Drink-driving and traffic offences
Alcohol and drug-related driving offences, and reckless driving charges ("alcoholemia", "conducción temeraria").
Criminal defence — Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Arrested or under investigation in Gran Canaria?
We are a Spanish law firm in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria that regularly assists English-speaking clients — holidaymakers, residents and visiting workers — through an arrest, a police interview, or a criminal case. Free initial consultation, no obligation.
If you or someone you know has just been arrested
- You have the right to a lawyer before answering any questions
- You have the right to remain silent
- You have the right to a free interpreter if you don't speak Spanish
- You are not obliged to explain yourself without your lawyer present
The first hours after an arrest matter more than any other stage of the case. What you say — or don't say — before a lawyer is present can shape everything that follows.
Under Spanish law, anyone detained has the right to a lawyer before making any statement, the right to remain silent, and the right to a free interpreter if you don't speak Spanish. You do not have to explain yourself to the police without your lawyer present, and you are entitled to say so.
From a police station, a case can move quickly — sometimes to a same-day or next-day hearing before a judge ("juicio rápido" for less serious offences). Getting a lawyer involved from the first phone call, rather than from the courtroom door, gives you a real say in how your case is handled from the start.
Situations we regularly handle
Not an exhaustive list — if your situation isn't here, contact us and we'll tell you plainly whether we can help.
Altercations and public order
Assault, affray, and public disorder charges arising from a night out or a dispute while on holiday.
Theft and property offences
Shoplifting and theft accusations, including cases opened against tourists before leaving the island.
Business and financial matters
Penal económico: fraud, tax, and corporate offences for expats and non-resident company directors.
Drug-related offences
Possession and trafficking charges, from a first arrest through the full procedure.
Accidents involving injury
Traffic accidents where a criminal charge follows alongside the civil claim.
How we work with clients abroad
Video-call consultations
You don't need to be on the island, or even in Spain, for the first consultation or for most of the process.
One lawyer, throughout
The person you speak to on day one stays responsible for your case — you are not passed between people.
Explained in plain English
What's happening, what your options are, and what it will cost, confirmed in writing before we begin.
Common questions
Do I have to stay in Spain while the case is ongoing?
It depends on the offence and the stage of the proceedings — in many cases you do not. We will tell you plainly what applies to your situation once we know the facts, rather than give you a general answer that may not hold.
Will this affect my ability to travel or my immigration status?
Sometimes, depending on the offence and your situation — this needs a real answer from a lawyer who has seen your case, not a generic one. Ask us directly and we will tell you what we actually know, and what we don't yet.
I've already left Spain — can you still represent me?
In most cases, yes. Many procedural steps can be handled through a power of attorney and a video call, without you being physically present.
How much does this cost?
Fees are agreed in writing before we start, once we understand the scope of your case. The first consultation is free and without obligation.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes, it is protected by professional secrecy under Spanish law. Even so, in this first message avoid sharing highly sensitive documents — we'll tell you the secure way to send them once we're in contact.
Related articles
The Guard Court in Las Palmas: What Happens in the First Hours
What the guard court does, how long an arrest can last, what a fast-track trial is, and what family members can do in the meantime.
Road-Safety Offence: From the Alcohol Test to the Fast-Track Trial
Where the line falls between an administrative fine and a criminal offence, what penalties the Criminal Code sets out, and why pleading guilty on day one rarely pays off.
You've Been Summoned to Testify as a Person Under Investigation: What Happens and What to Decide First
What that summons means, what rights you have from the moment you receive it, and why the decision to testify or not is made beforehand — never in the hallway.
Talk to us about your case
The first consultation is free and without obligation. Call, WhatsApp, or write to us — in English.