If you or a family member has been arrested in Spain, it is important to understand the situation before making decisions, signing documents or giving statements.
What should you do if you are arrested in Spain?
If you are arrested or someone close to you has been detained, you should try to remain calm and gather the most important information as quickly as possible.
Useful information includes:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Nationality
- Passport or ID details, if available
- Police station or court location
- Date and approximate time of arrest
- Reason for the arrest, if known
- Any document received from the police or court
- Contact details of a family member or trusted person
Do not sign documents you do not understand
Foreign nationals may be asked to sign police or court documents in Spanish. If you do not understand the content, you should request legal assistance and, where necessary, interpretation.
Signing a document without understanding it may create confusion or cause problems later in the proceedings.
Can you speak to a lawyer in English?
Yes. Foreign clients can seek legal assistance in English to understand the Spanish criminal process, their rights and the possible next steps.
Depending on the case, legal assistance may involve reviewing police or court documents, explaining the situation to the client or family, coordinating urgent action and preparing the next procedural steps.
Common situations involving arrests in Spain
We can assist foreign clients in matters involving:
- Drink-driving offences
- Public order incidents
- Domestic disputes or accusations
- Minor assaults or fights
- Theft or shoplifting accusations
- Drug-related police matters
- Court summons following an arrest
- Criminal records and immigration consequences
How we can help?
We can help you understand what has happened, review available documents, explain the Spanish criminal process in English, assess possible risks and coordinate the next legal steps.