Criminal defense lawyer in Barcelona

PRELIMINARY.— Criminal Law

An arrest, a complaint, a trial that can change your life. In criminal law there is no room for improvising: every hour counts, and every word you say without a lawyer is recorded in the police report (atestado) and can be used later in the proceedings.

If you’ve been arrested, the first thing you need to know is this: Article 520 of the Criminal Procedure Act gives you the right to remain silent, not to plead guilty, and to choose a lawyer you trust. Use it.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’ve been arrested, let’s talk.

FIRST.— How I can help

Arrests and duty shifts 24/7
Assistance to detainees at the police station and the duty court, from the first statement to the judge’s decision on your freedom.

Property crimes
Theft, robbery, fraud, squatting.

Gender-based violence
Specialised duty lawyer scheme, on both sides of the process.

Crimes against the person
Injuries, threats.

Road safety
Drink driving, drugged driving, speeding, driving without a licence.

Juvenile law
Juvenile jurisdiction.

Prison law
Prison supervision, leave, appeals.

SECOND.— I defend and I prosecute

I defend people under investigation or accused, and I act as private prosecutor for victims. In both cases the starting point is the same: knowing what happened and what the evidence really says, whether in the police report, the medical report or the expert opinion.

If you are a victim, you have the right to be informed about how the proceedings are progressing, to protective measures, and to join the case as a party to support the prosecution (Crime Victims’ Statute, Law 4/2015).

THIRD.— The stages of criminal proceedings

a) Arrest and first statement. This is the most delicate moment, because what is said conditions everything else.
b) Investigation. The court investigates the facts. Steps can be requested in favour of the suspect, precautionary measures can be challenged, and the personal situation can be worked on.
c) Oral trial. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, it is handled as a minor offence, fast-track trial, abbreviated procedure or before a higher court. It can end in a plea agreement or in a judgment after evidence has been heard.
d) Appeals. Against the judgment or against decisions made during the proceedings.
e) Execution of the sentence. Serving it, substitution of penalties, and everything concerning prison matters.

Knowing which stage you are in lets you tell which decisions are urgent and which can wait.

FOURTH.— What you can achieve

a) Having evidence obtained without legal guarantees thrown out.
b) A plea agreement with the lowest possible penalty, when the evidence is solid and you prefer to close the case.
c) A full defence at trial, when there is room for an acquittal or a reduced sentence.
d) Less burdensome precautionary measures and, where appropriate, avoiding pre-trial detention.
e) If you are a victim, having your safety protected and obtaining the reparation you are entitled to.

FIFTH.— Duty lawyer or lawyer of your choice

a) The duty lawyer scheme (turno de oficio) is a way of appointing a lawyer; it doesn’t mean it’s free.
b) Free legal aid is granted according to your means. If it is denied, we explain how to appeal in this article (in Spanish).
c) You can always choose a lawyer you trust. If you choose me, we discuss fees at the first consultation, which is free.

SIXTH.— Why me

I’m the lawyer who doesn’t judge you, I defend you. And if you are the one who has suffered the crime, I stand by you with the same commitment.

I am accredited by the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB) for the specialised duty schemes in Gender-Based Violence, Juvenile Law and Prison Law, and active in all three areas: Barcelona city, Llobregat and Besòs. I handle arrests in Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Badalona, Sant Adrià de Besòs, El Prat de Llobregat and Sant Boi de Llobregat. I work in Spanish, Catalan and English.