In a criminal case, what happens in the first days can decide everything: statements written into a report, an arrest or search the accusation rests on, and short deadlines to object. So choosing a criminal lawyer deserves a few minutes of thought before you sign any power of attorney. Here are the questions to ask before you hire, the warning signs, and what to prepare for the first meeting.
Reviewed by: Raghad Mamdouh Al-KhamshiLegal Affairs Manager at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
Quick answer
Choose a licensed criminal lawyer who has handled cases of the same type, find out who will actually attend the investigation and the hearings, and get the fees and what they cover in a written agreement. A good lawyer explains your position and options clearly and does not guarantee an outcome.
- The accused may be assisted by a lawyer at both the investigation and the trial stage, so do not wait for the first hearing.
- Warning signs: a guaranteed acquittal, payment without a written agreement, or talk of "connections".
- For the first meeting, bring the case or report number, any reports, a timeline, and your messages without deleting anything.
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When do you need a criminal lawyer?
- When you receive a summons from the police or the Public Prosecution, and if possible before you give a statement.
- When a relative is arrested or detained.
- If you are the victim and want to claim your private right, as in blackmail, fraud or assault.
- Once the case is referred to the Criminal Court, and when appealing the judgment.
Under Saudi law the accused may be assisted by a lawyer at both the investigation and the trial stage, so do not wait for the first hearing.
Seven questions to ask before you hire
- Is the lawyer licensed? Practising before the courts requires a licence; ask for the name of the lawyer who will handle your case and their licence number.
- Have they handled cases of the same type? A drug case differs from a cybercrime or fraud case, in the law that governs it and in where the defence lies.
- Who will actually attend the investigation and the hearings? Ask whether the lawyer you met will attend in person, or another lawyer from the team.
- Do they explain your position clearly? A good lawyer explains the strengths, the weaknesses and the options, and does not promise an outcome.
- What are the fees and what do they cover? Do they cover the investigation, the trial and the appeal? Ask for them in a written agreement. Read lawyer fees in Saudi Arabia.
- How and when will they update you? Agree how you will hear about each hearing and each development.
- Will what you tell them stay confidential? What you tell your lawyer must stay confidential; ask about it directly.
Warning signs
| Sign | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|
| Guarantees an acquittal or a specific result | Nobody can guarantee a court's judgment; promising one is a sign of poor practice |
| Asks for money without a written fee agreement | You are left with no proof of what was agreed and what you paid |
| Talks about "connections" | Cases are won on the papers and the defence, and this kind of talk can get you into trouble |
| Gives a verdict on your case without reading the file | An opinion without seeing the reports and the evidence is a guess |
| Will not say which lawyer will handle the case | You have a right to know who represents you |
What the lawyer does at each stage
| Stage | The lawyer's role |
|---|---|
| Arrest and evidence gathering | Checking that the arrest, search and handling of seized items were lawful. Read unlawful arrest and search |
| Investigation at the Public Prosecution | Attending with the accused, asking for release or bail where the grounds exist, and presenting what rebuts the accusation |
| Trial | Reviewing the case file, challenging the evidence, and filing the defence and memoranda. Read criminal evidence |
| After the judgment | Appealing within the statutory period, or asking for a suspended sentence where the law allows it |
What to prepare for the first meeting
- The report or case number, and a copy of any summons.
- Any reports, decisions or judgments you have.
- A written timeline of events with dates, and the names of witnesses.
- Messages, photos or videos connected to the incident, without deleting anything.
Once you agree, the power of attorney for the lawyer is issued electronically. Read issuing an electronic power of attorney on Najiz.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lawyer attend the investigation with me?
Yes. The accused may be assisted by a lawyer at both the investigation and the trial stage.
My relative is detained. Can I hire a lawyer for them?
The power of attorney is issued by the detained person, but the family can consult the lawyer straight away, and the lawyer arranges how the power of attorney is issued and how to reach the detainee.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
It depends on the type and stage of the case and the work involved, and is set in a written agreement before work starts.
Is the first consultation free?
At Usus Law Firm, yes, in person or remotely.
Need a criminal lawyer now?
The Usus Law Firm team handles criminal cases for the accused and for victims, from the investigation to the judgment and appeal, in strict confidence. Saudi courts work in Arabic; we file in Arabic and explain each step to you in English. Contact our criminal lawyer in Riyadh or our Tabuk office.
This content is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer on your case. The reference is the current official text of the law.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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