Criminal Law in Morocco

Criminal Law in Morocco

Find an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights within the Moroccan criminal justice system.

Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure Key legislation

Criminal Law Lawyers in Morocco

41 lawyers listed in Criminal Law on AvocatLib

SL
8 years of experience

Safa Larhmich

Cabinet Me. Safa LarhmichTangier

A lawyer at the Tangier Bar, I assist individuals, professionals and companies with their legal procedures as well as in the defence of their rights and interests. My approach is based on listening, rigour and tailored legal support, with particular attention paid to a thorough understanding of each case and to the search for strategic and appropriate solutions. Areas of practice: * ⚖️ Family law & family litigation (Divorce in all its forms, separation, maintenance, custody) * 👶 Judicial kafala & civil status (Kafala procedures for abandoned children, filiation, civil status registrations and rectifications) * 🏠 Real estate and land law * 🏢 Commercial and business law * 💼 Labour law and social litigation * 🛡️ Insurance law and compensation * ⚖️ Criminal law * ⚡ Summary proceedings and urgent measures * 📊 Tax litigation and tax law * 📑 Law of contracts and obligations * 🏛️ Civil law and general litigation * 👩‍⚖️ Representation and defence before the courts My commitment is to offer every client support based on seriousness, confidentiality and responsiveness, whether it is a matter of preventing a dispute, securing a legal transaction, negotiating an amicable settlement or ensuring a rigorous defence before the courts. 📍 Address: Rue Abi Dardae, Imm. Tajmil, 7th floor, No. 40, Place des Nations, Tangier – Morocco 📞 Telephone: +212 661-173770 📧 Email: Safaa.larhmich@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://avocatelarhmich.com/ 💳 Means of payment: Cash, Bank transfer, Cheque

Criminal LawFamily LawLabor Law+32
French · Arabic
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
Mohammed Ghouzlani
16 years of experience

Mohammed Ghouzlani

Cabinet Me. Mohammed GhouzlaniTemara

I am a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience spanning civil, commercial, criminal, administrative, labor, and corporate law. Every case I handle receives meticulous attention, with my client’s best interest and legal protection as my absolute priority. I welcome collaboration with respectful and serious clients who seek quality legal work, timely execution, and complete confidentiality. My goal: To be the trusted legal partner who safeguards your rights and simplifies your matters. May Allah make every step easy

Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+27
Arabic · English
Direct contact only
رشيد داود
5 years of experience

رشيد داود

Cabinet Me. رشيد داودTemara

Maître Rachid Daoud is a lawyer in Témara, registered with the Bar of Rabat, and has been practising since 28 April 2021. He also holds a doctorate in law, obtained in 2026 with the distinction “Très honorable, avec recommandation de publication” (Highly honourable, with recommendation for publication). He assists individuals and professionals in several areas: family law, real estate, commercial, labour, civil, criminal and administrative law. He also acts in judicial proceedings, enforcement and seizures. The firm assists clients in Témara, Skhirat, Aïn Atiq, Aïn Aouda, Rabat and the surrounding areas.

Family LawCriminal LawLabor Law+1
French · Arabic · English · +2
Direct contact only
Chama Haloui
10 years of experience

Chama Haloui

Cabinet Me. Chama HalouiCasablanca

Founded in 1974 by her father, the late Maître Mohamed HALOUI, the law firm of Maître Chama HALOUI carries on a commitment to the service of justice in Morocco. His career, marked by his dedication to justice and to those who seek it, was honoured by His Majesty the King, who appointed him in 2017 as a member of the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power. Continuing this legacy, the firm of Maître Chama HALOUI assists individuals and professionals within a practice founded on rigour, availability and the quality of the support provided. The firm attaches particular importance to listening and ensures that each client receives personalised legal assistance, as well as constant attention, moral support and a relationship of trust, which are especially valuable during the often difficult stages of judicial proceedings.

Family LawCriminal LawLabor Law+1
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Me. MOHAMED HOUZMALI
5 years of experience

Me. MOHAMED HOUZMALI

Cabinet Me. Me. MOHAMED HOUZMALINador

A lawyer registered with the Nador Bar since 2021, I specialise in business law, commercial law, family law, real estate law and criminal law

Criminal LawReal Estate LawBanking Law+32
Arabic · Amazigh
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
مروان مرابيط
9 years of experience

مروان مرابيط

Cabinet Me. مروان مرابيطNador

A lawyer registered on the Roll of the Nador Bar Association, I practise mainly in the fields of business law, criminal law, family law, real estate law and commercial law. Drawing on experience acquired over several years of professional practice, I provide advice, assistance and representation to my clients before the competent courts, as well as handling the various legal issues falling within my areas of specialisation.

