Criminal Law
What it is: Drink-driving means operating a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in the system, since the UAE applies a strict zero-tolerance approach. It is a serious traffic and criminal matter that can lead to fines, licence suspension, vehicle impoundment and imprisonment, with harsher outcomes if an accident or injury occurred. When it applies: Cases typically follow a police checkpoint, a stop for erratic driving, or an accident where testing indicates alcohol. How a lawyer helps: A lawyer reviews the arrest and testing procedures, checks whether protocols were properly followed, examines evidence and any linked accident, and presents mitigating circumstances to the court. The lawyer represents you before the traffic prosecution and criminal court and advises on penalties, licence consequences and, where relevant, insurance and civil claims from any accident. First steps: Cooperate with police but avoid admissions beyond what is required, keep any documents you are given, note the timeline and details, and contact a lawyer promptly. Because penalties are strict and swift, early advice matters. This is general information, not legal advice for a specific case.
