Is it permissible for a lawyer to defend an alcoholic to reduce his financial penalties, and what is the ruling on the money this lawyer receives?
It is not permissible to defend criminals or to argue on their behalf in a way that allows them to escape the rights or punishments they deserve, which are regulated by the , due to the generality of Allah's saying: "And do not be an advocate for the traitors" (Quran 4:105) and His saying: "And do not argue on behalf of those who deceive themselves" (Quran 4:107). The sin becomes greater if the defense and advocacy involve falsehood and the distortion of facts, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever cheats is not from me," and "Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the great sins: associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, and false speech." There is no difference in this regard between countries that apply Sharia or man-made laws. If the lawyer colludes with the transgressors to conceal them, then it is not permissible to advocate for him to invalidate the truth or establish falsehood, and the money taken in exchange for that is unlawful wealth.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 135058
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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