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First-time DUI with drug possession under the new law: Fine, jail, or both?

Hi,

My friend was driving under the influence of drugs and was found in possession of a small quantity (first-time offender).

According to the new law, will there be a fine, imprisonment, or both?

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Rashid Khalil Obaid Advocates and Legal Consultancy
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3 Jan 2025, 02:16

Hello,

According to the prevailing law, he will be subjected to a fine and imprisonment according to the charges imposed on him by the officials.

If you want, we can prepare the defense and submit it before the authorities in order to remove the imprisonment.

We will discuss the procedures in detail.

Kindly share your WhatsApp number if you want to discuss this further.

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Al Hajeya Alnoobi Advocates and Legal Consultants
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3 Jan 2025, 04:45

Hello,

Under UAE law, driving under the influence of drugs is considered a serious offence and is dealt with harshly, particularly when coupled with possession of a controlled substance.

The Law on Crimes and Punishments explicitly states that driving under the influence of drugs or psychotropic substances is punishable by both imprisonment and a fine.

The minimum fine is AED 20,000, but courts have the discretion to impose higher fines depending on the circumstances of the case.

In addition, the offender's driving licence may be suspended for a period ranging from one to three years, and the vehicle may be impounded.

Possession of even a small quantity of drugs is also a criminal offense under the same law. It provides for penalties, including imprisonment, for possession, even for personal use, particularly if it occurs alongside other offenses such as driving under the influence.

As a first-time offender, your friend may have grounds for leniency, but this is entirely subject to the discretion of the court.

The court typically considers the offender's conduct, the nature of the drugs, and the circumstances of the offense when determining the punishment.

It is advisable for your friend to seek legal representation promptly, as navigating such charges requires a thorough understanding of UAE law and procedure.

If you would like assistance with this matter or further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Al Fahad Legal Consulting
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3 Jan 2025, 06:05

Dear Questioner,

Thanks for your inquiry!

In short, your friend faces significant legal consequences for both driving under the influence of drugs and possessing a small quantity of drugs.

The penalties may include imprisonment, fines, and suspension or revocation of their driver's license.

While being a first-time offender may not entirely eliminate the penalties, it could potentially lead to some leniency depending on the case's specifics.

I highly recommend that your friend consult with us as a qualified criminal lawyer in the UAE to ensure the best possible outcome for the case.

Please feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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3 Jan 2025, 06:41

In the UAE, driving under the influence of drugs is a serious crime, the driver may face fines of up to AED 20,000. Penalties can also include imprisonment for up to 6 months.

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London Center for Legal Consultancy Office
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3 Jan 2025, 07:10

Under UAE law, driving under the influence of drugs and possessing a small quantity of drugs is punishable by imprisonment, and fines may also apply.

However, since your friend is a first-time offender, there might be reduced penalties based on the circumstances.

For further details, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp. We specialize in these matters and are ready to provide full support.

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Dar Al Haqooq Legal Consultancy
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3 Jan 2025, 07:51

Dear Client,

Thanks for your question! I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.

Under the new UAE traffic law effective March 29, 2025, your friend faces serious consequences for driving under the influence of drugs and drug possession.

For driving under the influence, penalties include imprisonment and/or fines of AED 30,000 to 200,000, plus a six-month license suspension.

Drug possession carries up to six months imprisonment or fines between AED 20,000 and 100,000. As a first-time offender, rehabilitation may be an option, but the court could impose both imprisonment and fines given the law's stricter approach.

Thanks & Regards,

ABDUL WAHIED

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Khalid Alsarookh Advocates and Legal Consultants
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3 Jan 2025, 16:15

Based on Federal Law No. 30 of 2021 regarding the Combatting of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in the UAE, the penalties for drug consumption for the first time may include imprisonment for no less than three months or a fine ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000.

However, the final sentence will be determined by the judge, taking into account the circumstances of each case.

You should appoint a lawyer with expertise in these matters who can represent your friend in court and present legal defenses in an attempt to reduce the sentence based on the facts presented.

I can assist in handling the case and working towards the best possible outcome.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss this further and proceed with representation.

Best regards,

Omar Mosaad

Senior Legal Consultant

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Sara Alsaedi Advocates and Legal Consultants
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4 Jan 2025, 08:07

Dear Sir,

Greetings of the day!

According to UAE law, driving under the influence of drugs is considered a serious offense and can result in both fines and imprisonment.

The penalties for this offense are outlined in Federal Law No. 21 of 1995, also known as the UAE Traffic Law.

If your friend is a first-time offender, they may face a fine of up to AED 20,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to six months.

In addition, their driver's license may be suspended for a period of up to one year. If your friend is found to be in possession of drugs, they may face additional penalties under the UAE's drug laws.

Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can result in imprisonment for a period of up to ten years and/or a fine of up to AED 100,000.

It is important to note that the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the discretion of the judge.

We are prominent in handling criminal cases and have been doing so for a long time. We offer services to represent your matter before the court of law.

4 Jan 2025, 08:08

Sara Al Saedi Advocates and Legal Consultants

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Amiri Advocates & Legal Consultants
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5 Jan 2025, 14:23

It depends on the weight of the quantity.

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Ibrahim Al Banna Advocates & Legal Consultants
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6 Jan 2025, 13:25

Thank you for reaching out with your question!

Under the UAE laws, driving under the influence of drugs and possession, even in small quantities, is treated as a serious offense.

While the new amendments to the law may allow for leniency in certain first-time possession cases, driving under the influence typically attracts stricter penalties, including both fines and imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Since your friend is a first-time offender, the court may consider mitigating factors, but it is essential to approach this case carefully to minimize penalties and explore the possibility of rehabilitation options where applicable.

I would recommend discussing the full details of the case to provide tailored legal advice and assistance.

Please feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone to discuss this matter further.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana

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Mohamed Bakheet Advocates & Legal Consultants
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8 Jan 2025, 21:13

Imprisonment and fine.

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