Spanish criminal law guides in English
Practical guides from our criminal law team: what the law says, how the courts of the Balearic Islands apply it and what you can do. They are general guidance: for your own case, call us.
Summoned by a Spanish criminal court: what to do
Summoned by a Spanish criminal court? What investigado means, witness summonses, attending from abroad by videoconference and the risk of ignoring it.
Updated 12 November 2026 Drink driving & trafficRefusing a breath test in Spain: what the law says
Refusing a breath or drug test in Spain is a crime under article 383: prison of six months to a year, a driving ban, the second test and medical reasons.
Updated 12 November 2026 Victims of crimeRobbed or pickpocketed in Palma or Ibiza: what to do next
Pickpocketed or robbed on holiday in Mallorca or Ibiza? How to report the theft, cards, phones, insurance and claiming if the thief is caught.
Updated 12 November 2026 Arrest & police custodyDuty lawyer or private lawyer after an arrest in Spain?
Duty lawyer or private lawyer after an arrest in Spain? How the duty system works, free legal aid for foreigners, who pays and how to change lawyer at any time.
Updated 12 November 2026 Drug offencesCannabis laws in Spain: what tourists and residents need to know
Cannabis laws in Spain explained for tourists and residents: private use, fines for public use, growing, cannabis clubs, selling and driving after smoking.
Updated 12 November 2026 Domestic violenceBreach of a restraining order in Spain
Breaching a restraining or protection order in Spain is a crime under article 468: penalties, why the partner's consent does not help, and how it is defended.
Updated 12 November 2026Speak to an English-speaking criminal lawyer today
Tell us what has happened by phone, WhatsApp or email. We will explain the charge, the evidence and your options in plain English, and what we would do next to protect your liberty and your record.