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العربية
Law and justice

Criminal Law

Criminal law is a branch of law that encompasses the rules and regulations enforced by the State, with the aim of maintaining public order and public safety. These laws define criminal offences and set out the penalties for their violation. In Lebanon, criminal law is structured to address various forms of unlawful conduct, ensuring justice and deterrence through criminal sanctions.

Lebanese criminal law classifies offences into different categories based on their nature and severity, including:

  • Offences against persons: These include acts that cause harm—or the threat of harm—to an individual’s physical or psychological integrity. Examples include murder, manslaughter, assault, battery, and kidnapping. These are considered among the most serious offences and are subject to severe penalties.
  • Offences against property: These include theft, robbery, forgery, vandalism, and unlawful entry/burglary. They generally involve the illegal taking, damage, or destruction of property, and are prosecuted to protect the property rights of individuals and businesses.
  • Drug-related offences: Lebanese law imposes strict penalties for drug trafficking, possession, and use. Offences involving the production, distribution, and consumption of narcotics are treated with particular severity as part of broader efforts to combat drug-related crime.
  • Corruption and economic crimes: These include bribery, money laundering, forgery, and embezzlement. Such offences are often committed by individuals in positions of responsibility and are heavily penalized to preserve trust in both the public and private sectors.
  • Sexual offences: These include rape, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and child abuse. Lebanese criminal law treats these offences with the utmost seriousness due to the significant harm they cause to victims and society.

At Azzi Law Firm (ALF), we provide high-level legal advice and extensive experience in defending and representing clients across a broad range of criminal matters. Whether you are facing allegations involving violent offences, economic crimes, or any other criminal charge, our team is committed to delivering the most effective defense strategy available. We protect our clients’ rights firmly and represent them rigorously to achieve the best possible outcome in complex legal situations.