Fast-track trials
In a fast-track trial everything happens very quickly. We help you decide with full information and without unnecessary haste.
What it involves
A fast-track trial (juicio rápido) is an accelerated criminal procedure for offences that are simple to investigate, such as drink-driving, theft, injuries or cases of violence within the family. The police hand you a summons to the duty court (juzgado de guardia) and, within a very short time, the trial may be held or a plea agreement (conformidad) reached.
Is this your case?
- You were stopped at a checkpoint and summoned to the duty court.
- You are being offered the chance to accept the facts in exchange for a lighter sentence and don't know whether it suits you.
- You are a victim and have been summoned to give a statement at the duty court.
- You don't speak Spanish well and are worried about not understanding what you sign.
How we help
We review the police report and the evidence before your court appearance, explain your options and their consequences clearly, and negotiate with the prosecution when it makes sense. If you decide not to accept the agreement, we prepare your defence at trial. We make sure you have an interpreter and that you understand every step. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
Many fast-track trials start with a drink-driving case, and if you already have a conviction, we help you with criminal record cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a plea agreement (conformidad) in a fast-track trial?
- It means accepting the facts and the sentence the prosecution is asking for, usually in exchange for a reduction. It avoids a trial, but it means a conviction and therefore a criminal record. Before accepting it, you need to understand clearly what it involves.
- The police have given me a summons to the duty court. What should I do?
- Don't ignore it: failing to appear can make your situation much more difficult. Call us as soon as possible so we can review the police report and prepare your court appearance with you.
- If I accept a plea agreement, could I have problems renewing my card?
- Yes, it can happen. Even if the sentence is reduced, the plea agreement creates a criminal record, which can be taken into account when renewing your residence or applying for nationality. We assess it with you before you sign anything.
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A first conversation — confidential and without obligation — to understand whether we can help, and how.
We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.