Criminal Procedure Law
Said Ibrahim Ambusaidi Advocates (SIA) in Muscat represents clients at every stage of criminal proceedings in Oman under the Criminal Procedure Law, Royal Decree 97/99: from evidence-gathering, arrest, and investigation before the Public Prosecution, to trial, appeal, and cassation before the Supreme Court, and matters of execution of judgments.
What we handle
- Attending with the client during evidence-gathering and Public Prosecution investigation
- Procedural defenses: nullity of arrest, search, and confession
- Bail applications and alternatives to pre-trial detention
- Trial advocacy before the criminal courts at every degree
- Appeals and cassation before the Supreme Court
- Execution objections and post-judgment applications
Why does the first stage of a criminal case matter most?
The fate of many criminal cases is decided before anyone reaches a courtroom. During evidence-gathering and investigation, the statements and evidence on which the charge will rest are fixed, and the Criminal Procedure Law, Royal Decree 97/99, sets precise controls on arrest, search, and interrogation at this stage.
That is why we attend with our client from the first summons: we monitor the legality of each step, protect the right to silence and to freedom from coercion, and document any violation so we can raise it as a defense at trial. A successful challenge to an essential procedure can bring down the evidence derived from it, and that battle is won by early vigilance, not late regret.
How do we handle pre-trial detention and bail?
Pre-trial detention is an exceptional measure that the Criminal Procedure Law surrounds with defined controls and periods; it is not an advance punishment. When a client is detained, we immediately examine the order's legality and grounds and file bail applications with the competent authority, supported by what negates the justifications for detention, from a fixed place of residence to the absence of flight risk or risk of tampering with evidence.
We renew the application at every stage where detention comes up for review, because what is refused today may be granted tomorrow as circumstances change or the investigation completes. Throughout, we keep the client's family informed of his position and their visitation and contact rights.
How do we challenge criminal judgments?
A first-instance judgment is not the end of the road. The Criminal Procedure Law, Royal Decree 97/99, organises the challenges available against judgments, from appeal before the Court of Appeal to cassation before the Supreme Court, each with strict deadlines after which the right lapses.
We review the judgment and its reasoning line by line for grounds of challenge: error in applying or interpreting the law, deficient reasoning, or violation of the right of defense, then draft and argue the challenge. We equally act for parties seeking to uphold a judgment in their favour, and handle execution objections and what arises after the judgment becomes final.
Frequently asked questions
The Public Prosecution summoned me. Should I bring a lawyer?
Yes, and the earlier the better. What is recorded in the investigation minutes shapes everything that follows, and a lawyer's presence protects your rights: monitoring the legality of the procedures, preventing your words being taken out of context, and guiding you on what to answer and where to reserve. Contact us before the appointment on +968 9706 3030 so we can review the position with you and attend with you.
What is the difference between evidence-gathering and investigation?
Evidence-gathering is the initial collection of information about the crime and its perpetrators, carried out by judicial police officers. Investigation is conducted by the Public Prosecution: parties are questioned, evidence is assembled, and the case is either referred to court or closed, under the Criminal Procedure Law, Royal Decree 97/99. Each stage has its own safeguards, and we stand with you through both.
A relative is in pre-trial detention. What can we do?
A bail application can be filed with the authority reviewing the detention order, supported by grounds that rebut its justifications, and renewed whenever detention comes up for review or circumstances change. We start by examining the case file and its stage, then prepare the application and attend its hearings, keeping you informed of your relative's position and of visitation and contact rights throughout.
How long do I have to appeal a criminal judgment?
Challenges are bound by strict deadlines after which the right lapses, and the period differs with the type of judgment and the available challenge, whether appeal or cassation, under the Criminal Procedure Law. Do not wait: send us the judgment as soon as it is issued or comes to your knowledge on +968 9706 3030, so we can compute the exact applicable deadline and prepare the challenge in time.
Your first consultation is free
Describe your matter on WhatsApp or by phone, and we will explain your legal position before any commitment.