If you are facing criminal charges in Spain, finding the right criminal lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. Spain has a specialised criminal justice system with its own procedures, institutions and legal culture.
What does a criminal lawyer in Spain do?
- Police station assistance during questioning — ensuring rights are protected from the first moment.
- Judicial investigation: reviewing the file, challenging unlawful evidence, contesting pre-trial detention.
- Oral trial: cross-examining witnesses, challenging expert reports, presenting the defence.
- Appeals: before the Audiencia Provincial, Supreme Court, or Constitutional Court.
The Spanish criminal court system
- Juzgado de Instruccion: investigates criminal cases and deals with minor offences.
- Juzgado de lo Penal: tries less serious crimes.
- Audiencia Provincial: tries serious crimes at the provincial level.
- Audiencia Nacional: handles terrorism, drug trafficking, organised crime and financial fraud nationally.
- Tribunal Supremo: Spain’s highest criminal court, cassation appeals and trials of officials.
What to look for in a criminal lawyer in Spain
- Exclusive focus on criminal defence — specialists outperform generalists in complex cases.
- Track record in your type of case — drug trafficking, sexual offences, fraud each require specific expertise.
- Experience in the relevant court — procedural knowledge that others lack.
- 24-hour availability — arrests happen at any hour.
- English-speaking capability — essential for foreign nationals.
English-speaking criminal lawyers in Spain: RINBER Abogados
RINBER Abogados is a Spanish criminal defence firm with over 25 years of experience. Based in Malaga with offices in Madrid and Marbella, we represent Spanish nationals and foreign clients throughout Spain, including before the Audiencia Nacional and the Supreme Court. Our team handles drug trafficking, sexual offences, homicide, fraud, organised crime and cybercrime.
Contact us now: +34 627 467 043 (available 24 hours).
Reconocimientos editoriales
★ Ganadores del Premio Editorial Información Legal 2026
Ganador Editorial 2026
Javier Rincón Bernal
Abogado Penalista — Socio Director
📍 Málaga, Granada, Madrid, Sevilla, Córdoba
⚖️ Narcotráfico · Agresión Sexual · Homicidio
Ver reconocimiento en Información Legal →Ganador Editorial 2026
Manuel Rincón Bernal
Abogado Penalista — Especialista en Extradición
📍 Málaga, Granada, Madrid, Marbella, Murcia
⚖️ Extradición · Blanqueo de Capitales · Narcotráfico
Ver reconocimiento en Información Legal →