OA
OMAR ALOUANE
Cabinet Me. OMAR ALOUANE•Casablanca
professional career and 21 years of experience
Criminal Law
Arabic · French · English
Direct contact only
Criminal Law Lawyers in Morocco
56 lawyers listed in Criminal Law on AvocatLib
21 years of experience
Maître Hamza HICHAMI
Cabinet Me. Maître Hamza HICHAMI•Casablanca
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.
Business LawLabor LawCriminal Law+27
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Morad Ahsissene
Cabinet Me. Morad Ahsissene•Tetouan
Maître Morad Ahsissene, a lawyer at the Tetouan Bar, has been practising for 12 years and assists individuals and companies with legal advice and the defence of their interests before the Moroccan courts. His practice covers in particular family law, labour law, civil, real estate, commercial and criminal law. He also assists Moroccans residing abroad and international clients with their formalities and proceedings in Morocco. The firm favours attentive listening, clear explanations and rigorous, personalised follow-up. Discussions may be held in French, Spanish, Arabic or English.
Family LawCriminal LawLabor Law+13
French · Arabic · Spanish · +1
Direct contact only
marouane rghioui
Cabinet Me. marouane rghioui•Marrakech
Our law firm assists and defends individuals, professionals and companies in their legal and litigation matters. Together with my associates, we practise mainly in criminal law, civil law, business law and commercial law, favouring a rigorous, responsive approach tailored to each case. Our commitment: to provide every client with attentive listening, precise legal advice and an effective defence of their rights and interests, both in negotiations and before the courts.
Family LawDivorceChild custody & support+31
French · Arabic · English · +2
Direct contact only
عبد المنعم الرفاعي
Cabinet Me. عبد المنعم الرفاعي•Tangier
Lawyer at the Tangier Bar since 2000, admitted to practise before the Supreme Court, arbitrator accredited by the Ministry of Justice
Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+35
French · Arabic · Spanish
Direct contact only
محمد حلي
Cabinet Me. محمد حلي•Nador
Lawyer at the Nador Bar Association Member of the Young Lawyers Association of Nador Holder of a Master's degree in Business Law
Family LawCriminal LawReal Estate Law
French
Direct contact only
OMAR EL KAMALI
Cabinet Me. OMAR EL KAMALI•Casablanca
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.
صفاء الإدريسي الشرفي
Cabinet Me. صفاء الإدريسي الشرفي•Temara
The law firm of Maître صفاء الإدريسي الشرفي, Doctor of Laws and attorney in Témara, was founded on a professional vision combining a human approach in dealing with clients with legal rigour in defending their rights and safeguarding their interests. Facing various challenges and disputes, whether family disagreements, professional and commercial litigation, or cases relating to reputation and standing, the firm is committed to studying each file carefully, identifying the available legal options, and devising a defence strategy suited to the specific nature and requirements of each case.
Criminal LawFamily LawLabor Law+24
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Abdelaziz SKAREB
Cabinet Me. Abdelaziz SKAREB•Casablanca
A lawyer at the Casablanca Bar, Maître Abdelaziz SKAREB places his expertise and know-how at the service of individuals and businesses. Background & Areas of expertise: With solid legal training and several years of practice (28 years), he works mainly in: Business law / Labour law Family law / Civil law / Social law Real estate law / Criminal law.
Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+31
French · Arabic · Spanish · +1
Direct contact only
Abderrahmane Faitah
Cabinet Me. Abderrahmane Faitah•Marrakech
As a lawyer in Marrakech, we are pleased to inform all our clients and partners that we carry out our duties with the utmost seriousness. Together with our team, we ensure rigorous follow-up of our files, combining a high level of professionalism and commitment, which makes our firm the ideal choice
Business LawCriminal LawReal Estate Law+27
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Hassan El Yazidi
Cabinet Me. Hassan El yazidi•El Jadida
A lawyer since 1993 and a member of the El Jadida Bar since 2015, holder of a doctorate in law and admitted to practise before the Court of Cassation. With more than thirty years of legal practice and representation before the Moroccan courts, I handle civil law, commercial and business law, real estate law, family and matrimonial law, and administrative law. I provide legal advice, representation and the defence of my clients' interests throughout the national territory, favouring effective legal solutions tailored to each situation.
Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+5
French · Arabic · English · +2
Direct contact only
Sayame Faher
Cabinet Me. Sayame Faher•Casablanca
Maître Sayame Faher, Avocate at the Casablanca Bar, assists individuals and companies in matters of legal advice and litigation. Founder of the Cabinet d’Avocats FAHER in 2019, she practises in various fields of Moroccan law and assists her clients in analysing their legal issues, finding suitable solutions and defending their interests. Maître Sayame Faher receives her clients by appointment at her office in Casablanca and offers assistance in French, Arabic and English, thereby meeting the needs of a Moroccan and international clientele.
Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+35
French · English · Arabic · +2
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
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.
Find a Lawyer by City
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.
Find a criminal lawyerOther Practice Areas
Discover all areas of Moroccan law
Updated on