Criminal LawBusiness LawReal Estate Law+12
French · Arabic · English · +2
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
OMAR EL KAMALI
6 years of experience

OMAR EL KAMALI

Cabinet Me. OMAR EL KAMALICasablanca

Omar ElKamali "Expert Legal Representation in Morocco" Welcome to El Kamali Omar Cabinets d'avocats, a reputable law firm based in Morocco. We provide comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Moroccan law, our team of dedicated lawyers is here to guide and represent you in various legal matters. Whether you need assistance with corporate law, criminal defense, family law, or any other legal issue, we are here to help. At El Kamali Omar Cabinets d'avocats, we prioritize client satisfaction and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our personalized approach ensures that each case is handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. Trust us to protect your rights and provide sound legal advice. "Contact Us Today" +212649536439 Bussines Lawyer - Avocat au barreau de Casablanca. Passionate about commercial litigation. Passionate about business governance and bussines administration. Omar Elkamali Lawyer at the Casablanca Bar 30 years. a young graduate with a basic diploma in private law (2016) and a diploma in Business Administration from Jean Monnet University _ Saint-Étienne. and I also have a diploma in journalism and communication in 2013 (leisure). When I graduated in 2011, I joined the Faculty of Legal, Social and Economic Sciences in Casablanca to obtain a degree in private law. I also have training in mediation and arbitration of international and national disputes, involving companies... My dedication to business management encouraged me to pursue my AES degree at ESIG. - Work : Mastery of litigation file management (recovery actions, evacuation actions, work accident files, etc.) etc) . Mastery of procedures for recovering civil and commercial debts (bad checks, unpaid bills, etc.). Mastery of formal notice procedures, requests, letters of incorporation, requests for notification made to bailiffs, etc. For any help: Payment by check is accepted. Tel: +212 0649536439 - 0616363899 Email: maitreomarelkamali@gmail.com

Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+12
French · Arabic · Spanish
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
Zakaria Belkasseh
10 years of experience

Zakaria Belkasseh

Cabinet Me. Zakaria BelkassehCasablanca

Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Sciences (Private Law) – French Section, awarded in 2013, Maître Zakaria BELKASSEH also holds a Master’s degree in Legal Sciences – Business Law Option, with the grade « Bien », from the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences – Rabat Agdal – Université Mohammed V in 2015 In February 2016, he was sworn in and registered with the Casablanca Bar Association, placing his know-how and his constant determination to succeed at the service of the clients of CABNET BELKASSEH LAW FIRM, in order to provide them with a quality service that meets their expectations and requirements.

Criminal LawBusiness LawLabor Law+4
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
OA
21 years of experience

OMAR ALOUANE

Cabinet Me. OMAR ALOUANECasablanca

professional career and 21 years of experience

Criminal Law
Arabic · French · English
Direct contact only
Tarfouss Ayoub
8 years of experience

Tarfouss Ayoub

Cabinet Me. Tarfouss AyoubTangier

I am Maître Tarfouss Ayoub, lawyer at the Bar of Tangier, doctor of law and visiting university professor at the Faculty of Law. I am also pursuing doctoral research in collaboration with the Faculty of Law of Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, in the field of comparative law between Morocco and Spain. In the course of my career, I have collaborated with several law firms in Spain, which has allowed me to gain experience in matters with an international dimension and in legal support between Morocco and Spain. I practise mainly in business law, arbitration and dispute resolution, assisting individuals, companies and investors with rigour, confidentiality and efficiency

Business LawCriminal LawFamily Law+30
French · English · Arabic · +2
Direct contact only
Maître Hamza HICHAMI
6 years of experience

Maître Hamza HICHAMI

Cabinet Me. Maître Hamza HICHAMICasablanca

Maître Hamza HICHAMI is a lawyer in Casablanca and practises within his own firm, where he assists a clientele made up of individuals, professionals and companies with their various legal issues. He acts both in advisory matters and in litigation, bringing to each case an analysis suited to its nature and to the interests at stake for his clients. His practice covers several areas of law and relates in particular to legal support, the drafting and analysis of deeds and contracts, as well as the defence and representation of his clients’ interests before the competent courts. He also handles disputes and seeks legal solutions adapted to the situations entrusted to him. Maître Hamza HICHAMI assists his clients through the various stages of their proceedings, from the analysis of their situation and the identification of legal risks to the implementation of appropriate solutions. He pays particular attention to understanding each case, preparing procedures and following up on matters, in order to ensure consistent and structured handling. Maître Hamza HICHAMI bases his practice on rigour, availability and confidentiality. His approach favours a relationship of trust with his clients and a precise understanding of their needs, with the aim of providing them with serious, clear legal support adapted to the particularities of each situation.

