How Much Does a Criminal Defence Lawyer Cost in Spain? Fees Explained (2026)
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listIn this article
lightbulbKey Takeaways
- check_circleNo fixed rate: it depends on the case
- check_circleInitial retainer (provisión de fondos)
- check_circleBudgeted by stage
- check_circleTerms in the engagement letter
Quick answer
A Spanish criminal defence lawyer's fees are not a fixed rate: they depend on the complexity of the case, the seriousness of the offence, the stage of the proceedings and the number of steps involved. The usual model is an initial retainer (provisión de fondos) plus a stage-by-stage budget, set out in writing in the engagement letter.
Need help with your case? Talk to a criminal defense lawyer at Alonso Sala.
It is one of the first questions for anyone facing criminal proceedings: how much does a criminal defence lawyer cost? The honest answer is that there is no single figure, because the fees depend on the case. This article explains, transparently, how they are calculated and what to expect from a proper quote in Spain.
What drives the cost?
The price of a criminal defence is not arbitrary: it reflects the work the matter demands. The factors that weigh most are:
- The seriousness of the alleged offence and the penalty the client faces.
- The complexity of the case: number of facts, of accused, of items of evidence and of expert reports.
- The stage of the proceedings at which the lawyer steps in (entering at the investigation is not the same as facing trial or an appeal).
- The number of steps: statements, hearings and procedural acts.
- Urgency and the existence of precautionary measures (for example, a detention or pre-trial detention).
The retainer (provisión de fondos)
When taking on a criminal matter, the usual step is to agree a retainer (provisión de fondos): an advance on account of the fees that lets the defence start at once —studying the file, preparing the strategy and taking the first steps—. The retainer is not an extra cost but a payment on account of the total, and it is set out in writing along with the rest of the terms.
Stage-by-stage budget and engagement letter
Criminal proceedings develop in successive stages (investigation, trial and appeals), and the fees are usually budgeted the same way: by stage. The client knows in advance the amount for the current stage and what continuing would involve. All the financial terms are recorded in writing in the engagement letter, the document the client signs with the firm, which avoids later surprises.
What do the fees include?
As a rule, conducting a stage of the defence covers studying the case and the file, drafting the procedural pleadings, attending statements and procedural acts, conducting the defence at the hearings and advising the client throughout that stretch. The exact scope is, again, set in the engagement letter.
Why we do not publish a fixed price
Because it would not be rigorous. Quoting a figure without knowing the offence, the stage and the complexity would be misleading: two seemingly similar cases can demand very different work —and therefore cost. A responsible quote requires knowing the case first. So, rather than a generic rate, we offer a personalised assessment.
How to get a quote
If you need to know the cost of your defence, the most useful step is to briefly explain the situation. After assessing the case, we provide a tailored quote and an engagement letter with the terms in writing. Our firm is in Madrid (Velázquez 27) and we handle cases throughout Spain.
Want to know the cost of your defence?
Tell us about your case and we will prepare a personalised quote, with the terms in writing.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a criminal defence lawyer charge in Spain?expand_more
There is no single rate. The cost depends on the complexity of the matter, the seriousness of the alleged offence, the stage of the proceedings and the number of steps (statements, hearings, appeals). A proper quote is therefore set after studying the specific case, usually with an initial retainer.
What is the retainer (provisión de fondos)?expand_more
It is an advance on account of the fees, paid when the engagement begins. It covers the start of the defence (studying the file, first steps) and, like the rest of the financial terms, is set out in the engagement letter signed with the client.
Do I pay it all at once or by stage?expand_more
In criminal proceedings the usual approach is to budget by stage —investigation, trial and, where applicable, appeals— so each stage has its own amount. The client always knows what the amount paid covers and what the next stage would involve.
What do the fees include?expand_more
Generally, studying the case and the file, drafting the procedural pleadings, attending statements and hearings, conducting the defence at trial and advising the client throughout the engaged stage. The exact scope is set in the engagement letter.
Why is there no fixed price on the website?expand_more
Because quoting a figure without knowing the offence, the stage and the complexity would be misleading: two seemingly similar cases can require very different work. A responsible quote requires knowing the case first, so we offer a personalised assessment instead.
How do I get a quote?expand_more
Simply contact the firm and briefly explain the situation. After assessing the case, we provide a quote and an engagement letter setting out the financial terms in writing, with no later surprises.
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