A police call, a Public Prosecution summons or a bounced cheque that becomes a criminal complaint is stressful anywhere, and more so in a country whose legal system and language are not your own. As a criminal lawyer in Oman, Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants defends and represents clients from our office in Al Khuwair, Muscat, and acts throughout the Sultanate, drawing on over 20 years of experience. We also act in civil litigation: compensation claims, contractual disputes and liability cases.
When you may need a criminal defence lawyer in Muscat
- You have been asked to attend the police or the Public Prosecution to give a statement or to be questioned.
- An employee, colleague or family member has been arrested or is held in custody, and you want to apply for their release.
- A cheque you issued has been returned unpaid and a complaint has been filed, or you hold a cheque that has bounced.
- You are accused of, or a victim of, fraud, breach of trust, cybercrime (online fraud, blackmail, social media posts), assault or defamation.
- A commercial dispute with a partner or supplier has turned into a criminal complaint.
- A civil dispute over unpaid sums, a breached contract or damage caused by another party.
How we help
- Representation during investigation: attending Public Prosecution questioning with you, until the case is referred to court.
- Release applications: applying for release from pre-trial detention on a personal or financial guarantee, where the law allows.
- Defence at trial: attending hearings, filing memoranda, oral pleading, and calling and examining witnesses.
- Acting for victims: following up complaints and claiming compensation within the criminal case.
- Appeals: challenging judgments before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court where the law permits.
- Civil litigation: compensation, contractual and liability claims before the Primary Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
- Enforcement: following up the enforcement of judgments, whether in your favour or against you.
If you have lost money to an online scam, see our fraud and money recovery service.
How we work with you
- First contact: message us on WhatsApp or call to arrange a consultation, at our office or remotely. What you tell us stays confidential.
- Review: we hear your account, read the documents and explain where you stand.
- Power of attorney and plan: we set out your options and risks plainly, without promising outcomes.
- Investigation or filing: we attend with you before the Public Prosecution, or prepare and file your civil claim.
- Trial: we conduct the hearings and keep you informed, in English where you need it.
- After judgment: we appeal the judgment or pursue its enforcement.
Documents to prepare
- Your passport and residence card.
- Any summons, complaint number or decision from the police or Public Prosecution.
- For cheque cases: the cheque and the bank's notice of non-payment.
- For fraud, cybercrime or defamation: messages, screenshots, account links and transfer receipts.
- For civil claims: contracts, correspondence, invoices and evidence of your loss.
- A copy of any judgment you want to appeal or enforce.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a lawyer with me when the Public Prosecution questions me?
Yes. Oman's Criminal Procedure Law allows a person accused of a felony to be accompanied by a lawyer during the investigation, and gives the lawyer access to the case file before questioning, as the law regulates. Call a lawyer before giving any statement, and never sign one you have not fully understood.
I am an expatriate. Can a case affect my travel or residence?
It can. A pending criminal or civil case may, in some circumstances, lead to restrictions on leaving Oman, and the outcome of a criminal case can have consequences for your residence. Proceedings are in Arabic. Take advice early, before making plans.
What happens if a cheque I issued bounces?
Issuing a cheque that is not honoured can give rise to criminal liability as well as a civil claim for the amount. Settlement with the holder can affect how the case proceeds, so take advice before approaching them.
What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil claim?
A criminal case concerns conduct punishable under the Omani Penal Code or another law; the Public Prosecution pursues it and it can lead to a penalty. A civil claim is a dispute over money, compensation or a contract. The two meet when a victim claims compensation within the criminal case.
Can I appeal a judgment against me?
Where the law permits, yes, before the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court. Appeal periods are fixed by law and strictly applied, so show us the judgment immediately.
Speak to a criminal defence lawyer in Muscat
We handle every case discreetly, on the principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Message us on WhatsApp or call +968 9200 0841, or visit our office in Al Khuwair, Muscat. See also our judicial and legal representation service.
