The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dubai
Whether you’re facing felony charges or simple misdemeanor charges, here are some of the best firms for criminal defense lawyers in Dubai to help you with your case:
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dubai?
There’s generally no set price to expect when it comes to hiring criminal defense lawyers in Dubai. Depending on the expertise of the lawyer you hire, you can expect to pay around AED 500 to AED 2,000 per hour.
Choosing the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dubai
Ready to seek out the right legal counsel? Our list of the best firms and criminal defense lawyers here are chosen based on the following factors:
1. Othman Al-Marzooqi Advocates & Legal Consultations
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Othman Al-Marzooqi Advocates & Legal Consultants was founded in 2021, with the aim of establishing a powerhouse of legal services and assistance, regardless of the specific field. Mr. Othman Al Marzooqi had the distinct pleasure of serving as chief of public prosecution.
You can think of them as a one-stop shop for legal services, including criminal defense in Dubai. They even offer help with personal status law, land disputes, labor law, and even commercial law.
Othman Al-Marzooqi Advocates & Legal Consultants take pride in their high level of knowledge with Dubai’s legal system as well as the rapidly growing clientele they’ve been able to draw in.
Clients have reported Othman’s lawyers to be very professional and knowledgeable, regardless of the assistance you need. They’re very satisfied with the attitude on display too.
Beginners in particular, really felt that they were represented well, while also receiving the necessary support they needed to navigate unfamiliar legal challenges they found themselves in.
Rates are very competitive too here at Othman Al-Marzooqi Advocates. The team offers enough flexibility to help with people who may be a little strapped for their legal defense.
Still, given that it’s a relatively young firm, you might find yourself waiting a bit to get an appointment with Othman Al-Marzooqi Advocates. Demand is quite high after all, given the professionalism on display.
So if you ever find yourself needing skilled counsel here in Dubai, you can count on Othman Al-Marzooqi Advocates & Legal Consultants. We highly recommend their impressive services.
Pros
- Strong consultation services
- Excellent expertise in law
Cons
- No discounts at the present
Customer Reviews
Without their knowledge and assistance, winning the case would have been impossible.
“I would like to express my gratitude, especially to Ms. Sahar, and thank Mr. Othman, and their team of lawyers for their exceptional professionalism, human qualities, and unwavering support throughout the legal process I had to undergo. Without their knowledge and assistance, winning the case would have been impossible. They truly are the best.” – Ronika Alizadeh
The team demonstrated high professionalism, strong customer service, and excellent knowledge and advice
“From initial consultation until the end of the case, the team demonstrated high professionalism, strong customer service, and excellent knowledge and advice. Very responsive and easy to work with – highly recommended.” – Moeen Husain
2. Dr. Hassan Elhais
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Dr. Hassan Elhais is a powerhouse in the Dubai legal scene, particularly renowned for his formidable expertise in criminal defense.
As a key leader at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, he has built a reputation for his meticulous case preparation, strategic thinking, and relentless dedication to his clients.
For those facing the complexities of the UAE’s criminal justice system, Dr. Elhais provides a level of guidance and representation that is second to none. His extensive experience in criminal law is complemented by his deep knowledge across a spectrum of legal fields, including civil and commercial law.
This broad understanding allows him to approach criminal cases from all angles, anticipating challenges and crafting robust defense strategies. He is particularly skilled in handling complex litigation matters, including financial crimes and breach of trust cases, where his analytical prowess shines.
What truly distinguishes Dr. Elhais is his client-first philosophy. He is praised for his transparency and his commitment to treating each case as a deeply personal matter, recognizing the human stories behind the legal issues.
He works tirelessly to demystify the legal process, ensuring his clients feel informed and supported every step of the way. This empathetic yet tenacious approach has led to numerous favorable verdicts and earned him the unwavering trust of his clients.
Dr. Elhais’s standing as a top legal mind is confirmed by numerous awards and his frequent invitations to speak at international conferences.
This global recognition, combined with his proven track record in Dubai’s courts, makes him an unparalleled choice for anyone in need of an elite criminal defense lawyer.
