If you are accused of a crime or face criminal charges, you should entrust your defence to a criminal lawyer of your choice.

If you are arrested by national, regional or local police or the Guardia Civil, you have the right to appoint a lawyer: call a criminal lawyer of your choice.

Although you have the right to a state-appointed lawyer, you should be aware that police officers and judges must allow up to 8 hours for the arrival of a lawyer of your own choice.

If you are called to make a statement in a police station, or in court, phone a criminal lawyer of your choice immediately.

You have the right to remain silent at the police station and only make a statement, if you wish to do so, in court.

Often it is best to make a statement in court rather than at the police or guardia civil station, because your lawyer is entitled to speak to you both after police procedures and before making a statement in court. Furthermore, your lawyer is allowed to read the court proceedings provided that they have not been declared secret.

Don't feel intimidated by the police or guardia civil.

a) Under no circumstances should you make a statement if your lawyer is not present.
b) Do not sign anything if your lawyer is not present
c) If you are subjected to aggression, physical abuse, threats or coercion, file a Habeas Corpus petition.
d) If you think that you have been arrested unlawfully or for no justifiable reason, file a Habeas Corpus petition.
e) Ask to be examined by a doctor if you are injured, suffering from a mental problem, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
f) Tell your lawyer about any irregularity that you may have detected during your detention.

Keep any document which may help your defence or any data which may be useful in the identification of witnesses.

Do not leave your defence for the last minute: the first few hours and days of criminal proceedings (testimonials, procedures, statements, medical examination, etc.) are fundamental for a successful defence.

Remember that you are entitled to not incriminate yourself.

Bear in mind that criminal charges, proceedings or accusations may lead to you being sent to prison, as well as the seizure of your goods and property, and possible ruin for you and your family.

If you, anyone in your family or a friend is involved in criminal proceedings, remember that criminal lawyers are specialised in defending people and that by exercising your right to be defended by a lawyer, they can find the best possible solution to your problem.

If you have been the victim of a crime, a criminal lawyer can initiate a PRIVATE PROSECUTION in court and file a complaint against the people who committed the crime.

A criminal lawyer filing a PRIVATE PROSECUTION can request a series of precautionary measures against the person who has aggrieved you, including: arrest, deprivation of liberty, release on bail, seizure of goods, search of house or company, etc.

A criminal lawyer acting in a PRIVATE PROSECUTION can ask the magistrate to declare the proceedings secret or request the monitoring of communications (telephone, Internet, mail, etc.)

A lawyer acting in a PRIVATE PROSECUTION can propose that the magistrate requests evidence from witnesses, forensic experts, the claimant and the defendant, as well as documentary evidence, etc.

Your lawyer will claim the maximum possible restitution to which you are entitled under the terms of civil liability.