Criminal Lawyer in Riyadh

If the police or the Public Prosecution have called you, or a relative has been arrested in Riyadh, the most important thing now is not to give a statement or sign a record before you understand what you are accused of. Saudi law gives every accused the right to a lawyer in investigation and trial (Article 4 of the Criminal Procedure Law), and most of what is won or lost in a criminal case is decided in its first days. Usus Law Firm’s Riyadh office in Al Olaya defends criminal cases from the first summons to judgment and appeal, and represents victims claiming their private rights. We work in English and Arabic.

The first 24 hours: what the law says

• Outside flagrante delicto, no arrest or detention without an order from the competent authority (Art. 35).
• The arrested person is told the reason at once and may contact someone of his choice (Art. 116).
• No one is held more than 24 hours without the investigator’s written order (Art. 33); he is sent to the investigator within 24 hours and interrogated within 24 hours (Art. 34).
• A lawyer may attend the investigation (Art. 65), may not be separated from the accused, and may file written notes (Art. 70).
• No oath and no coercion in interrogation (Art. 102).

Detention periods

5 days for the first order (Art. 113), extendable to 40 days, then to 180 days by the Attorney General, then referral or release, save exceptional court-ordered extensions (Art. 114). See detention period in Saudi Arabia and release on bail.

How we build the defence

1. We hear the full story, confidentially.
2. We review the procedure: in-flagrante or not, the arrest order, the search order (Art. 42), sealing of seized items (Art. 50). Any act contrary to Sharia or the laws is void (Art. 187).
3. We test the evidence: confession, witnesses, technical reports, messages.
4. We fight for the right classification of the charge, which can change the whole penalty.
5. We plead, and appeal within 30 days if needed (Art. 194).

Cases we handle in Riyadh

• Drug cases: use, possession and dealing.
• Fraud and breach of trust, bounced cheques, forgery.
• Blackmail, cybercrime, defamation, harassment.
• Theft, assault, and cases involving expatriates, including absconding reports.

Our Riyadh office

Al Olaya, at the intersection of Khurais Road and Olaya Street, Building 3061, First Floor, Office No. 8. Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 1 pm and 6 – 9 pm, Saturday 6 – 9 pm. Phone and WhatsApp: +966 53 034 9349. The first consultation is free, in person or online. For Tabuk, see our Tabuk office.

Frequently asked questions

Articles cited are from the Law of Criminal Procedure (Royal Decree M/2 of 22/1/1435H). This page is general information, not advice on your case. Always check the current official text.