Criminal cases in Saudi Arabia are often complex and sensitive, involving serious crimes that threaten the safety and security of society, such as murder, rape, major financial crimes, and terrorist crimes. In these contexts, a criminal lawyer is the person most capable of providing an appropriate defense for the accused and ensuring that they receive a fair trial.
Building a strong defense in criminal cases requires a criminal lawyer to follow methodical and precise steps. These steps begin with a thorough examination of the available evidence and testimony. This requires the lawyer to review all criminal documents, such as police reports, physical evidence, and forensic medical reports. The goal of this review is to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be used to build a strong defense.
The next step in building a defense is to analyze the laws and regulations in force in Saudi Arabia related to the crime in question. The criminal lawyer must be fully familiar with Islamic Sharia, which is the main source of legislation in the Kingdom, in addition to national laws. This knowledge enables the lawyer to present legal defenses based on strong legal and Sharia foundations.
In cases such as murder, a defense may be required based on specific circumstances, such as self-defense or proving that the killing was unintentional. In these cases, the attorney will work to gather evidence to support this defense, such as witness testimony confirming that the accused was assaulted or medical reports showing defensive injuries on the accused.
In cases involving major financial crimes or terrorism, a complex analysis of financial transactions or communications that may constitute evidence against the accused may be required. The criminal lawyer carefully examines this evidence, seeking to find any gaps or errors in its collection or interpretation. The lawyer may also work with specialized experts to provide testimony to support the defendant’s defense.
During a trial, a criminal defense attorney plays a critical role in presenting legal arguments and examining witnesses. The attorney must be prepared to confront the prosecution and point out any inconsistencies in the evidence presented. Effective cross-examination of witnesses can reveal gaps or biases that affect the credibility of the testimony.
A criminal lawyer also makes motions to the court regarding trial procedures, such as requesting adjournments to gather additional evidence or making requests to reduce restrictions on the defendant. These actions are intended to ensure that the defendant receives a fair and full trial.
If a conviction is issued, the criminal lawyer's role continues with filing appeals or petitions for clemency. At this stage, the lawyer focuses on presenting new evidence or highlighting legal errors that occurred during the initial trial. The goal is to reduce the sentence or obtain a new sentence that is more favorable to the accused.
In conclusion, it can be said that the role of a criminal lawyer in Saudi Arabia is not limited to defending the accused in court, but also includes providing ongoing legal advice and working to protect the rights of the accused at every stage of the case. Hiring an experienced criminal lawyer can be the decisive factor in determining the fate of the accused and ensuring that he receives a fair trial.