Police station assistance and fast-track criminal proceedings in Velez-Malaga

How a lawyer can help you 

Legal assistance at the police station

A detainee is entitled to be informed of the allegation, receive legal assistance, speak privately with a lawyer and decide whether to answer questions or remain silent. A person who does not understand Spanish is entitled to an interpreter, and foreign nationals may also have consular communication rights.

We review the information available, check that procedural safeguards are respected, advise before any interview and intervene in the investigative steps in which defence counsel is legally entitled to participate. The decision whether to give a statement depends on the police file and the circumstances of the case.

What are fast-track proceedings?

Spanish fast-track proceedings, known as a juicio rápido, apply to certain offences when the statutory requirements are met and the initial investigation can be concentrated before the duty court. They are common in drink-driving, driving without a valid licence, breaches of restraining orders, theft, assault, threats and other apparently straightforward cases.

Fast does not mean unimportant. Statements may be taken, documents filed, investigative measures requested, interim restrictions imposed and a plea agreement discussed within a very short period. The defence must therefore arrive at court properly prepared.

Plea agreements: when they may and may not be appropriate

In some fast-track cases, admitting the facts and accepting the proposed sentence may make the statutory reduction available. A plea agreement is not automatic, however, and it is not always the best option.

Before accepting, the lawyer should check whether the facts legally amount to the offence, whether the evidence is sufficient, whether mitigating factors apply, whether the sentence may be suspended, what criminal record will result and what compensation is being accepted. Immigration, employment, driving and professional consequences must also be considered.

Interim measures and urgent decisions

The duty court may consider restraining orders, communication bans, temporary driving disqualification, reporting obligations or, in the most serious cases, remand in custody.

The defence should promptly provide relevant information about residence, employment, family responsibilities and personal circumstances so that any measure can be assessed for necessity and proportionality. When representing a victim, we help document the risk and request appropriate protective measures.

Documents and information to prepare

Where possible, gather the summons, complaint, medical reports, insurance policy, photographs, video, messages, receipts and witness details. If the person is detained, a relative can provide information about medication, address, employment, dependants and any previous convictions.

Do not delete messages or alter files. The integrity and source of digital evidence may be as important as its content.

Doubts you may have