Police Investigations in Dubai
The legal system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not tolerate criminal acts. Therefore, the criminal laws are strict in the UAE. Dubai is one of the popular emirates as it has attracted tourists and investors. Therefore, the laws are strictly followed in the emirate. However, the emirate has to ensure public safety by implementing local and federal laws.
The police in Dubai work strategically to ensure the safety of locals and expatriates. From the registration of complaints and escalating cases to the criminal courts, everything is conducted through proper procedure. The lawyers in Dubai play a significant role when UAE citizens and residents want to know about their legal rights.
Steps of Police Investigations in the UAE
The UAE police is proactive in maintaining law and order in all emirates. The following steps are taken by the police to investigate the case thoroughly in the UAE:
Filing a Complaint
The investigation begins after a complaint is filed at the Dubai Police Station. Companies, individuals, or any government entity can file the complaint. Most of the cases are related to criminal offenses including; theft, assault, defamation, cybercrime, fraud, and even drug-related offenses. A police report is created after the case has been filed and an investigation officer is assigned to the case. The officer is required to fulfill their duty throughout the case. They will gather statements, and evidence and summon the witnesses and accused individuals for questions. There might be more than one sessions.
Types of Investigations in the UAE
The UAE’s legal system protects the rights of its citizens and non-nationals. However, the Dubai Police investigate cases related to physical crime, traffic violations, cybercrime, commercial fraud, and family issues. All those cases have different investigation officers and involve departments such as anti-narcotics, cybercrime units, and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). At any stage of the investigation, Dubai law firms shall be involved for better legal solutions.
My Rights During Police Investigations in the UAE
The UAE government ensures that every person gets to exercise their rights wherever possible. If you are involved in a criminal case in Dubai, you have the right to stay silent and have a lawyer by your side. Also, if you are not a local in the UAE, you may need a translator. It is your right to understand the criminal legal proceedings even if you need to hire an interpreter. Hiring lawyers in Dubai is beneficial in criminal cases.
How is Evidence Collected During the Investigation Process?
The Dubai Police ensures to collect as much evidence as they can. The investigation officer is given the task of collecting physical evidence that they can get on the crime scene. They can also review CCTV footage and record statements by the witnesses. The investigation report is carefully prepared. It has all the statements made by witnesses and suspects. The police observations and forensic reports are also added to the report. However, further recommendations for the criminal are made, if needed. These recommendations are related to medical or psychological assessments of the offender.
Can I Get Bail or Detention in the UAE?
The suspect can be detained for 48 hours. If needed, the detention can be extended. Sometimes, the suspect is also granted bail on certain legal grounds. The lawyers in Dubai can help accused individuals to bail them out or get their detention hours reduced. These legal professionals can also make a case of wrongful imprisonment of the individual if that can be proven.
Role of the Public Prosecution
Public Prosecution has significance in the UAE’s legal system. It is responsible for reviewing the evidence, summoning the suspects and witnesses again, making further investigations, and then deciding if the case shall be dismissed or continued. The cases are referred to the criminal courts in the UAE.
Some cases need special investigations and shall be handled differently. Cases of juvenile crimes, corporate fraud, and sexual assault are sensitive. They are dealt with strategically, ensuring the confidentiality of the identities throughout the case. Not every legal professional can handle these cases.
Duration and Resolution of Investigations
The investigations are prolonged if the case has complexities, such as a lack of evidence. Cases of thefts are usually resolved within a few weeks. Depending on the investigation, the case can be settled amicably or dismissed. It can also lead to criminal trials or impose fines and deportation if an expatriate is involved. The Dubai law firms offer alternative dispute resolutions (ADR). These solutions are cost-effective.
