Penalties for Civil Crimes in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a profound legal system with a blend of modern and traditional laws. As much as criminal cases are heard in the criminal courts, civil cases are also given much attention in the UAE Civil Courts. It is difficult for expats to understand the criminal and civil laws of UAE unless they hire legal services. Expats need to know the difference of criminal law and civil law in United Arab Emirates because some of them might not even know if they have committed a civil crime, bearing penalties in the UAE or not. Our Lawyers in Dubai, can provide the legal consultation and share the knowledge of UAE criminal law and UAE civil law.

A civil case in the UAE is related to contractual matters. These could be business disputes or even a family dispute. But that family disputes must be based on commercial aspects not domestic. Civil cases in UAE are fought between organizations and individuals. There are penalties to ensure justice for both parties, and depending on the case, the penalty is issued to the culprit. The following types of disputes come under the civil cases, as follows:

• Contract Disputes

Engaging in contract disputes lead to a civil case in the UAE. For example, if one of the parties has breached the contract, showing irresponsibility and an act of cheating, it will lead to a civil dispute. Civil lawyers in Dubai offers the litigation services to recover the unpaid money or objectives, as per the contract. Whether it should be normal civil case or quick execution, it provides both provisions but based on the contract. Our lawyers in Dubai can help you better about this.

• Property Disputes

A property dispute occurs when the landlord and tenant disagree on residency laws. To avoid disputes over real estate, the contract must clearly define the responsibilities and obligations of both parties: the tenant and the landlord. Rights of landlords and rights of tenants can be better explained by our real estate lawyers in Dubai, having expertise in UAE Civil Law.

• Employment Disputes

Many expats do not understand their employment rights, which sometimes leads to an employment dispute. Problems related to unfair dismissal, late salaries, and workers’ compensation are fought under employment disputes. But these employment disputes can’t be regular labour related disputes. These are the financial matters between employer and employee other than labour and employment subject. Sometimes civil cases are opened

• Debt Recovery

When you have a stack of unpaid invoices, it leads to debt, which is not good for your business financial cycle. However, a financial recovery lawyer can help you in getting back the maximum compensation they can. Such cases are civil cases or commercial cases.

• Tort Claims

These claims involve personal injury or property damage that is caused due to the misconduct of the other party. Such cases are straightaway civil cases.

To ensure justice in the UAE, there is a process to initiate a civil case. A complaint that is relevant to the civil case has to be registered in the civil court. For example, a civil dispute is filed only in the UAE civil courts. However, both parties are summoned to the court to examine the case. The court passes a judgment once the judge hears both parties. Both parties have to obey the court’s order.

The UAE has strict penalties for criminal cases, such as lifetime imprisonment or a death sentence. However, civil cases can be resolved through mediation or by compensating the other party for their loss. Civil cases bring financial recoveries and compensations. If you have a civil case in UAE, the following strategies can be applied:

• Monetary Compensation

When a civil dispute involves financial losses, the party at fault has to make monetary compensation. Usually, these cases are compensated for personal injury or property damages. Therefore, medical expenses and repair costs are paid as compensation to the affected party.

• Special Performance

In contractual disputes where monetary compensation is not enough, but the goods and services are irreplaceable, the court can order the defaulting party to ensure their obligations as per the contract.

• Refund

A case of misleading acts or fraud, where the defaulting party is ordered to return the property or the money to the rightful owner as it was before the dispute arose.

• Demands

The court orders restrictions on the party from performing certain actions in the dispute. The disputed party shall not create any harmful activities for the other party. This involves an act of infringement or damaging the intellectual property. However, they must follow mandatory injunctions such as repairing the damaged property or goods.

• Fines and Penalties

Some cases involve fines and penalties to avoid disputes in the future. When one of the parties fails to comply with the contractual terms and conditions, they can resolve the issue by paying a fine for the breach of contract.

• Liquidated Damages

These damages have already been decided in the contract. However, the court has to ensure that the defaulted party has paid for the liquidated damages.

The UAE civil courts ensure justice for everyone. Therefore, it has added some rules to determine the punishments as per the civil dispute:

• Fairness and Equity

The UAE courts ensure fairness to both parties, protecting the interests of the defendant and the aggrieved party.

• Proportionality

The punishments are determined based on the plaintiff’s loss. However, this ensures the protection of the defendant’s interests throughout the case.

• Legal Precedence

Previous legal decisions can be reviewed to influence the decision in the new case. However, this is not always necessary.

The execution of the judgment is a quick process, but it surely gets done in the right manner. The court orders the defendants’ assets to be seized if the execution amount is not paid.

The expats may face various challenges in the UAE courts:

• Language Barrier

Legal proceedings in the UAE are conducted in Arabic, the national language. However, expats will need translators in court to ensure they understand the case well.

• Cultural Differences

Legal complaints are treated differently in the UAE than in Europe or anywhere else in the world.

• Costs and Timelines

Though the UAE legal system is efficient, complicated cases can take time and resources.

If you are an expat in the UAE who is dealing with a civil dispute, then you must hire a legal consultant. There are a lot of things to understand when it comes to the legal framework of the UAE. Compared to other countries, the UAE’s legal system is a blend of international and Islamic laws that cater to a diverse population. You will need to understand your case type to hire a lawyer for your civil dispute. You can hire our lawyers/attorneys in Dubai. We are an award-winning Dubai Law Firm.

There are many lawyers in UAE working for huge businesses and high-profile individuals. But you have to find someone who understands your case and already has experience dealing with matters similar to your case. In this regard, you can get help from your social circle in the UAE, as they can refer you to a good lawyer. Sometimes, friends and family might not be helpful so that you can rely on the recommendations made by the bar associations. There are many more chances of getting excellent legal services through bar associations because they know the best lawyers in the UAE. For example Ask The Law, Al Shaiba Advocates and Legal Consultants, the top most and leading law firm in Dubai for the services in all over the UAE.

Lawyers must be professional and honest. Professional covers everything e.g. education, timetable, dedication, commitment, experience etc. Honesty is a precious human trait. You can find several professionals having good skills but they are not honest with the customers. Therefore we suggest finding a lawyer who is professional and experienced. Additional Information: Gambling laws in UAE.