Contacted by the police or Public Prosecution? Speak to a lawyer before your next step — including before any interview or statement.
Confidential legal advice from a Dubai criminal law firm and criminal defense lawyers: police questioning, Public Prosecution, court defence and appeals.
Tell us what is happening in your own words. We will explain where you stand and what the sensible next step is.
The steps taken in the earliest stage of a criminal matter can shape everything that follows. If you, a member of your family or your business has been contacted by Dubai Police or by Public Prosecution, speak to a criminal lawyer in Dubai before your next step, including before any interview or statement.
A criminal allegation is rarely only a legal question. It can affect personal freedom, reputation, a career, a visa and financial interests, often all at once. MBM begins by understanding the full picture before advising on a single next step.
Many people who search "legal advice criminal law" have not yet been charged with anything. They have received a call, a message or a complaint and they want to know where they stand. That is exactly what a first consultation is for. At MBM it is free and confidential, and you do not need to have gathered documents before you call.
You leave the consultation with a clear picture of the options and the sensible next step, not a promise about the result. No responsible firm can promise the outcome of a criminal matter, and MBM does not. If you decide to instruct us, we confirm the scope and the fee in writing before any paid work starts.
People often search "criminal defense lawyer Dubai" before they know whether they need one. If a complaint has been filed, a summons served or someone has been detained, the answer is yes: speak to a lawyer before you do anything else. If nothing has happened yet but you are worried about what could, a free confidential conversation will tell you whether you need one. A criminal law firm such as MBM can also advise on what to do, and what not to do, while you decide.
If an interview is scheduled or a summons has been served, call us rather than waiting for a reply to a form. You can also send a message and your documents by WhatsApp. If you are not sure whether your situation needs a criminal lawyer, ask. It costs nothing to find out.
Not sure whether you need a criminal lawyer? Ask us in confidence. Your first consultation is free.
Criminal allegations take many forms, and each needs a careful assessment of the facts, the evidence, the jurisdiction and the stage the case has reached: a police enquiry, Public Prosecution, or the criminal courts. MBM advises on the matters below. Where a more specific page exists, we link to it.
Bank, investment, insurance, commercial and accounting fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust and money laundering, including financial investigations. See fraud and financial crime. First we check: the documents behind the allegation, who made the complaint and whether a freeze or travel restriction is in play. Talk to us about a financial crime allegation
Online fraud, unauthorised access, electronic extortion and blackmail, digital threats and harassment, and technology-related investigations. See cybercrime. First we check: which platform or account is involved, what evidence exists and whether anything has been reported. Talk to us about an online offence
Corporate criminal liability, director and executive investigations, employee misconduct and compliance-related criminal matters, including internal reviews. First we check: your role in the company, who is under investigation and what internal records exist. Talk to us about a corporate investigation
Assault, serious assault, criminal threats, injury-related offences and public violence, from the police interview to the criminal court. First we check: the account of what happened, any injuries or witnesses and the stage reached. Talk to us about an assault allegation
Legal representation for possession, use, trafficking, distribution and import or export allegations, focused strictly on your rights and defence. See drug cases. First we check: what was found or alleged, where, and whether any test or statement has already been taken. Talk to us about a drug allegation
Theft, attempted theft, robbery, burglary, stolen property and criminal damage, for individuals and businesses. First we check: the items or amounts involved, who alleges what and any recorded statements. Talk to us about a property allegation
Forgery of signatures and commercial documents, use of forged documents and electronic document issues, including cheques and contracts. First we check: the documents in question, who signed what and when. Talk to us about a forgery allegation
Strict confidentiality, respect for due process and a strategic, professional approach to allegations in Dubai and across the UAE. First we check: the stage reached, what has been said so far and how to protect your position and your privacy. Talk to us about a sensitive allegation
Blackmail, extortion, criminal intimidation and reputation-related threats, including threats made online or by message. First we check: the messages or threats, the platform used and what has been kept as evidence. Talk to us about a blackmail or extortion threat