Pros
- Helmed by an award-winning legal scholar
- Deep expertise in complex criminal cases
- Respected by international legal communities
- Transparent and client-focused methodology
Cons
- Services are in high demand
Customer Reviews
I’m so glad that I reached out to him
“Sought Dr. Hassan’s advice for a child relocation issue. I’m so glad that I reached out to him when I did not know how to proceed. He stopped me from going in the wrong direction and pivoted me to a proper and strategic position. A true and unbeatable expert in the international family law field.” – mohamed yousef33
The customer service was outstanding
“I had the pleasure of consulting with Dr. Hassan AlHais, and I must say the entire experience was exceptional.
The reception and meeting area were impeccably clean, quiet, and managed to the highest standards, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
The customer service was outstanding, with staff following a seamless protocol for consultations, ensuring everything was smooth and efficient.
Dr. Hassan is a true professional who stands out for his ethics and dedication. He is an excellent listener, quick to gather relevant information, and remarkably clear and concise in his legal advice. His approach is both practical and ethical, making him a trusted advisor.
I highly recommend Dr. Hassan AlHais for anyone seeking professional, ethical, and effective legal counsel.” – عبدالله ABDULLAH
3. Yaqoub Al Maazmi Advocates
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Yaqoub Al Maazmi Advocates and Faragallah Legal Consultancy is highly regarded for its expertise in criminal defense law in Dubai. Their team of criminal defense lawyers is known for delivering innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of each case. This firm’s dedication to proactive follow-up and client-centric communication ensures that clients are consistently informed and supported throughout the legal process.
The firm’s criminal defense lawyers are praised for their strategic approach and deep understanding of UAE law, which has contributed to a proven track record of success. Clients appreciate their ability to navigate complex legal challenges, often resulting in favorable outcomes. The personalized and ethical approach taken by the lawyers further strengthens their reputation as trusted legal advisors in the region.
However, some clients might find the firm’s services to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, which could be a consideration for those with limited financial resources. Additionally, the high demand for their services might lead to longer wait times for consultations or case reviews. Despite these potential drawbacks, the firm’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction often outweighs these concerns.
In conclusion, Yaqoub Al Maazmi Advocates and Faragallah Legal Consultancy stands out as a leading choice for criminal defense in Dubai, offering top-tier legal services with a focus on innovation and client care.
Pros
- Innovative legal solutions
- Proactive follow-up
- Personalized and ethical approach
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“A professionnalism unequalized so far in the legal advisory field, and we have been running business here in the UAE for the past 17years. Highly recommended, they listen first carefully, and charge only if there is a real case. We saved time and cost with them. Well done and thank you so much.”
“My case is being handled by Mr. Walid and Ms. Deena. I must say that they are very professional. They are handling my case with professionalism, and supporting me wherever possible. Communication is clear, and they keep me updated at every step. Special thanks to Deena for being so patient with me, and helping me with my questions and queries. :)”
4. Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai is a well-established law firm recognized for its strong presence in criminal defense and dispute resolution. Led by advocate Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri, the firm has built a reputation for handling complex and sensitive criminal matters with a high level of professionalism, discretion, and strategic insight.
Their legal team is authorized to appear before all levels of the UAE courts, allowing them to manage cases from the earliest stages of police investigation through to final appeals. This comprehensive capability ensures clients receive consistent representation and carefully planned defense strategies at every phase of the legal process.
The firm emphasizes practical courtroom experience alongside deep legal expertise, which is critical in criminal defense where procedural accuracy and timing can significantly influence outcomes. They regularly represent both UAE nationals and expatriate clients, providing tailored legal solutions that reflect the nuances of the UAE legal system.
In criminal law, Awatif Mohammad handles a wide range of cases, including financial crimes, cybercrime, breach of trust, defamation, extradition, and other penal matters. Their team adopts a proactive defense approach that begins early in the investigation stage, focusing on protecting client rights, assessing risks, and identifying opportunities to mitigate potential legal consequences.
Partners personally lead small, dedicated teams and remain directly involved throughout each case, ensuring clients receive consistent advocacy and clear legal direction. This hands-on structure allows the firm to respond quickly to urgent developments, which can be crucial in situations requiring immediate legal intervention.
