In the official gazette "Kuwait Al-Youm," Decree-Law No. 62/2025 was published, which brings about significant changes to the Code of Procedures and Trials Law, originally enacted under Law No. 17/1960. These changes primarily focus on the objection period for convicted individuals and the process for collecting unpaid fines.

One of the most important changes in the new decree-law concerns the objection period to a verdict. According to Article 1, which replaces Articles 188 and 230, the objection period has been reduced to one week. This period begins based on the type of case:

• Misdemeanor Cases: The one-week period starts when the convicted person is notified of the verdict issued in absentia.
• Felony Cases: The period starts from the date the convicted person is arrested, provided the judgment was not previously served in person.

If the objection is not filed within this one-week time frame, the verdict can only be appealed if it is eligible for an appeal before the Court of Appeals.

The new decree-law allows for more flexibility in notifying the convicted individual. Notifications can now be sent via email or any other modern means of communication that can be preserved. If it is not possible to serve the judgment directly, the notice may be delivered to a relative, in-law, or one of the convict’s dependents at their residence. Alternatively, if these methods are not feasible, the notice can be published in the official gazette and posted at relevant locations such as the convict’s residence or workplace.

Article 230 of the decree-law introduces changes to the collection of fines. If a convicted individual does not pay the imposed fine, the fine will be recovered through compulsory execution from the convict’s assets. Additionally, the Public Prosecution has the authority to deduct monthly installments from the convict’s salary, national labor support, or pension, not exceeding one-quarter of the total amount.

The decree-law allows for flexibility in the payment of fines. Upon request, the convict may be granted an installment plan for paying the fine or deferment for a reasonable period, provided the fine is fully paid within five years. This provision can be authorized by the court president, the Public Prosecutor, or an authorized delegate.