Defamation and reputation-related criminal complaints, coordinated where relevant with MBM's civil litigation team. See defamation and online insults. First we check: the statement, where it was published and whether a complaint has been filed. Talk to us about a defamation complaint
Dangerous or reckless driving, accident and injury-related cases and driving under the influence, where the exposure is criminal and not only administrative. First we check: the incident report, any injury and whether a claim has been made. Talk to us about a serious traffic offence
Domestic and family-related criminal complaints, approached with neutral language and without assumptions about guilt. First we check: who filed the complaint, the history and any protective steps. Talk to us about a family-related complaint
Representation of minors during investigations and proceedings, with a sensitive and protective approach, for families in Dubai. First we check: the minor's age, the allegation and who is currently caring for them. Talk to us about a juvenile matter
International investigations, foreign nationals and extradition-related issues, subject to the applicable laws and procedures. First we check: which countries are involved, any notice or request and the person's travel position. Talk to us about a cross-border matter
Investigations connected to a company and the exposure they can create for directors, executives, shareholders and the business. First we check: the company's structure, who is named and what regulators or police have asked for. Talk to us about corporate criminal exposure
Assessing the grounds for an appeal and representing clients in appellate proceedings. MBM does not promise that a judgment will be reversed. See criminal appeals. First we check: the judgment, the date it was issued and the grounds that may be open. Talk to us about an appeal
Advice on notices and their effect on travel, banking and business, and on the options for seeking review. See travel ban, bail and Interpol. First we check: the notice or source of your information, your travel plans and any pending case abroad. Talk to us about an Interpol notice
Whether recent reforms that reclassified or reduced the penalties for certain conduct may be relevant to an existing complaint or investigation. First we check: the complaint or case number, the law relied on and the stage reached. Talk to us about a recent-reform question
The immigration consequences of a criminal matter for non-nationals and representation in connection with deportation orders. First we check: your residence status, the order or notice and any family or work ties. Talk to us about a deportation matter
Criminal matters in the UAE generally move through a defined path. Knowing each stage helps you understand what to expect and when to act. The details depend on the offence and on the authority handling it, so treat this as a map, not a prediction.
Initial enquiries, evidence gathering and early legal advice, often before any formal complaint is filed. Acting at this stage can shape the options available later.
Statements, interviews and procedural steps before Dubai Police or the relevant police authority. Legal advice before an interview can clarify your rights and obligations.
Referral to Public Prosecution, further questioning and a decision on whether the matter goes to court. This stage is often decisive.
Proceedings and hearings before the Court of First Instance. The case is prepared and presented on the evidence and the applicable UAE law.
The court issues its judgment on the evidence and arguments presented, setting out its findings and any penalty.
Where grounds exist, assessing and pursuing an appeal before the Court of Appeal, generally within strict time limits that run from the judgment.
Settlement and withdrawal. In some categories of offence a complaint may be capable of withdrawal or settlement between the parties, depending on the law and the stage the matter has reached. Whether that is relevant in your case is a question for your first consultation.
Criminal law needs more than general legal advice. Every matter starts with a careful review of the facts, the evidence and where the case stands, so that the strategy reflects the case in front of us and not a template.
Before any advice is given, we review the allegation, the documents and the procedural position. That review tells you what the realistic options are and which one to take first.
Our work is built around the way Dubai Police, Public Prosecution and the criminal courts actually deal with cases, from the first call-up to the judgment and any appeal.
Criminal matters are sensitive. Confidentiality applies from the first phone call, not from the engagement letter.
MBM handles litigation and arbitration as one team, which matters when a criminal case has a civil or commercial side. Some incidents create criminal exposure and a separate civil claim for damages. See civil law and court representation.
No responsible firm can promise a particular result in a criminal matter. MBM's role is diligent, strategic representation on the facts and the applicable law, and straight answers about the merits before you commit.
