Administrative fine or criminal offence
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Over the limit, below criminal level | Fine and points |
| Above the criminal threshold or driving impaired | Criminal offence: fine or community service and licence ban |
| Refusing the test | Criminal offence |
| Driving without a valid licence | Criminal offence in many cases |
The fast-track trial
Most drink-driving cases go to a fast-track trial before the duty court within days. Agreeing to a plea reduces the sentence by a third, but it creates a criminal record. We review the test procedure and the evidence before you decide. See fast-track trials.
Your licence and your record
A licence ban applies in Spain and may be notified abroad. We explain the consequences for work, insurance and residence. See criminal lawyer.
Example: drink-driving cases in Mallorca
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A Dutch resident of Palma was stopped at a checkpoint with a reading just above the criminal threshold. The second test had been taken without the required interval. We raised it at the fast-track trial and the case was reduced to an administrative fine.
Our collaborators for drink-driving cases in Mallorca
For every service we work with trusted collaborators when a matter needs them: notaries, architects and surveyors, tax advisers at Castell.tax, sworn translators, banks and mortgage brokers, property managers and specialist lawyers in other parts of Spain. You keep one lawyer as your single point of contact, and we coordinate everyone else.
Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.
Not sure where you stand? Ask before you sign
Tell us about your matter or send us the documents you have. A lawyer will explain the risks, the options and the cost before you commit to anything.
Questions about drink-driving cases in Mallorca
Is drink-driving a crime in Spain?
Above certain levels or when driving is impaired, yes.
Can I refuse the breath test?
No, refusing is itself a criminal offence.
Should I plead guilty to get a reduction?
Only after a lawyer has checked the evidence and the consequences.
Will I lose my licence?
A criminal conviction usually includes a ban on driving.