Criminal Defence

Clear legal support for criminal defence, cybercrime & financial crimes in the UAE, helping you protect your rights, family, assets and

Criminal Defence, Cybercrime & Financial Crimes

From violent crimes and kidnapping to cybercrime, data theft, and financial fraud – criminal matters in the UAE demand immediate, experienced legal counsel. We represent victims pursuing justice and the accused defending their rights, across every type of criminal proceeding.

In-depth description

Criminal matters in the UAE move fast and can have life-altering consequences. Whether you are a victim seeking justice or an individual facing charges, you need legal counsel who understands the UAE’s legal framework deeply and acts without delay. Our criminal law practice covers the full spectrum of offenses.

Assault, Sexual Abuse & Murder

We handle the most serious violent crimes with the utmost gravity and discretion. We provide compassionate and powerful representation for victims and their families to ensure justice is served. We also provide a fundamental and vigorous defense for the accused, safeguarding their right to a fair trial at every stage.

Scope of work

  • Provide urgent, confidential legal counsel upon the incident or arrest.
  • For Victims: Liaise with police and prosecution, guide them through the process, and represent their civil rights in the criminal case to claim compensation.
  • For the Accused: Provide vigorous defense from the initial police investigation through to the final court appeal, safeguarding their right to a fair trial.

Deliverables

  • Immediate legal presence and counsel.
  • Full representation in all stages of the criminal justice process.

Pricing

  • AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 (Hourly rate for analysis and guidance)
  • AED 50,000 to AED 250,000 (Fixed fee for filing or defending in court)

 


 

Kidnapping

In these high-stakes situations, we provide urgent legal counsel and support. We liaise with authorities on behalf of the victim’s family to support rescue efforts. We also provide an immediate and robust legal defense for any individual wrongfully accused of such a grave offense, ensuring their rights are protected from the outset.

Scope of work

  • For the Victim’s Family: Provide urgent legal counsel and act as a formal liaison with law enforcement authorities, while advising on legal protocols.
  • For the Wrongfully Accused: Provide immediate and robust legal defense from the moment of accusation or arrest, ensuring their rights are protected during high-stakes investigations.

Deliverables

  • Urgent legal counsel and crisis management support.
  • Immediate and ongoing legal defense representation.

Pricing

  • AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 (Hourly rate for analysis and guidance)
  • AED 50,000 to AED 250,000 (Fixed fee for filing or defending in court)
 

 

IT Crimes

We provide expert legal services for complex IT crimes. We assist corporate and individual victims of hacking, phishing, and ransomware in their legal response and recovery efforts. We also offer a specialized defense for those accused of cybercrime, handling complex digital forensic evidence.

Scope of work

  • For Victims: Coordinate with forensic experts to assess the breach (e.g., hacking, ransomware) and liaise with law enforcement.
  • Advise on legal recourse to recover damages.
  • For the Accused: Provide a specialized defense that involves challenging complex digital forensic evidence and technical claims made by the prosecution.

Deliverables

  • A coordinated legal and technical response strategy.
  • A specialized defense for complex cybercrime allegations.

Pricing

  • AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 (Hourly rate for analysis and guidance)
  • AED 50,000 to AED 250,000 (Fixed fee for filing or defending in court)
 

 

Data Theft / Misappropriation

We act for companies and individuals who are victims of data theft, pursuing legal action against departing employees or competitors to recover stolen information. We also defend those accused of misappropriating data, challenging the evidence and protecting their professional reputation.

Scope of work

  • For Victims: Initiate legal action, including potential injunctions, to stop the use of stolen data and seek damages.
  • For the Accused: Provide a defense against allegations of data theft, protecting the client’s professional reputation and challenging the claims of ownership and loss.

Deliverables

  • A filed civil lawsuit for damages and injunctive relief.
  • A comprehensive defense strategy.

Pricing

  • AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 (Hourly rate for analysis and guidance)
  • AED 50,000 to AED 250,000 (Fixed fee for filing or defending in court)
 

 

Legal Advice & Counseling on Criminal Issues

This is your first port of call for any criminal law matter. We provide a confidential and urgent consultation to advise you of your rights and potential legal options, whether you are a victim of a crime or have been accused of one. This initial counsel is critical for making informed decisions.

Scope of work

  • Conduct a confidential, in-depth consultation to understand the client’s legal situation, whether as a victim or a potential accused.
  • Analyze the facts against the relevant UAE laws.
  • Provide a clear, actionable legal opinion on the client’s rights, liabilities, and strategic options.

