Q: If I am caught driving under the influence, what charges do I face? Does it differ by religion?
A: Motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are punished by one month to six years imprisonment and a maximum fine of Dh30,000. This is in addition to black points (24) added on the driver's licence, and the person's vehicle will be impounded for 60 days.
Q: I am a retired Emirati and have filed a legal case against my bank, whose interest fees have skyrocketed. Although I have committed to my monthly loan payments, due to the interest, my amount owed is just not going down. The court ruled that I pay a lower total amount, thereby reducing the interest, and this is now at the enforcement stage. I understand that, at this stage, the court will ask me to make a first payment of a substantial amount before approving an instalment plan. However, since my retirement two years ago, the bank has been taking my entire salary, leaving me with zero. And since the ruling, there are salary amounts that have not yet been deducted from the total. Can I argue that this money can be used as a first payment? As I have no other income, I am unable to secure a large amount as a first payment. What can I do?
A: In light of the court's final judgment, the loan agreement is cancelled and so the bank has no right to deduct the monthly instalment as the balance amount of the loan is now due in full and that is why the bank has not taken any instalments since the date of the final judgment. You can inform the judge that you have X amount of money in your account and ask him to direct it via the Court Treasury to the bank as an advance payment. At the same time mention that you do not have any other income except your retirement salary and ask the court to direct the Retirement Department to deduct 25 per cent of your monthly retirement payment and to give it to the bank each month until the due amount is settled.
Q: Do people wearing indecent clothing in malls face any consequences under the law?
A: Wearing indecent attire is an act of public indecency punishable under Article 358 of the Penal Code. It is considered to be an intentional act of indecency. Shoppers in malls and anyone visiting public places must wear modest attire and refrain from wearing indecent clothing. Failing to adhere to rules of modesty is punishable by six months in prison under the article.
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