Criminal Defense Lawyer in Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain's second-largest city and a major international hub for tourism, business, and technology. This unique profile generates a high volume of criminal cases involving foreign nationals — from bar altercations and drug possession to sophisticated white-collar fraud in the tech sector.

Our firm provides English-speaking criminal defense across all Barcelona courts, including the Audiencia Provincial de Barcelona (Provincial Court), the Juzgados de Instrucción (investigating courts), and specialized courts for gender violence and minors. We coordinate with our Madrid headquarters to provide seamless representation.

Key areas of criminal activity in Barcelona include tourist-targeted fraud (rental scams, card skimming), drug offenses at port facilities and nightlife establishments, assault charges in entertainment districts, and an increasing number of cybercrime investigations tied to the city's tech ecosystem.

Barcelona operates within the Spanish national legal system, but Catalonia has its own civil law (Dret Civil Català) and the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Catalunya serves as the highest regional court. Criminal law, however, is exclusively national (Código Penal).

Key considerations for internationals:

• Language: Court proceedings are conducted in Spanish or Catalan. You have the right to an interpreter, but having an English-speaking lawyer who can explain nuances is essential.
• Police forces: Barcelona has three police forces — Mossos d'Esquadra (regional), Guardia Urbana (local), and Policía Nacional. Each handles different types of crime.
• Detention rights: You have the right to a lawyer from the moment of detention. Do not make any statement without legal counsel.
• Consular notification: As a foreign national, you have the right to contact your consulate. The police must inform you of this right.