Common Doubts in Stages of Criminal Proceedings

Similarly, it is important to have in mind that Spain has different criminal procedures. Depending on which one you take, the proceedings can be shorter or longer. For example, with cases involving gender violence, the procedures tend to be known by the name “quick trial”. These tend to be resolved in a few months, for the majority of cases.

The three phases of criminal proceedings

In general, criminal proceedings tend to be divided into three phases. Investigation is the first phase. Here, the events are investigated to discover what happened. This is done to check if the facts are considered to be “criminal”, and if they constitute one of the different types of crimes described by the criminal code.

Following this is the second phase called the intermediary phase. Here, theprosecution documents are presented (by the victims and/ or the Prosecutor) and defence (by the defendant).

The last is the phase in which the trial is held.

The second problem many of our clients face

A common question, which our clients present to us as criminal lawyers in Spain, refers to the application of precautionary measures. Specifically, the measure of “custody” by the Spanish Courts. Among the elements which the judges consider for the implementation of this measure, is the severity of the crime, the risk of re-offending and the risk of escape. In this case, we have found that being a foreign national sometimes plays against the client. This is because, in any case, there would be a greater risk of fleeing for foreign citizens.

For example, we must consider the fact that that the offender may reside in a country without an extradition deal with Spain. It is evident, therefore, that in this case the foreigner could avoid justice by returning to their home country.

In reality, each case is different, and it is important to have in mind each possible outcome of a situation before choosing the route to take, as a general one cannot be applied. Cases such as these are taken extremely seriously by the Spanish Court of Law, and it is important to seek advice from a criminal lawyer should you be faced with a similar case. For example, a measure of imprisonment fixed by an investigative judge in Barcelona can face the Court of Appeal of Barcelona through the appellate (or appeals) procedure.

Why choose us?

For all cases, the best way to reach a resolution, for the client, is to hire a good criminal lawyer who will prepare the proceedings.

For more information from our criminal lawyers, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Disclaimer: This information in this article is not definitive, for up to date legal advice which is relevant to your case, please contact our lawyers directly.