Most people who call about a criminal matter want three things: someone who will take the legal work off their shoulders, someone who will explain each step in plain language, and someone who keeps the matter confidential. That is how we work. Rated 4.9 on Google reviews. MBM is a founder-led team, led by Mohamed Badr with 17 years of legal experience, and litigation and arbitration are handled by one team, so there is no hand-off when a case grows. MBM works with group companies in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf, which helps when a matter has an international side.
MBM has offices in Dubai (Dubai Media City) and Sharjah (Al Khalidiya). We advise on criminal matters across the UAE, so if your matter arose in another emirate, tell us at the first consultation.
If you are an expatriate or a visitor, a criminal matter in the UAE raises extra questions: what the process is, who to contact, whether you can travel and what it could mean for your residence. We advise expatriates and foreign nationals on criminal matters within the UAE legal system, and you can speak to us in English.
If someone has just been arrested. Call +971 4 570 0204 as early as you can. Tell us who they are, where they are held if you know, and which authority is dealing with it. ::: ## Where your matter will be heard {id=forums tag="Forums" style=paper} Knowing which authority is dealing with your matter tells you what happens next. In a criminal matter the path generally runs through these bodies. | caption: Who deals with a criminal matter in Dubai | | Authority | What it does | When we deal with it | |---|---|---| | Dubai Police | Receives complaints, investigates and takes statements | At the start: before an interview, a statement or a call-up | | Public Prosecution | Reviews the evidence and decides whether the matter goes to court | During investigation and questioning, and on any decision to refer | | Criminal Court of First Instance | Hears the case and issues the judgment | Throughout the hearings | | Court of Appeal | Reviews a judgment where grounds for appeal exist | After a judgment, within the time limits | :::cta Tell us which authority you are dealing with and we will explain what to expect next.
People often search "law firm criminal" when what they really want is a firm they can trust with a case. Choosing that firm is a serious decision, and you should expect clear answers from any firm you speak to, including us. Use these questions at your first meeting.
You do not need any of this to make the call. If you have been contacted by the police or Public Prosecution, or an interview is scheduled, call first and gather documents afterwards.
Your first consultation with MBM is free and confidential. If you decide to instruct us, we confirm the scope and the fee in writing first, so you know what is covered before any paid work starts.
Court fees, translation costs and other third-party charges depend on the matter and are separate from legal fees. We explain which of them are likely to apply in your case. Because every criminal matter is different, we do not publish a price list. Ask at your first consultation and we will answer directly.
Ready to talk? Your first consultation is free and confidential.
Your free first consultation is with a member of MBM’s legal team in Dubai or Sharjah. Criminal matters are handled with discretion from the first call.
Founder & Managing Partner
Mohamed Badr leads MBM and has 17 years of legal experience. His career has included roles at law firms and multinational corporations in the UAE, advising businesses on high-stakes disputes, corporate restructuring and commercial litigation.
Names and titles as published on mbm-co.com. Your first consultation is with a member of MBM’s legal team in Dubai or Sharjah.
General information about criminal law and criminal defence in Dubai and the UAE. It is not legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts, so please contact MBM directly to discuss yours.
Seek legal advice as early as possible, ideally before attending any interview or giving a statement, so that your rights and options are understood. Keep any summons or notice, do not delete anything connected to the matter, and call a criminal lawyer. Your first consultation with MBM is free.
Yes. Many people speak to a criminal lawyer before they take any step. A first consultation lets you describe the situation in confidence, understand your position and decide what to do next. At MBM that first consultation is free.
Yes. MBM's first consultation is free and confidential. It is a discussion of your situation and your options. If you then choose to instruct MBM, we confirm the scope and the fee in writing before any paid work starts.
Whether and how a lawyer can take part in questioning depends on the authority and the stage of the matter, so the answer depends on your specific situation. Call us before any interview and we will explain what can be done in your case.
MBM has offices in Dubai Media City (Business Central Towers, Tower B) and in Al Khalidiya, Sharjah, and advises on criminal matters across the UAE. You can call +971 4 570 0204, send a WhatsApp message with your documents, or use the form on this page, and we will tell you the easiest way to meet.
