FAQ: What should I do if I’m arrested in Dubai?

 Being arrested in Dubai, whether you are a resident or a foreign national, can be an overwhelming experience. The legal system in Dubai is different from many other countries, and the consequences of being arrested can be severe, depending on the nature of the offense. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights, the process, and the importance of hiring an experienced criminal lawyer in Dubai to help you navigate the legal system.

In this FAQ, we will discuss the key steps to take if you are arrested in Dubai and how a criminal lawyer in Dubai can assist you during this challenging time.

1. Understand Your Rights

The first thing you need to know when you are arrested in Dubai is that you have rights, even though the legal system may differ from what you're used to. The UAE law, however, grants you the following rights when you are arrested:

  • Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions that may incriminate you. This is particularly important, as anything you say can be used against you in court.

  • Right to a Lawyer: You have the right to hire a lawyer who can represent you during the arrest and investigation process. If you are not familiar with the legal system, hiring an experienced criminal lawyer in Dubai is crucial to ensure your rights are protected.

  • Right to Be Informed: You should be informed about the reason for your arrest and the charges against you. If you are being arrested for a crime, you have the right to understand the charges and be given an opportunity to respond.

  • Right to Contact Your Embassy: If you are a foreign national, you have the right to contact your country’s embassy or consulate. They can assist with legal matters, provide support, and help ensure that you are treated fairly according to international legal standards.

2. Stay Calm and Composed

Being arrested can be stressful, especially in a foreign country. However, it is essential to remain calm and composed during the process. Avoid resisting arrest or becoming aggressive, as this can lead to additional charges and worsen your situation. While you may feel overwhelmed or frightened, keeping a level head will help you make the best decisions moving forward.

Cooperate with the police without admitting guilt or providing unnecessary information that could harm your case. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s crucial to only communicate the minimum required until you have legal representation.

3. Request a Lawyer Immediately

As soon as you are arrested, request to speak with a criminal lawyer in Dubai. If you don’t know a lawyer, ask the police to provide you with one. While Dubai has public defenders, hiring a lawyer with experience in the UAE legal system is the best option, as they can guide you through the complexities of the law.

A criminal lawyer in Dubai will ensure that your rights are upheld, provide legal counsel, and represent you during police questioning. Your lawyer will also be able to ensure that any evidence or statements you make are not used against you unfairly.

4. Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

In some cases, police may ask you to sign documents related to your arrest or the charges against you. It is essential that you never sign anything without first consulting a lawyer. Signing a document without understanding its contents or the implications could lead to self-incrimination or waive your legal rights.

If the police insist on having you sign something, request that a lawyer be present first. Your criminal lawyer in Dubai will review the documents and explain the consequences before you sign anything.

5. Know the Detention Period

Under UAE law, the police can detain an individual for up to 48 hours without formally charging them. This means that after your arrest, you could be held in police custody for up to two days while the authorities gather evidence and determine whether to charge you.

  • Request to Speak to a Lawyer: During this 48-hour detention period, you have the right to speak with your lawyer. A lawyer can visit you in custody and help ensure that your detention is not extended without just cause.

  • Longer Detention: If the police decide to charge you, they may request that a judge extend your detention for up to 14 days. At this point, you should have legal representation to challenge any extension and ensure that the process is fair.

6. Understand the Investigation Process

After the initial detention, if you are formally charged, the authorities will begin their investigation. Investigators will gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and question you about the incident. During this process:

  • You Can Be Questioned: While you can be questioned by police, you do not have to answer questions unless you are legally required to do so. Your criminal lawyer in Dubai will advise you on how to respond to questions and whether to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

  • Rights During Interrogation: You are entitled to a lawyer during questioning. It’s essential to have your lawyer present during these proceedings to ensure that the questioning is fair and that no legal rights are violated.

7. Be Aware of Bail Conditions

In some cases, you may be granted bail, especially if the offense is minor or if the authorities believe you are not a flight risk. However, bail in Dubai is not always granted, especially for more serious charges like drug offenses or violent crimes.

  • Bail Conditions: If you are granted bail, you may be required to post a financial bond, surrender your passport, or comply with other conditions. A criminal lawyer in Dubai can assist in securing bail by presenting your case to the authorities, demonstrating that you are not a flight risk or a threat to public safety.

  • Denial of Bail: If bail is denied, you will be held in police custody or prison until your trial. In such cases, a lawyer can continue to advocate for your release or a reduction in detention time, particularly if there is no immediate threat to the public or the investigation.

8. Prepare for Court

If your case progresses to court, you will need a criminal lawyer in Dubai to represent you at the trial. The lawyer will prepare your defense, gather evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for you in front of the judge.

  • Trial Process: Criminal trials in Dubai are typically conducted in Arabic, so your lawyer will act as your intermediary, ensuring you understand the proceedings. Your lawyer will also present your case in the best possible light, using legal arguments to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

  • Punishments and Sentences: Depending on the severity of the crime, the judge may impose a range of penalties, including fines, imprisonment, deportation (for foreigners), or other legal consequences. Your criminal lawyer in Dubai will work to minimize these penalties, present any mitigating factors, and ensure that you receive a fair and just sentence.

9. Know the Potential for Deportation

For foreign nationals, one of the most significant concerns when facing criminal charges in Dubai is the possibility of deportation. Depending on the crime, you may be deported after serving your sentence, even for relatively minor offenses.

A criminal lawyer in Dubai will assist in preventing deportation, if possible, by presenting mitigating factors, offering alternatives to imprisonment, or negotiating plea deals. If deportation is unavoidable, the lawyer can help delay the process or ensure that you comply with all legal procedures.

10. Appeals Process

If you are convicted and feel that the decision was unjust, you have the right to appeal. The UAE legal system allows for appeals in criminal cases, and your criminal lawyers in Dubai can guide you through this process, challenging the verdict and presenting new evidence or legal arguments to the higher court.

Conclusion

Being arrested in Dubai can be a frightening experience, but understanding your rights and having the support of a skilled criminal lawyer in Dubai can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. If you are arrested, stay calm, request a lawyer immediately, and understand the legal process. Your lawyer will protect your rights, ensure that you receive fair treatment, and work to minimize penalties, including the risk of deportation or imprisonment. Always remember that navigating the legal system in a foreign country requires expert guidance—having a lawyer on your side is essential to achieving the best possible result

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