Family LawCriminal LawWhite-collar crime+13
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
MB
11 years of experience

Mounia Boujabha

Cabinet Me. Mounia BoujabhaTemara

The Law Office of Maître Mounia Boujabha, registered with the Rabat Bar, assists individuals, professionals and companies with their legal formalities and judicial proceedings in Morocco. Located about 10 minutes from the centre of Rabat, the office practises in particular in Rabat, Casablanca and Témara, in several areas of law: family law and divorce, criminal law, real estate and land law, commercial and company law, labour law, administrative law and litigation. The office also assists Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) as well as international clients facing a legal issue in Morocco. Communication can be conducted in French, Arabic, English and German. Each case is the subject of a legal analysis tailored to its situation, with support in advice, negotiation, procedures and litigation.

Family LawCriminal LawReal Estate Law+34
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only

The Moroccan criminal justice system: between tradition and modernization

Moroccan criminal law holds a central place in the Kingdom's legal architecture. Partly inherited from the French protectorate era, it has undergone deep transformations since independence, seeking a balance between the requirements of a modern rule of law and the values unique to Moroccan society. The 2011 Constitution marked a turning point by enshrining the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition of arbitrary detention as fundamental rights.

Today, the Moroccan criminal system faces considerable challenges: combating new forms of crime, including cybercrime and money laundering, while safeguarding individual freedoms. Successive reforms of the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure reflect this commitment to continuous adaptation. For anyone facing criminal proceedings, understanding this system and engaging a competent criminal lawyer is not a luxury — it is an absolute necessity.

The legal framework of Moroccan criminal law

Moroccan criminal law rests on two foundational texts. The Penal Code, promulgated by the Dahir of November 26, 1962, and reformed several times since, defines offenses and sets applicable penalties. It distinguishes three categories of offenses by severity: petty offenses (contraventions), misdemeanors (délits), and felonies (crimes). Each category follows its own rules regarding limitation periods, jurisdiction, and procedure.

Petty offenses are the least serious infractions, punishable by fines or short prison sentences not exceeding one month. They fall under the jurisdiction of first-instance courts sitting as police courts. Misdemeanors, of intermediate gravity, are punishable by imprisonment ranging from two months to five years and/or fines exceeding 1,200 dirhams. They are tried by first-instance courts in their correctional division. Felonies, the most serious offenses, carry sentences from five years' imprisonment to life, and in certain cases prescribed by law, the death penalty. They fall under the jurisdiction of criminal chambers within the courts of appeal.

The Code of Criminal Procedure, thoroughly overhauled by Law 22-01 which came into force in October 2003, governs the conduct of criminal proceedings from the preliminary investigation through to the execution of sentences. This text significantly strengthened defense rights, notably by introducing the right to legal counsel from the earliest hours of police custody — a major advancement over the former code. It also more strictly regulated the powers of the judicial police and the public prosecutor's office.

Territorial jurisdiction of criminal courts is determined by the place where the offense was committed, the defendant's place of residence, or the place of arrest. Morocco also has specialized courts: military tribunals for offenses committed by military personnel, and chambers of the Court of Cassation for cases of particular sensitivity. Since the judicial reform, the courts of appeal play a central role in handling serious criminal cases.

When to consult a criminal lawyer in Morocco

Consulting a criminal lawyer is essential from the very first contact with judicial authorities. In the event of police custody, Moroccan law has guaranteed since the 2003 reform the right to legal counsel from the first hour. This right is no mere formality: the lawyer's presence during custody ensures that the suspect's fundamental rights are respected, that police reports accurately reflect statements made, and that any form of coercion is prevented. An experienced lawyer will immediately identify procedural irregularities that could lead to the nullification of evidence.

The formal charging stage, when the investigating judge officially notifies an individual of the charges against them, is a pivotal moment in criminal proceedings. The lawyer plays a decisive role: accessing the investigation file, requesting additional investigative acts, and if necessary, challenging pretrial detention before the correctional chamber. Similarly, filing a criminal complaint requires a precise legal strategy that only a criminal law professional can effectively develop.

The areas requiring a criminal specialist's intervention are numerous: defense in conventional crimes and misdemeanors, of course, but also cybercrime — rapidly expanding in Morocco and governed by Law 07-03 supplementing the Penal Code — press offenses under the 2016 Press and Publishing Code, economic and financial crimes, and drug-related offenses. Each of these fields demands sharp technical expertise and thorough knowledge of case law.

