Criminal, travel ban & immigration

Criminal lawyers in Dubai and the UAE

If you are facing a police complaint or a prosecution, early advice matters most. We explain where you stand and what to do next.

In short

Criminal cases in the UAE usually begin with a police complaint, move to the public prosecution for investigation and then, if charges follow, to the criminal courts. Statements made early can shape the whole case, and many cases can be resolved through settlement or waiver by the complainant.

We advise you from the first police contact, prepare you for statements, work on bail and travel restrictions, pursue settlement where the law allows it, and support appeals, working with licensed UAE advocates for court stages.

What we handle

How we can help

Police and public prosecution stage

We explain the allegation, prepare you for questioning, gather your evidence and push for a fair and timely investigation.

Financial crimes, cheque and fraud cases

Breach of trust, fraud and cheque-related offences that remain criminal, often linked to business or banking disputes.

III

Cybercrime and defamation matters

Social media posts, messages and online statements can lead to criminal complaints under the UAE cybercrime law. We advise both complainants and those accused.

Appeals, bail and settlement

Applications for release, travel restriction issues, settlements with complainants and appeals against convictions or sentences.

How it works

From first call to resolution

Call early
Before you give a statement, if possible. Tell us what you know about the complaint.
Understand the case
We find out the charge, the stage and any restrictions such as a travel ban.
Plan the response
Evidence, witnesses, a settlement approach where available, and what to say and not say.
Follow through
Prosecution, court stages and appeal, with licensed counsel at hearings, and the closing of related travel restrictions.

Settlement and waiver

For a number of offences, particularly some financial and personal ones, a settlement with the complainant or a waiver of the complaint can end the case or significantly reduce its consequences. Whether that is possible depends on the offence and the stage the case has reached. We explore it early, because it is often the fastest route to closing both the case and any travel restriction.

Checking your status

If you are unsure whether a complaint has been filed against you, Dubai Police and other authorities provide status services. Our guide to checking the criminal status of financial cases explains how they work.

Our Founder and Chairman, Adv. C. Unnikrishnan, has practised criminal law for over thirty years, from the district courts to the Supreme Court of India. That experience informs how our UAE team approaches criminal matters.

FAQ

Criminal: your questions

In most cases, no. Since 2022, a cheque bouncing for insufficient funds is generally a civil matter. Some conduct involving cheques, such as fraud, remains criminal.

Yes. The public prosecution or court can restrict travel while a case is open. Resolving the case, or a settlement where allowed, is usually the way to lift it.

For some offences, a settlement with the complainant or a waiver can end the case or reduce the penalty. It depends on the offence and the stage.

Fees are quoted after the first consultation, once we know the charge and the stage, and agreed in writing before work begins.

Your team