Criminal Court Guide: What You Need to Know Before Any Legal Step
The Criminal Court in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most important pillars of the judicial system, with jurisdiction over criminal cases that affect the security of society or the rights of individuals. This guide offers a simplified explanation of this court's jurisdiction, the types of cases it hears, the differences between it and other courts, and the points litigants should know.
What Is the Criminal Court?
The term Criminal Court Guide refers to the set of information that any individual or entity needs in order to deal with the court competent in criminal cases in Saudi Arabia. The Criminal Court is the judicial body competent to hear cases relating to criminalized conduct punishable under the regulations.
The Criminal Court’s jurisdiction includes crimes of bodily harm, cybercrimes, fraud, narcotics, serious traffic offenses, and other acts that affect the security of individuals and society.
Is the Criminal Court competent in your case?
Use the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen to request a general legal consultation that clarifies the appropriate competent body for you.
Who Is Covered by the Cases in the Criminal Court Guide?
The parties who may turn to the Criminal Court vary, and include:
Individuals
Citizens or residents, either as complainants or as defendants in criminal cases
Companies and institutions
When harmed by crimes such as embezzlement, or victims of cybercrimes such as electronic defamation.
Government bodies
In cases of assault on public facilities or breach of trust in state agencies.
Public Prosecution
The body that represents society and the state, and undertakes investigating crimes and bringing cases before the court.
Private claimant
Where a person was harmed by the crime and has a direct right to claim compensation.
These parties turn to the Criminal Court either to seek justice, or to respond to allegations directed against them in a criminal context.
Is the General Court Suitable for Your Case? Compare Before Filing Your Lawsuit
Sometimes the General Court is not the competent body, and the case is referred to the specialized court according to the type of dispute, as the following table shows the difference between the General Court, the Commercial Court and the Personal Status Court:
| Court | When Is It Used? | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Court | When there is a crime that calls for punishment | Crimes, criminal offenses |
| General Court | If there are financial claims without criminal suspicion | Civil rights lawsuits |
| Personal Status Court | In family and guardianship cases | Marriage, divorce, custody |
In cases of overlap, a court without jurisdiction may refer the case automatically to the competent court, but this may delay deciding it.
Real-Life Examples Under the Criminal Court Guide
To understand how the Criminal Court works in practice, the Criminal Court Guide offers examples of real cases showing how procedures unfold from the start of the case until the judgment is issued. The examples below show what happens in the criminal court when hearings of different cases begin:
- A physical assault occurred between two people in a public place.
- The victim reported it to the police.
- The police went to the scene and recorded the incident in an official report.
- The case was referred to the Public Prosecution.
- The accused was interrogated and evidence was collected.
- The case was brought before the Criminal Court.
- During the hearings, videos and witness testimonies were presented.
- The court issued a judgment of reconciliation and financial compensation for the victim.
- An individual was subjected to abuse on a social media platform.
- He submitted a complaint through the "Kullona Amn" app.
- The Public Prosecution opened a digital investigation.
- It summoned the suspect and reviewed the abusive conversations.
- The Prosecution referred the file to the Criminal Court.
- A hearing was held in the presence of the accused.
- The accused presented his defenses.
- The court considered the nature and extent of the content.
- It issued a suspended prison sentence and a financial fine.
- A young man was arrested during a routine security search.
- A prohibited substance was found in his possession.
- He was referred to the Public Prosecution for investigation.
- Medical tests confirmed the use.
- The case was submitted to the Criminal Court.
- The court reviewed the circumstances of the incident and the situation of the accused.
- The court decided to place him in a rehabilitation and treatment program instead of issuing a traditional penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Criminal Court
What is the Criminal Court and what is its role?
It is the judicial body competent to hear criminal cases within the Kingdom, and it decides crimes of various kinds, from theft, assault and defamation to cybercrimes.
What is the difference between the "criminal" court and the "penal" court?
There is no fundamental difference in the Saudi context, as both terms are used to describe the court that hears criminal cases. The official Arabic term is “al-Mahkama al-Jaza’iyya” (the Penal Court), commonly rendered in English as the Criminal Court.
What are the Criminal Court's procedures?
A case before the Criminal Court usually goes through the following stages:
- Investigation: It begins with a report or an arrest and the Public Prosecution’s investigation of the circumstances of the crime.
- Referral: The case is referred to the court if the Prosecution sees grounds that call for trial.
- Hearings: Hearing dates are set, and the parties are summoned to give their statements and defenses.
- Presentation of evidence: Documents, testimonies and other evidence are reviewed.
- Judgment: The court issues its decision according to the facts and regulations.
- Appeal: There is a right to object to the judgment within the period set by regulation.
You can refer to the Criminal Court Guide to understand each stage in more depth.
How long does a case take in the Criminal Court?
The duration of a case varies by type of crime and its complexity, but it often goes through several stages:
- Investigation: from days to weeks depending on the nature of the crime.
- Referral and setting the hearing: within two weeks to a month.
- Hearings: may be decided in one hearing or extend for months if complex.
- Judgment: usually issued within a month of the last hearing.
- Appeal: must be filed within 30 days of receiving the judgment.
What papers are required to appear before the court?
The national ID, a copy of the complaint, and any documents or evidence related to the case (medical reports, photos, witnesses…).
What are the rights of the accused during trial?
Among the rights of the accused during the trial are the right to defense, to request a lawyer, to deny the charges, to present witnesses, and to object to judgments by appeal.
How can I appeal a Criminal Court judgment?
An appeal memorandum must be submitted within the legal period (often 30 days from receiving the judgment), through the Najiz portal.
How do I prepare for a criminal court hearing?
To prepare effectively for a Criminal Court hearing, it is advisable to follow these steps:
- Review the details of the case: understand the charge or allegation made and what is required of you.
- Prepare the necessary papers: such as the national ID, a copy of the complaint, medical reports, official documents, or any evidence that supports your position.
- Respect the appointments: make sure you attend on time, as absence may lead to a judgment in absentia or legal action against you.
- Psychological and behavioral readiness: remain calm and respectful in the hearing, and be prepared to answer questions or present your defenses clearly.
What happens if I do not attend the hearing?
The court may issue a judgment in absentia or postpone the hearing, and in some cases an arrest warrant may be issued if the absence is without excuse.
You can submit your general inquiry directly and contact us, and you will be directed to the most legally appropriate step.
If the dispute is complex, or there is overlap between jurisdictions, or you are not sure which judicial body is most suitable, requesting a general legal consultation may help you make the right decision without bearing the legal consequences of filing the lawsuit in the wrong place.
To ensure the lawsuit is filed before the competent court and to avoid delays in procedures, you can submit your general question via the WhatsApp button