The Criminal Court (Al-Mahkamah Al-Jaza'iyah, المحكمة الجزائية) is the court that hears criminal cases in Saudi Arabia: from theft, assault and fraud to drug offences and cybercrime. When the Public Prosecution refers a case to the judiciary, this is the court it goes to. Here we explain what the Criminal Court hears, how a case proceeds before it, the rights of the accused and the victim, and how to object to its judgment.
How does a case reach the Criminal Court?
- The report and initial inquiry by the security authority (the police).
- Investigation by the Public Prosecution, followed by a decision either to close the case or to bring a criminal action.
- Referral to the Criminal Court with a statement of charges setting out the accusation, the evidence and the requests.
These stages are explained in detail in The Law of Criminal Procedure explained.
What happens at the hearings?
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Reading the charges | The prosecution presents the accusation and the evidence |
| The response | The accused admits or denies the charges, and presents a defence personally or through a lawyer |
| Evidence and witnesses | The evidence is examined and witnesses and experts are heard |
| The private right | The victim may claim their private right, such as compensation, in the same case |
| Judgment | A conviction and sentence, or no conviction, together with a ruling on the private right |
Hearings are conducted in Arabic. An accused person or victim who does not speak Arabic should make sure they understand every stage, and a lawyer can explain the proceedings to them in English.
Rights of the accused before the Criminal Court
- To be assisted by a lawyer, and to see the accusation and its evidence.
- To present a defence and evidence, and to ask for witnesses to be heard.
- To challenge the validity of procedures, such as an arrest or search that breached the law.
- To object to the judgment within the statutory periods.
Objecting to a Criminal Court judgment
An objection to the judgment is filed with the Court of Appeal within the statutory period, and the judgment becomes final once that period passes. In specific cases, a cassation request can be made to the Supreme Court. Read Appeal memorandum template.
Before the first hearing: a checklist
- The charge sheet: read it closely and identify each fact alleged and its evidence.
- Investigation records: compare what you said then with what you say now; contradictions are used against you.
- Your evidence: witnesses, messages, CCTV, medical reports, proof of where you were.
- Procedural defences: the lawfulness of arrest, search and questioning; a defect can exclude a whole piece of evidence.
- The private right: is a settlement or waiver with the victim possible before judgment?
- Deadlines: note hearing dates and the short period to object after judgment.
Read the Criminal Procedure Law.
Frequently asked questions
Can a criminal case be settled?
A settlement or waiver usually ends the private right and may affect the sentence, but it does not end the public right in every crime.
Do I need a lawyer at the Criminal Court?
It is not required in every case, but a criminal defence rests on precise procedural and substantive arguments, and a lawyer protects your rights from the first hearing.
What happens after the sentence ends?
The judgment may remain on your record. Read When is a criminal record cleared? and Conditional release.
Is your case before the Criminal Court?
The Usus Law Firm team provides defence in criminal cases and drug cases in complete confidence, and represents victims in claiming their private right, in Riyadh and Tabuk.
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.
Request a quick consultation
Leave your name and mobile number, and a lawyer from our Riyadh or Tabuk office will call you during working hours. We advise in English.