The firm also takes a balanced and pragmatic approach to criminal defense, recognizing that efficient resolution can sometimes be more beneficial than prolonged litigation. Where appropriate, they explore alternative outcomes such as settlements or reconciliation in accordance with UAE legal provisions, helping clients manage risk while working toward favorable results.
Overall, Awatif Mohammad combines courtroom authority, strategic thinking, and a client-focused service model that emphasizes transparency and structured case management. Their commitment to personalized attention and dependable legal guidance makes them a reliable choice for individuals and businesses seeking capable criminal defense representation in Dubai.
Pros
- Experienced UAE criminal lawyers
- Partners directly handle cases
- Quick and responsive
- Strategic, risk-focused approach
Cons
- Advanced scheduling is recommended
Customer Reviews
Extraordinary effort
“Utmost thanks and appreciation to Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, and it featured the extraordinary effort that has been exerted by the staff.” – H. H. SH. Saeed Bin Mohammed Hashir Al Maktoum
Highly recommend
“Highly recommend this firm if you are involved in an extradition case. They are highly experienced in the field. I worked with them for my client and I was highly impressed with the professionalism that they showed throughout the process.” – Safsoof Travels
5. AWS Legal Group Dubai
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
AWS Legal Group has been in operation all the way back in 1999, back when it was known as Hammurabi even. Their lawyers are primarily known to operate across the UK and MENA regions.
AWS Legal Group prides itself on its team of experts as well as being one of the most cost-effective and timely legal services here in Dubai.
The team handles a wide range of criminal cases including but not limited to DUI, domestic violence, theft, and other types of misdemeanors or felonies.
People who’ve found themselves running into complications with federal and Sharia Law may benefit from the advice offered by AWS Legal Group since they have a team of experts in this field.
The team at AWS Legal Group also provides good privacy for their clients as they work to ensure fair representation. We think this is handy for those dealing with particularly sticky cases.
They have rather strict requirements though, especially when it comes to documents. We think they could use a bit more communication with the clients when it comes to this, since it can be tricky for most people to figure out.
Overall though, AWS Legal Group’s strong partnerships and extensive experience makes them a very compelling option for criminal defense lawyers in Dubai. Highly recommended.
Pros
- Very polite and professional staff
- Very thorough assistance with legal matters
Cons
- Could use a bit more flexibility when it comes to documents
- Takes time to complete the consultation
Customer Reviews
The service was truly outstanding
“At first I went for a consultation regarding some legal advice for my company. The service was truly outstanding, from the level of professionalism to the care and commitment taken to make sure my needs were satisfied.” – John Jack
A very professional and efficient firm
“A very professional and efficient firm who presented great team depth. The team went above and beyond expectations and completed tasks in a proactive manner.” – Ujah Augustine
6. The Law Offices of Faisal Alzarooni
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Offering ten years of combined experience in the Middle East, the Law Offices of Faisal Alzarooni is also a good firm to look for the best criminal defense lawyers in Dubai.
They have a great team assembled in order to help those under investigation or even prosecution for possible local and federal offenses.
Under Mr. Faisal Alzarooni’s leadership, their lawyers can help with cases involving accusations of drugs, alcohol, insult and defamation, financial, and many different crimes an individual may find themselves charged with.
And despite the lack of more recent accolades, the Law Offices of Faisal Alzarooni have garnered good trust among other practitioners in the field as well as the clients they’ve served in the past.
Lawyers are very professional, offering sage advice to their clients while at the same time, taking great care to help them navigate their present challenges. It’s earned good respect among many judges as a result.
The firm could use some improvements however. For one, plenty of people have mentioned long wait times when it comes to making phone calls to the law offices.
It doesn’t help that there’s usually no other way to contact Faisal Alzarooni’s offices other than the phone numbers they give. Still, you do eventually get someone on the phone after a while.
Overall though, we do respect the command and quality of the work that the Law Offices of Faisal Alzarooni has done. We definitely recommend them in case you need good criminal defense lawyers in Dubai to represent you.
