If you are recently struggling with a charge of theft in the UAE, you may be wondering about the level of punishment for the crime and what constitutes legal theft in the country.
Below we will talk you through everything you need to know about the punishment for theft in UAE, what constitutes the crime of theft, and the various levels of UAE punishment for theft.
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What is meant by Theft in the UAE?
Under the UAE Penal Code, federal law No. 3 of 1987 describes theft as the “wilful misappropriation of property with the intention to own property.” In plain language, theft is when a person takes another person’s legally owned property without the other person’s consent.
However, there is a difference in UAE law between the act of theft and the act of stealing. In the UAE, the crime of theft combines the act of stealing with the use of coercion or force to make the victims leave their homes or other locations. Because of this, the penalties for theft in the UAE are harsher than for those for straightforward stealing.
Examples of theft include embezzling funds, shoplifting, burglarizing, and online theft.
What is the UAE Punishment for Theft?
When it comes to punishment for theft in UAE, the country adopts a zero-tolerance position toward crimes committed in the country. However, the level of punishment for theft in the UAE will vary according to the severity of the offense.
UAE Punishment for Theft with Life Sentences
An offender who is found guilty of committing any of the following types of theft will face life imprisonment.
- When theft is committed at night.
- When theft is committed by more than one perpetrator.
- When perpetrators commit theft while armed.
- When theft is committed with threats, duress, and physical force.
- The theft uses techniques such as scaling a fence or wall, breaking into a building, impersonating someone else, or creating fake keys.
- When theft is committed on a public road.
- Theft is committed while using a mode of transport.
Penalties for Theft in the UAE for Theft on Company Property
If an employee commute theft on company property or does so to the detriment of their employer, then a sentence with a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 7 years can be imposed.
UAE Punishment for Theft in Public Places
Offenses of theft committed at transit hubs or places of worship, or while the perpetrator is posing as a public official can result in a sentence of one year or more in prison.
Penalties for Theft in UAE in Restaurants and Hotels
If you leave a hotel or restaurant without paying the bill you can face a maximum of 6 months in prison or a fine of 5,000 Dh.
UAE Punishment for Theft by Signature Fraud
If a perpetrator signs a deed or forces someone else to sign it using force and duress, they may face a brief jail sentence when prosecuted.
Punishment for Theft in UAE for Misappropriated Property
If someone either wilfully, or accidentally misappropriated another person’s property as their own, they can face a prison sentence of up to two years or will have to pay a fine of 20,000 Dh.
Aggravated Theft under the UAE Penal Code
The extent of the theft charge and punishment for theft in UAE will be influenced by whether the act is classified as a “misdemeanour theft” or “aggravated theft.”
- Misdemeanour theft may result in monetary penalties or up to a year in prison.
- Aggravated theft can result in longer prison terms ranging from 2 to 15 years.
Examples of Aggravated Theft include:
- Theft using dangerous weapons.
- Causing harm to others during a theft.
- Theft committed at night.
- Theft committed by an employee.
Who to Contact for Legal Advice Regarding Penalties for Theft in the UAE
if you or a family member is currently facing penalties for theft in UAE, you will need to contact an experienced and expert law firm to help you through the process. Sara Advocates and Legal Consultants are a well-established law firm in Dubai that will provide you with all of the advice, information, and representation you require through the court system in Dubai.
Our affordable and accessible service has a 97% success rate with experience of over 3,000 cases. Get in contact today for a consultation to discover how we can help you.