Yes. MBM's legal team advises on and represents clients in criminal matters in Dubai, Sharjah and across the UAE, from the earliest stage of a police enquiry through to representation before the criminal courts and, where applicable, appeal.
Yes. MBM advises expatriates, foreign nationals and visitors on criminal matters within the UAE legal system, including travel and immigration questions linked to the case. You can speak to us in English.
MBM advises on a broad range of criminal matters including financial crime, cybercrime, white-collar crime, violent crime, drug offences, property crime, document and fraud offences, sexual offences, blackmail and extortion, defamation, traffic crimes, family and domestic matters, juvenile matters, cross-border matters, corporate criminal matters, criminal appeals, Interpol and international notice matters, decriminalisation matters and deportation-related matters.
Yes. MBM advises businesses, directors and executives in connection with corporate criminal exposure and related investigations.
Matters generally move through investigation, police involvement, referral to Public Prosecution, criminal court proceedings, judgment and, where applicable, appeal. The exact path depends on the nature of the allegation.
Public Prosecution reviews the evidence referred by the police, may carry out further questioning, and decides whether the matter proceeds to the criminal court.
Yes. MBM can assess the grounds available for an appeal and represent clients before the Court of Appeal. An appeal is not available or appropriate in every case, and time limits are strict, so seek advice promptly after a judgment.
In some categories of offence, a complaint may be capable of withdrawal or settlement between the parties, subject to the applicable law and the stage the matter has reached. MBM can advise on whether this may be relevant to your case.
Yes. Some incidents can give rise to both criminal liability and a separate civil claim for damages. MBM can advise on both, and coordinates with its civil litigation team where needed. See our civil lawyer page.
Yes, including matters involving fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust and money laundering allegations. See fraud and financial crime.
Yes. MBM advises on cybercrime matters including online fraud, unauthorised access, electronic blackmail and other digital offences. See cybercrime.
MBM provides legal representation and advice in connection with drug-related allegations, focused strictly on the client's legal rights and defence within the applicable procedures. See drug cases.
Yes. MBM advises on travel restrictions, arrest warrants, Interpol notices and deportation matters. See travel ban lawyer Dubai for checking and lifting a ban, and travel ban, bail and Interpol for arrests and Red Notices.
Yes, including online and social media defamation matters, coordinated where relevant with MBM's civil litigation team. See defamation and online insults.
Yes. MBM can represent minors during investigations and proceedings, with a sensitive and protective approach appropriate to juvenile matters.
MBM is based in Dubai and Sharjah and regularly advises on criminal matters across the UAE. Please contact MBM to discuss the specifics of a matter arising in another emirate.
Yes. MBM treats every consultation and engagement with professional confidentiality, whether the matter is at the enquiry stage or already before Public Prosecution or the criminal courts.
No. No responsible law firm can promise a particular outcome in a criminal matter. MBM's role is to provide diligent, strategic representation based on the facts and the applicable law.
As early as possible. Early legal advice can help you understand your position before key procedural steps take place.
Any documents, correspondence or notices you have received in connection with the matter, together with a clear timeline of events as you understand them. You do not need these to make the first call.
Use the form on this page, call +971 4 570 0204, or send a message and your documents on WhatsApp. Your first consultation is free.
Your first consultation with MBM is free and confidential. Tell us briefly what has happened. A member of MBM’s legal team will review your enquiry and come back to you with the appropriate next step.
If you have been contacted by the police or Public Prosecution, or an interview is scheduled, please call rather than waiting for a reply.
Dubai · Office 3204, Level 32, Business Central Towers – Tower B, Dubai Media City
Sharjah · Office 2001, Level 20, Al Hind Tower, Al Khalidiya District
Tell us what is happening in your own words. We will explain where you stand and what the sensible next step is.
Your first consultation is free and confidential. Tell us what stage the matter has reached, from a police enquiry to proceedings before the criminal courts, and we will explain where you stand and what the next step is.
