Crimial Appeal Process in UAE

Deciphering Criminal Appeals in the UAE

December 1, 2025

The legal system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is generally considered fair to its people. Even the non-Muslims are protected under the criminal and civil laws. Therefore, individuals have the right to appeal in lawsuits. They can challenge the justice system with the help of professional lawyers in the UAE.

Understanding of Criminal Appeals in the UAE

The UAE ensures justice while developing new laws or amending existing ones. Other than this, specific laws are also implemented in the Emirates.

UAE Penal Code for Crimes

Under the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 on Criminal Procedures, the individual can appeal to the UAE criminal court in a systematic manner. They can file the case, appeal for it to get justice. However, without evidence, court appeals could not work. These appeals have restrictions with time; therefore, one must submit an appeal within 15 days of the verdict. The expansion of the timeframe for appeal would be difficult.

Process of Criminal Justice in the UAE

The process of appeal in courts is simplified within three courts: the court of first instance, the court of appeal, and the court of cassation. All three courts work to safeguard the rights of the individual. The court of instance listens to the witnesses, evaluates the evidence, and issues the judgment based on that evidence. If the defendant or the public prosecutor is dissatisfied with the court’s judgment, they can make an appeal to the court. The case is handled by a higher authority. Lastly, the court of cassation makes the verdict based on the laws, rather than looking at the evidence or facts.

File an Appeal in the UAE

Filing an appeal involves a systematic approach. Usually, it is conducted when the victim, defendant, or the public prosecutor is unsatisfied with the judgment of the court.

Defendant

They can challenge the court’s judgment or appeal to reduce the jail sentence.

Public Prosecutor

The public prosecutor may find the verdict lenient; therefore, they can appeal to the court for a strict punishment.

How Can You Appeal in a UAE Court: Procedures

In the legal system, appeals are considered a legal review of the case.

Evidence Evaluation Goes Wrong

There is a possibility of insufficient evidence. The case might seem weak to the prosecutor after evaluating the evidence. Realising the errors in the collection of proofs, the applied laws could be wrong, too. Therefore, the judgment will be reviewed by the Court of Appeal.

Appeal to Reduce Sentence

The defendants can seek legal assistance if the penalty is strict for them. The trusted and professional lawyers in Dubai can help individuals in if they see a violation of rights during interrogation or trial in the court.

After the appeal is filed, the case is reviewed, and the verdict is changed. It may reduce the sentence or increase the penalty.

Different Appeals for Misdemeanor and Felony Cases

Misdemeanor and felony cases are handled using different appeal procedures in the UAE. The lawyers in Dubai prove their friendly role by providing comprehensive assistance in these cases. They file appeals following the UAE laws defined by the government.

Misdemeanors and the Appeal

Misdemeanors come under minor criminal cases, such as defamation cases. The appeal for such cases is filed in the Court of Appeal for a penalty and judgment.

Felonies and the Appeal

Felonies are categorized under serious financial crimes, including fraud and homicide. These cases are very serious as per the UAE Penal Code; therefore, investigated thoroughly with additional reviews and stringent procedural rules.

Can an Expatriate Appeal in the UAE Court?

The foreigners can make an appeal in the UAE courts by seeking professional legal assistance.

Qualified Translators

The expatriate may have a language barrier, making them to understand Arabic with difficulty. The UAE courts give judgments in Arabic; therefore, foreigners will need qualified translators throughout their legal case.

Legal Services in UAE

The role of lawyers is significant in the process of appeals. They are capable of analyzing the trial record, making persuasive legal arguments, and seeing loopholes in the case to win it. Additionally, the legal counsellor will also ensure that the appeal is filed timely manner and that sufficient evidence is presented in court.

Protection through Appeals in the UAE

There are risks involved in making appeals, but that does not mean that one should let go of their right. As a defendant, they should at least they should give another try to their case and may have justice.

What are Risks Involved in Appeals

The appeals in the UAE courts might go wrong for some individuals. The prison sentence could be increased more than it was earlier. Therefore, always hire legal services to evaluate the case before filing the appeal.

Learn About Digital Access to Appeals in the UAE

Nowadays, making appeals in the UAE is easy with digital tools. The individuals can get access to the legal system by filing for appeals through online portals. The process is simple for people to record their complaints digitally. Digital portals have bridged the gaps between individuals and lawyers in the UAE.

Dubai Law Firm Role in Handling Appeal

Dubai law firms have professional lawyers who help residents and other individuals in filing appeals within the given timeline. They also help their clients in providing guidance through the complex legal system and the procedures to be carried out. Their help and support help to smoothly follow up on the procedure and prepare documentation with proper evidence and proof.

So, if you are dealing with any such issue, the best option is to hire Dubai lawyers who can professionally represent you in the “Court of First Instance”, “the Court of Appeal”, and “the Court of Cassation”.

FAQs

In most cases of appeals, individuals can file appeals within 15 days of the first judgment.

It is true that if the prosecutor reviews the appeal, they might increase the sentence. They might see leniency in your sentence and impose a strict punishment.

One must always hire a lawyer in the UAE for legal cases. A qualified lawyer would have a better idea about how to deal with the cases of appeals. They will review the case and evaluate the case to have a strong argument in your defense.

You can only submit the evidence if that is relevant to the case. However, the timeline of the evidence also matters, especially if it was not present during the first trial for a reason.

You can be bailed out in some cases by your lawyers. But, there are cases when the individuals may have to spend the waiting time in jail, if the criminal offense is serious and involves risk factors.