The Saudi Criminal Procedure Law governs every stage of a criminal case, from evidence-gathering and arrest to investigation, trial, judgment and appeal, and sets out the rights of the accused. Here you will find its issuing decree, a link to read and download the official, amended text, what it covers, and our guides that explain it.
Reviewed by: Ahmed Hasan AlShehriAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
About the law
| Name | Saudi Criminal Procedure Law |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Royal Decree No. (M/2) dated 22/1/1435H |
| Official text | Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers portal |
| Implementing regulations | The law has implementing regulations detailing its procedures |
| Replaced | It replaced the earlier Criminal Procedure Law |
Download the Saudi Criminal Procedure Law (PDF) and read the official text
The official, amended text is published on the portal of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers, where you can read the articles with their amendments and view the original instrument. The portal's main text is in Arabic.
Read and download the official text
We always link to the official portal rather than a saved copy, because laws are amended and the authoritative version is the current one.
What the law covers
- General provisions and the criminal action
- Evidence-gathering, arrest and search
- Investigation, detention and release
- Trial and judgments
- Appeals against judgments
- Enforcement
Who needs it
- The accused and their family from the first summons or arrest
- Victims claiming their private right
- Anyone who wants to know the limits on police and prosecutors
Our guides to this law
- Saudi Criminal Procedure Law
- Unlawful Arrest and Search in Saudi Arabia
- The Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia
- The Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia
Frequently asked questions
Can I download the Saudi Criminal Procedure Law as a PDF?
Yes, from the law's page on the Bureau of Experts portal, which is the official source of the current, amended text.
How do I find the latest amendment?
The law's page on the portal shows its status, the amended articles and the instrument for each amendment, so check it before relying on an older copy.
Does reading the law replace a lawyer?
The text tells you your rights, but applying it to your facts means reading the documents and the deadlines. At Usus Law Firm the first consultation is free.
This page introduces the law and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer on your case. The reference is the current official text.
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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