Deliverables

  • An urgent, confidential legal consultation session.
  • A formal Legal Opinion Memorandum outlining the situation and recommended next steps.

Pricing

  • AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 (Hourly rate for analysis and guidance)
 

 

Financial Crimes

We provide dedicated legal support for victims of financial crimes seeking justice and asset recovery. Concurrently, we offer a discreet and strategic defense for individuals and corporations accused of such offenses, focusing on protecting the rights, reputation, and freedom of every client we serve.

Scope of work

  • For Victims: Provide dedicated legal support to seek justice and asset recovery, including coordinating with banks and filing civil/criminal cases.
  • For the Accused: Offer a discreet and strategic defense, focusing on protecting the rights, reputation, and freedom of the individual or corporation at every stage of the legal process.

Deliverables

  • A comprehensive case strategy for recovery or defense.
  • Full representation in all legal proceedings.

Pricing

  • AED 2,500 to AED 10,000 (Hourly rate for analysis and guidance)
  • AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000 (Hourly rate and/or Fixed Fee and/or Success Fee for filing or defending in court)

Are you facing a criminal matter in the UAE?

Have you been arrested or called for questioning?

You need legal counsel present immediately. Early intervention is critical to protecting your rights.

Have you been accused of fraud or a financial crime?

Allegations of fraud or embezzlement carry serious consequences. A defense strategy must start immediately.

Are you a victim of cybercrime or online fraud?

UAE law provides strong remedies for victims of hacking, scams, and digital theft. We help build your case.

Are you facing a travel ban linked to a legal dispute?

Travel bans can be challenged and lifted. We act fast to restore your freedom of movement through the courts.

Frequently asked questions

Request access to a lawyer immediately. You have the right to legal representation from the moment of arrest. Do not make any statements to the police before speaking with a lawyer, as what you say can be used against you. Contact your consulate or embassy in parallel.
Potentially yes. UAE cybercrime legislation criminalises online content deemed defamatory, offensive to public morals, or damaging to the reputation of individuals or companies. Even reposts or shares can attract liability. The law applies to content posted from abroad targeting UAE persons.
 
Penalties range from fines to imprisonment depending on the offence. Unauthorised access to systems, online defamation, fraud and data theft each carry specific penalties under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021. Prison sentences of one year or more are common for serious offences.
Yes. Bounced cheques, fraud, misappropriation and breach of financial obligations can all trigger criminal proceedings alongside civil ones. The UAE has a tradition of criminalising financial misconduct, making early legal intervention, ideally before charges are filed, critically important.

A criminal defence lawyer can intervene at any stage: during police questioning, at the prosecution stage, or before trial. Early engagement often reduces exposure significantly. Defence strategy, mitigating circumstances and procedural rights all require specialist handling from day one.

Key contacts:

Romain Astruc

Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation

Anthony Raftopol

Partner – Corporate, Investment Funds & M&A

Mehdi Al Ghafari

Associate – Corporate, Commercial & Litigation

Other services you might need

Criminal exposure in the UAE often has financial, civil and residency dimensions. These services address what typically comes next.

Travel Ban - Imposition, Defence & Removal

Criminal proceedings frequently trigger travel bans. We act urgently to challenge or lift restrictions on your movement.

Personal Liability - Financial Crimes & Fraud

Victim or accused - financial crime cases need forensic strategy, not just legal representation. We handle both sides.

Document Certification & Notarial Services

Criminal proceedings require properly certified documents. We handle all legalisation and authentication steps.

WHAT SET US APART

Why ASTRUC & Co

Criminal exposure in the UAE demands senior lawyers who act quickly, know the system, and leave nothing to chance.

1.

Senior counsel only

Criminal matters cannot be delegated to junior associates. Your defence is led personally by experienced criminal lawyers who understand UAE procedure and how to respond

2.

Immediate response

Speed is critical in criminal proceedings. We engage from the moment of arrest, advise on what to say and what not to say, and take control of the legal strategy from day one.

3.

French-UAE fluency

French nationals facing criminal proceedings in the UAE often lack bilingual legal support. We provide full representation in both systems and liaise with consular

More than legal counsel

With you, all the way

Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.

From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.

Ready to move forward?

Talk to our team about your situation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you move forward with clarity.

One hour consultation

30-minute consultation

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