Article 17 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes
المادة 17 من النظام الجزائي لجرائم التزوير · الفصل الرابع تزوير المحررات أولاً: الصور العادية
The article punishes anyone who knowingly uses an expired judgment, judicial order or power of attorney to create the impression that it is still valid, so that an effect results, with imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
من استعمل حكماً أو أمراً قضائياً أو وكالة صادرة من جهة مختصة انتهت صلاحيتها، وكان عالماً بذلك، وقاصداً الإيهام بأنها لا تزال حافظةً لحجيتها النظامية، وترتب على هذا الاستعمال إثبات حقٍّ أو إسقاطه أو حدوث ضررٍ للغير؛ يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز سنة وبغرامة لا تزيد على مائة ألف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 17 explained in plain English
This article deals with an act that does not involve altering the document itself, but using a genuine document whose validity has expired as if it were still in force. The documents covered are:
- A judicial judgment or judicial order.
- A power of attorney issued by a competent authority.
The offense arises only when all of these conditions are met:
- The validity of the judgment, order or power of attorney has expired.
- The user is aware that its validity has expired.
- He intends to create the impression that it still retains its legal authority.
- The use results in establishing or extinguishing a right, or in harm to others.
The penalty is:
- Imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.
- And a fine of up to SAR 100,000.
- Or either of these two penalties.
This article differs from the preceding Article 16 on forgery in attendance and departure records, and from the following Article 18 on forging a historical document; here there is no alteration of the document, but its use after its validity has expired.
Anyone harmed by the use of an expired power of attorney or judgment, or facing an accusation of this, is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
Fahd was his brother's agent for selling his car under a power of attorney whose term had ended. Knowing this, he presented it to a buyer as still valid, sold the car and received the price. The article's conditions were met: an expired power of attorney, knowledge that it had expired, intent to create the impression that it was valid, and harm to others as a result. His penalty is imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 17 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes
What is the penalty for using an expired power of attorney?
Imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either, if the user knew it had expired, intended to create the impression of its authority, and a right was established or extinguished or harm to others resulted.
Is someone who uses an expired power of attorney without knowing it had expired punished?
The text requires that the user knew its validity had expired.
Does the article cover court judgments?
Yes. It covers a judicial judgment or order whose validity has expired and which is used under the conditions in the article.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.