Valencia · Madrid · Castellón
English-speaking criminal defense firm with exclusive dedication to criminal law. Over 300 published rulings across Provincial Courts, the National Court and the Supreme Court. 24/7 assistance.
Being arrested or investigated for a criminal offense in a foreign country is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. The language barrier, an unfamiliar legal system and the fear of losing your freedom can feel overwhelming.
At Sanahuja Abogados Penalistas, led by attorney Juan Antonio Signes García, we focus exclusively on criminal law. We do not practice civil, commercial or immigration law. Every member of our team dedicates 100% of their professional energy to defending people accused of crimes. That specialization, backed by more than 20 years of courtroom experience and over 300 published rulings, is what sets us apart.
Why International Clients Choose Sanahuja
When an expat living in Valencia gets arrested for a drug-related charge, or a British businessman receives a court summons in Madrid for alleged tax fraud, the first question is always the same: «Can I find a lawyer who actually speaks my language and knows what they are doing?»
Exclusive criminal law focus. Criminal defense is all we do, and we have been doing it for over 20 years.
Over 300 published rulings. Our track record is verifiable in the CENDOJ public database, including Supreme Court and National Court decisions.
Three offices across Spain. Valencia, Madrid and Castellón. We represent you before any court in Spain, including the Audiencia Nacional and the Supreme Court.
English-speaking legal team. Direct communication with lawyers who understand both the legal terminology and your cultural context.
Members of ECBA and EFCL. European Criminal Bar Association and European Fraud & Compliance Lawyers. Continuous training in European criminal law.
24/7 emergency response. If you are detained at 3 a.m., we answer the phone: 616 869 785.
Criminal Defense Areas We Handle
We act in criminal defense (and, when appropriate, private prosecution) across the most common areas. Our team has defended clients in virtually every category of criminal charge under the Spanish Criminal Code.
Tax Crimes
Tax fraud, Social Security fraud, invoicing, traceability and forensic accounting when it adds value.
Fraud & Scams
Documentary evidence, traceability, sufficient deception and practical approach to damages.
Drug Offenses
Chain of custody, weighing, purity, police reports and legality of the intervention.
Money Laundering
Source of funds, self-laundering and economic chains. Close reading of the money flow.
Corporate & Economic Crime
Criminal compliance, corporate offenses and liability of directors and companies.
Crimes Against Persons
Assault, homicide, threats and coercion. Priority on objective evidence and cross-examination.
Sexual Assault Defense
Technical analysis of testimony, corroboration, expert reports and contradiction control.
Extraditions & EAW
European Arrest Warrants, Europol, Interpol Red Notices. Fast proceedings (40-60 days).
Cryptocurrency Crimes
Crypto scams, laundering through digital assets, undeclared operations and blockchain fraud.
How Criminal Proceedings Work in Spain
The Spanish criminal justice system differs fundamentally from common law systems in the UK, the US or Australia. Understanding these differences is essential for any foreign national involved in a criminal case here.
The investigating judge leads the case
Unlike the UK or the US, in Spain the investigation phase (instrucción) is directed by an investigating judge (juez de instrucción). This judge decides which evidence to collect, which witnesses to hear and whether to charge the suspect. Your defense lawyer can actively participate, requesting evidence and challenging the prosecution’s case before it ever reaches trial.
There are no juries for most crimes
Spain uses a jury system only for a limited set of offenses (homicide, threats, arson, bribery and a few others). For the vast majority of cases, professional judges decide both guilt and sentencing. Your defense must be technically precise and legally rigorous.
Victims can prosecute alongside the state
The victim can hire their own lawyer and participate in the trial alongside the public prosecutor through the acusación particular. Defendants sometimes face two separate accusers, each requesting different penalties. A skilled defense lawyer must counter both.
Sentences can often be suspended
Spanish law allows for the suspension of prison sentences of up to two years for first-time offenders under certain conditions. This is a critical strategic element, particularly for international clients who may face deportation consequences alongside their criminal penalty.
What to Do If You Are Arrested in Spain
If you or a family member has been detained by police in Spain, follow these steps:
1. Exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions from the police. Under Spanish law (LECrim, Articles 118 and 520), this is your fundamental right.
2. Request a lawyer immediately. You have the right to choose your own attorney. A public defender may not speak English and will not know the details of your case. Call us: 616 869 785.
3. Contact your consulate. You have the right to inform your country’s consular office of your detention.
4. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. Police documents are in Spanish, and signing without legal advice can seriously harm your defense.
5. Note the time and circumstances. Spanish law limits police detention to 72 hours. If this is exceeded, your lawyer can file a habeas corpus petition.
The decisions made in the first hours after an arrest often determine the outcome of the entire case. Having an experienced, English-speaking criminal lawyer from the very beginning is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Our Offices Across Spain
Valencia
Our headquarters. Daily practice at the Ciudad de la Justicia and the Provincial Court. Valencia has one of Spain’s largest expat communities.
Madrid
Cases before the Audiencia Nacional, including extraditions, European Arrest Warrants and complex financial crime prosecutions. Seat of the Supreme Court.
Castellón
Criminal defense before the Provincial Court and local courts throughout the northern Valencian Community.
Criminal lawyer in Madrid → Criminal lawyer in Castellón → Extraditions →
Meet Juan Antonio Signes García
Juan Antonio Signes García is the director and lead attorney of Sanahuja Abogados Penalistas (Member of the Valencia Bar Association — ICAV). With over 20 years of experience exclusively in criminal defense, he has led the firm’s strategy in cases before the Provincial Courts, the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV), the Audiencia Nacional and the Supreme Court.
His areas of particular expertise include economic criminal law (tax crimes, corporate fraud, money laundering, unfair administration), drug trafficking defense and complex proceedings involving extensive documentary and accounting evidence. His practice is centered on results: dismissals, full acquittals or significant sentence reductions.
He is supported by María Fayos, who focuses on economic and property crime litigation, coordinates forensic accounting and technical expert evidence, and prepares cross-examinations and evidentiary timelines for hearings and oral trials.
The firm is a member of the European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) and European Fraud & Compliance Lawyers (EFCL).
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Spain: Immediate Assistance 24/7
If your case is already underway, the real margin is gained by acting today.
Or send us a message · info@sanahujaabogadopenalista.es