obtain the referral and hearing date

    We confirm the court and the charge.

  2. Review the file with us

    Statements, reports and exhibits.

  3. Name your witnesses

    People who can speak to the facts.

  4. Attend every hearing

    Absence can lead to a decision in your absence.

Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.

Frequently asked questions

Can I appear without a lawyer?

You may, but trial defence is a specialist task. We advise having a lawyer with rights of audience.

Is a decision final?

Not always. Appeal and cassation may be available within the time limits. We cover those routes separately.

Related guides

Sources

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.

If you or someone close to you is under investigation, speak to us early.

Call or message us at any hour. Tell us what has happened and where the case is. We will explain the next step.