Pros
- Very nice and professional with clients
- Has great expertise in the field of criminal defense
Cons
- Takes time to respond to calls
- Could use a few more accolades
Customer Reviews
Outstanding professionalism
“Outstanding professionalism, communication, value, and most importantly…. results. I have worked with many attorneys in Dubai and Mr. Alzarooni is by far the best.” – Graeme Finlay
Very accommodating with any request we made
“It’s been a pleasure working with Mr. Alzarooni and his team. The team was very professional handling the case matters as well very accommodating with any request we made.” – Saimur Khan
7. HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
For a more general legal solution here in Dubai, you can look to HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants. The firm has been serving clients in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi for over 15 years, which is very commendable.
While they’re a good option when it comes to criminal defense lawyers in Dubai, HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants can also help with international tax, immigration, debt collection, property disputes, and even marriage and family laws.
Their team of criminal defense lawyers can even help with financial crimes such as fraud cases, bribery, identity theft, money laundering, counterfeiting, and so on. Many clients found it useful for white collar crimes basically.
Consultation is quite good with HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants too. Their team is very polite and professional as they really listen to the specifics of the service you need.
Of course, we do think aspects of their communication skills could use some work. For one, some clients mentioned waiting a bit once they finally need to follow-up on actual court proceedings and other details.
Additionally, the team could use some more expertise with international documents. They can help with these but some clients have reported waiting a bit in order to sort this out.
Nonetheless, they are almost second to none when it comes to financial crimes assistance here in Dubai. As such, we still feel confident recommending HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants in Dubai.
Pros
- Prompt and responsive legal services
- Professional and pleasant communication with team
Cons
- Takes time to follow up on case proceedings
- Difficulty with international documents
Customer Reviews
They are well structured and process driven service providers
“I had engaged them to provide legal notice and they completed the documentation in a timely manner. They are well structured and process driven service providers.” – Ajit Kumar
Excellent service, concise guidance
“By far one of the best law firms I’ve dealt with in Dubai. Excellent service, concise guidance & well-qualified staff!” – Sabna Biju
8. MBH Advocates & Legal Consultants
| RATING | |
| FACILITIES | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| LEGAL EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| VARIETY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CLIENT INTERACTION | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| COMMUNICATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Finally we get to MBH Advocates & Legal Consultants here in Dubai. They are a full-service law firm that aims to provide justice and legal services at any level across the whole UAE.
MBH Advocates & Legal Consultants bills themselves as a premium service with over fourteen years of experience. You can hire a team of banking lawyers, IP specialists, divorce lawyers, and of course, criminal lawyers in Dubai.
According to their clients, their teams are very professional, providing extremely detailed professional and legal advice to their clients.
The firm takes pride in their personalized services, and are committed to delivering you a team that works for your specific needs. They’ve got a roster of both Arabic and Western-based lawyers well-versed in UAE law for this purpose.
MBH Advocates & Legal Consultants can even help with white collar charges too, with many clients who have gotten in this kind of trouble recommending them for the job.
Of course, their services are a bit on the pricey side. It’s not just the hourly rates either as even the initial consultation prices could run quite high compared to other firms.
Still, we think the professionalism displayed by the team as well as their multilingual expertise does lead to them being a very compelling option here in Dubai. We highly recommend you give MBH Advocates for criminal defense a shot!
Pros
- Detailed and professional legal advice provided
- Multilingual legal team
Cons
- Takes time responding through online contact
- Consultation fees can be a little pricey
Customer Reviews
Especially grateful for lawyer Julia
“Excellent service. Especially grateful for lawyer Julia, she perfectly consulted me and gave me step-by-step advice to resolve my case. Thank you.” – Alona El Zein Bohdan
One of the best law offices I have ever dealt with
“Highly recommend. One of the best law offices I have ever dealt with . Thank you MBH for the excellent services.” – Amjad Ahmed Alhaddad
FAQs about Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dubai
We hope these criminal defense lawyers in Dubai were able to help you represent yourself. In case you need help from the best commercial lawyers in Dubai though, check out our list here!