Articles
You can stay silent, answer only your lawyer or give a statement only before the judge. We explain when each option makes sense and how the courts treat silence.
Prison sentences of up to two years can be suspended if certain requirements are met. We explain what they are, how long the suspension lasts and what can lead to it being revoked.
What being a suspect involves, the rights you have, whether you are obliged to attend and what may happen after your statement in court.
Missing a trial or a court summons has different consequences depending on whether you are the accused, the complainant, a suspect or a witness. We explain them and what to do if you cannot attend.
Accepting the sentence at the duty court cuts it by one third, but it has consequences you should understand before you sign.
The law sets very short time limits for speedy trials and trials for minor offences. We explain when the trial is held, when judgment is given and when it becomes final.
A fine and points, or a driving ban of one to four years: we explain, band by band, what happens depending on your reading and how to shorten the time without a licence.
Detention time limits, rights, measures under the Juvenile Justice Act, parents’ liability and what to do if your child is arrested for a computer crime.
The penalty under article 383 of the Criminal Code, when refusal is only an administrative offence, what happens with the second test or the drug test, and what to do if you cannot blow.
When a positive test is a crime, the penalties under article 379.2 of the Criminal Code and how the speedy trial works at the duty court, including plea agreements, your licence and criminal record.
Crimes become time-barred after 1 to 20 years depending on the penalty, and some never do. The periods in Art. 131 CP, how they run and when they stop.
Theft, online fraud and robbery top the crime figures in Alicante, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry’s Crime Report for January to June 2026.
Pre-trial detention is a precautionary measure before trial; a final sentence is a definitive penalty. Requirements, time limits and appeals in Spain.
Arrested at Alicante-Elche airport? Ask for a lawyer and an interpreter and say nothing without advice. We explain your rights and what happens next.
Tourist arrested or reported in Alicante? You are entitled to an interpreter, your consulate and a lawyer. What can happen and how to get back home.
A trial for a minor crime and a speedy trial are not the same. We explain time limits, penalties, whether you need a lawyer and how to appeal in Spain.
Minor offences (faltas) were abolished in 2015: today there are minor, less serious and serious crimes. What changes in penalties, records and procedure.
The presumption of innocence means the prosecution must prove the facts. What it guarantees in Spain, how it applies at each stage and what you should do.
Arrested in Spain? You have the right to remain silent, to a lawyer and to an interpreter. Time limits, your rights and what to do, step by step.
