Criminal Cases in the Sultanate of Oman
Complaints · Investigation · Trial · Appeal — legal review based on the stage of the case
Dr. Sarhan & Dr. Said Al-Risi Law Firm & Legal Consultancy provides legal services relating to criminal cases in the Sultanate of Oman, including reviewing complaints, charges and documents, preparing memoranda and defences, and following up on procedures according to the nature and stage of the case.
People searching for a criminal lawyer in Oman are usually looking for legal help after receiving a summons, facing a charge, or being the victim of a crime that calls for filing a complaint. The appropriate step depends on the person’s position in the case, the facts and the available evidence.
You can contact the office to request an appointment to discuss how the documents will be reviewed and to set the appointment details.
Law Firm & Legal Consultancy
Licensed branch: Sohar
Company registration: certificate of incorporation of a civil law firm, registration No. 374, issued by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. This number is not presented as the professional registration number of any individual lawyer.
Criminal Lawyer Services
Reviewing a criminal file involves identifying the relevant facts and documents, examining the initial legal characterisation of the matter, and preparing memoranda and applications within the scope of the power of attorney and the lawyer’s authority.
Reviewing complaints and reports
Understanding the incident, the competent authority and the available papers.
Examining charges and evidence
Reviewing documents and identifying facts that need clarification or proof.
Preparing memoranda and defences
Drafting applications and legal responses suited to the stage of the case.
Following up on investigations
Following up on procedures and applications under the Criminal Procedure Law and applicable rules.
Following up on the trial stage
Reviewing case papers, hearings and decisions within the permitted scope of representation.
Reviewing the judgment and appeals
Examining the grounds of the judgment and whether a legal route of appeal and its deadlines are available.
Types of Criminal Cases
Criminal cases differ according to the act attributed to the accused and the provisions that govern it. Determining the legal characterisation requires reviewing the facts, since not every financial or contractual dispute becomes a crime simply because a complaint has been filed.
Fraud and breach of trust
These matters may involve obtaining money by fraudulent means, or disposing of money that a person received in trust. Correspondence, transfers, contracts and the nature of the handover are reviewed to distinguish a civil dispute from conduct that may amount to a crime. People often search for a “fraud lawyer” for this service.
Theft and offences against property
Property offences require reviewing the nature of the property, its possession, the circumstances of the incident and its evidence. The legal characterisation varies according to the elements the investigation establishes.
Assault and bodily harm
These cases may involve physical harm and injuries, along with related medical reports or witness statements. Each file is examined according to its circumstances and the available evidence, distinguishing criminal liability from any claim for compensation.
Cybercrime
This covers acts that may be committed through information technology, such as online fraud, extortion and attacks on data. The specific provisions are set out in the Cybercrime Law issued by Royal Decree 61/2026, and digital evidence is reviewed in context before any step is taken.
Narcotics and psychotropic substances
These cases are governed by a special law and vary according to the type of act, the circumstances, the evidence and the procedures taken. Reference is made to the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law issued by Royal Decree 67/2026, and no single ruling should be assumed to apply to every case.
Financial and public office offences
These may raise issues of bribery, embezzlement or other offences connected with public funds and public office. They are governed by the Omani Penal Code, taking into account its amendments issued by Royal Decree 66/2026.
The Lawyer's Role at Each Stage of a Criminal Case
The legal work changes with the stage the case has reached, and not every case passes through the same stages. The Criminal Procedure Law governs the rules on the case, investigation, trial and appeal, and its provisions in force and amendments must be reviewed.
Complaint and evidence gathering
Reviewing the complaint, the facts and the documents that may affect their legal characterisation, and identifying what information still needs to be completed.
Investigation before the Public Prosecution
Studying the available papers and decisions, and drafting applications and defences in line with the rights and procedures set by law.
Trial
Reviewing the charge, evidence and papers, and preparing the necessary memoranda and pleadings according to the court’s jurisdiction and the lawyer’s level of registration.
Judgment and appeal
Reviewing the judgment and determining whether the legal conditions for an appeal are met, taking into account the deadline for each route.
The name Public Prosecution is now used following the change of name by Royal Decree 80/2026.
Documents That Help in Reviewing the Case
There is no single list that fits every case. You can prepare whatever is available of the following before the appointment:
- Complaint or summons: the complaint number and the name of the authority handling the matter.
- Records or decisions: copies of official papers lawfully received.
- Contracts and financial documents: receipts, transfers and correspondence related to the dispute.
- Medical reports: where the incident involves injury or assault.
- Digital evidence: messages and digital records related to the incident, without altering their content.
- Judgment or hearing notice: if the case has reached court or a judgment has been issued.
Avoid sending sensitive documents via WhatsApp as a matter of course; this number is for administrative contact and appointment requests.
The Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case
Criminal case
A criminal case concerns an act that the law criminalises, and the Public Prosecution conducts the public action within its jurisdiction.
Civil case
A civil claim concerns a demand for a private right, the performance of an obligation, or compensation for harm.
A single incident may give rise to both a civil and a criminal matter, but not every breach of contract should be assumed to be a crime.
Legal Information on Criminal Cases
The Penal Code sets the basic rules on offences and penalties, while the Criminal Procedure Law governs the procedures for the case, investigation, trial and appeal. Special laws apply to the matters they regulate, each within its own scope.
Where the Service Is Provided in Muscat
The firm’s head office is in Al Udhaybah North, Wilayat of Bawshar, Muscat Governorate. If you are looking for a criminal lawyer in Muscat, you can contact the office to request an appointment and identify the papers needed for the review.
For approved location and contact details, see our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Cases
When can I request an appointment to review a criminal case?
You can get in touch to request an appointment after receiving a summons, when there is a complaint or charge, or when you want to file a complaint about an incident you suspect is a crime. Reviewing the documents and facts helps identify the possible step depending on the type of case and the authority handling it.
Does the lawyer's work differ between investigation and trial?
Yes. During the investigation, the focus is on the papers, applications and procedural rights set by law, while the trial stage involves reviewing the charge, evidence, memoranda and pleadings. The extent of the lawyer’s attendance and representation depends on the legal provisions, the power of attorney and the level of professional registration.
Is every financial dispute a fraud case?
No. A financial dispute may arise from a contract, a debt or a failure to perform an obligation, which alone is not enough to treat it as a crime. The characterisation depends on the acts, the evidence and the legal conditions, so contracts, correspondence and transfers should be reviewed before deciding on the right path.
What documents should I bring to the case review?
It is best to bring the summons or complaint number and any records or decisions received, along with contracts, correspondence, receipts, medical reports or digital evidence depending on the nature of the incident. Not all of these documents are required; any additional papers are identified after the initial review of the file.
Can compensation be claimed for harm connected with a crime?
A claim for compensation may arise if harm occurs and the conditions of legal liability are met. The route for the claim varies with the type of incident, the procedures and the applications filed. The matter requires distinguishing between the penalty prescribed for the crime and the private right to compensation.
Request an Appointment to Review a Criminal Case
To arrange an appointment to review a criminal case, you can use the firm’s approved contact channels. The appropriate documents and the review method are determined by the nature of the request.
Email: info@lawfirmoman.com
Before getting in touch, you can read our appointment policy to learn how appointments and their dedicated channels are organised.
Disclaimer
This page introduces the service and provides general legal information. It does not constitute a legal opinion tailored to any specific incident.