Common criminal procedures in Morocco

Police custody (garde à vue) is often the starting point of criminal proceedings. Governed by Articles 66 and following of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it is limited to 48 hours, extendable once by 24 hours with authorization from the King's Prosecutor. In terrorism or state security cases, these periods may be extended further. During this time, the judicial police officer conducts investigations under the supervision of the public prosecutor. The detainee has the right to contact a lawyer, to be examined by a doctor, and to inform a relative of their situation.

The preliminary investigation (instruction préparatoire), conducted by the investigating judge, is mandatory for felonies and optional for misdemeanors. The investigating judge is an independent magistrate who gathers evidence both for and against the suspect. They may conduct interrogations, confrontations, searches, seizures, and order expert assessments. They also decide on pretrial detention or provisional release. The investigation concludes with either a committal order to the trial court or a dismissal order.

The trial takes place before the competent court according to the nature of the offense. Hearings are in principle public, unless the court orders proceedings in camera to protect public order or morality. The defendant benefits from the presumption of innocence and the right to mount a free defense. The lawyer presents arguments after the public prosecutor's submissions, and the court renders its judgment on the same day or at a later date set in advance.

Avenues of appeal are essential in the Moroccan criminal system. An appeal, brought before the court of appeal, allows a complete re-examination of the case on both facts and law. The appeal deadline is ten days from the delivery of the adversarial judgment. A cassation appeal, brought before the Court of Cassation in Rabat, concerns only questions of law: violation of statute, lack of jurisdiction, abuse of power, or inadequate reasoning. The cassation deadline is also ten days. These avenues of appeal ensure effective oversight of the quality of justice delivered.

How to choose your criminal lawyer in Morocco

Choosing a criminal lawyer is a decision that can decisively influence the outcome of a case. Several criteria deserve particular attention. Experience in criminal matters is paramount: a lawyer who regularly practices before correctional and criminal chambers masters procedural subtleties that a generalist may overlook. Review their track record, areas of specialization, and, if possible, references from former clients.

Responsiveness is a crucial factor in criminal law. Police custody allows only a few hours for intervention. Your lawyer must be reachable quickly and able to travel to the police station or prison at very short notice. Finally, effective presence in court is an indicator of professionalism: a good criminal lawyer knows the magistrates, court clerks, and practical workings of each jurisdiction. This familiarity with the judicial landscape is an invaluable asset for defending your interests. On AvocatLib, you can compare verified criminal lawyer profiles in your city and contact them directly.

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Lawyers specialized in Criminal Law across Morocco

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Law in Morocco

What are my rights during police custody in Morocco?
During police custody in Morocco, you have the right to contact a lawyer from the first hour, to be examined by a doctor, to notify a family member, and to remain silent. The maximum duration is 48 hours, extendable by 24 hours with authorization from the King's Prosecutor. In terrorism cases, these periods may be extended. Any confession obtained under duress is null and void under the Code of Criminal Procedure (Law 22-01).
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Moroccan criminal law?
The Moroccan Penal Code distinguishes three levels of offenses. Petty offenses (contraventions) are minor infractions punishable by fines. Misdemeanors (délits) carry imprisonment from two months to five years and/or fines exceeding 1,200 dirhams, tried by first-instance courts in their correctional division. Felonies (crimes) are the most serious offenses, carrying sentences from five years' imprisonment to life. They are tried by the criminal chambers of the courts of appeal.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Morocco?
Fees for a criminal lawyer in Morocco vary depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the competent court. For police custody assistance, expect generally between 3,000 and 8,000 dirhams. Defense before a correctional court ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 dirhams, and a criminal case may cost 30,000 to 100,000 dirhams or more. Low-income individuals may qualify for legal aid.
Can you appeal a criminal judgment in Morocco?
Yes, Moroccan law guarantees a two-tier court system in criminal matters. An appeal must be filed within ten days of the delivery of the adversarial judgment. The court of appeal re-examines the case on both facts and law. After the appeal ruling, a cassation appeal is possible before the Court of Cassation in Rabat, but only on questions of law (violation of statute, inadequate reasoning, lack of jurisdiction).
What should I do if I am a victim of a criminal offense in Morocco?
If you are a victim of a criminal offense, you can file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie, or submit a complaint directly to the King's Prosecutor. You also have the option of joining the proceedings as a civil party (partie civile) to seek compensation for damages suffered. A criminal lawyer will help you build a strong case, gather the necessary evidence, and navigate the judicial process to effectively assert your rights.

Find your criminal lawyer in Morocco

Browse profiles of lawyers specialized in criminal law, compare their experience, and get in touch directly. Your defense starts with choosing the right lawyer.

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