Being arrested, investigated or summoned to court in a foreign country is one of the most stressful experiences imaginable. Spanish criminal procedure moves fast, the paperwork is in Spanish, and decisions taken in the first hours can shape the entire case. Our criminal defence team represents foreign nationals throughout the process — in English, from the police station to the final verdict.

What we do

• Police station and detainee assistance, including out-of-hours emergencies in Granada and the surrounding area.
• Defence during the investigation (instrucción): declarations before the court, challenging evidence, seeking early dismissal.
• Trial defence in fast-track trials (juicios rápidos) and ordinary proceedings, and appeals against convictions.
• Specific experience in drug offences, assault and injuries, threats, theft and robbery, fraud, gender violence cases and road traffic offences (drink-driving, driving without a licence).
• For victims: filing a criminal complaint (denuncia) and pursuing compensation as private prosecution.
• Criminal record certificates and cancellation of Spanish criminal records once legal time limits have passed.

Your rights if you are arrested in Spain

Under Spanish law, from the moment of arrest you have the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer present at any statement, the right to an interpreter, and the right to have your consulate informed. The single most important rule: do not make any statement without a lawyer present. Police statements made «to clear things up quickly» are the most common — and most damaging — mistake foreign detainees make.

How the Spanish criminal process works

A complaint or arrest opens an investigation phase before an investigating judge, who gathers evidence and decides whether the case goes forward or is dismissed. Less serious offences are often channelled into a fast-track trial, where a negotiated agreement (conformidad) can reduce the sentence by one third. Serious cases proceed to a full trial, with appeal routes afterwards. At every stage there are real opportunities to defend yourself — an investigation is not a conviction, and no criminal record arises unless there is a final conviction.

We believe you should know what your legal representation costs before you commit. The in-person consultation at our Granada office is 60 €, and before we take on any case we give you a clear written quote and agree the terms together — no hidden charges, no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I am arrested in Spain?

Ask for a lawyer immediately and use your right to remain silent. Statements made to the police without legal advice can seriously damage your defence. You are entitled to an interpreter and to a lawyer from the very first moment. Contact us — or have a friend or the police contact us — as soon as possible.

Will a criminal investigation give me a criminal record in Spain?

No. A criminal record (antecedentes penales) only arises from a final conviction. Being reported, investigated or even standing trial does not create a record, and if the case is dismissed or you are acquitted, no record exists. After a conviction, records can be cancelled once the legal time limits have passed.

What is a juicio rapido (fast-track trial)?

It is an accelerated procedure used for common offences such as drink-driving or driving without a licence. Everything moves very quickly — sometimes within days — so getting a lawyer involved immediately is essential, especially where a negotiated agreement (conformidad) could reduce the sentence by one third.

Can the case against me be dismissed before trial?

Yes. During the investigation phase the judge can close the case (archivo or sobreseimiento) if there is insufficient evidence. An active defence from the start — challenging evidence and presenting your version properly — significantly increases the chances of an early dismissal.

Do you assist detainees outside office hours?

Yes. We have an out-of-hours emergency line for criminal matters, including police station assistance for people detained in Granada and the surrounding area.

Arrested or under investigation? Act now

In criminal matters, time is your most valuable asset. Contact us today and speak to a criminal defence lawyer in English — we will tell you honestly where you stand and what we can do.

Also in English: all our services for expats · divorce & family law · business law. Full Spanish version: abogado penalista en Granada.