How a fast-track trial works
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Arrest and police report | The police prepare the file and summon the parties |
| Duty court | The judge hears the accused, witnesses and the prosecutor |
| Agreement | If the accused agrees, the sentence is reduced by a third |
| Trial | Without agreement, the criminal court judges the case soon after |
Plea or trial
The one-third reduction is attractive, especially for visitors who want to go home, but the conviction stays on the record. We check whether the evidence is solid and what the conviction means for your residence, work and travel before you decide.
Related legal services in Mallorca
See criminal defence, drink-driving and immigration consequences.
Example: fast-track trials in Mallorca
Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A German student accused of shoplifting in Palma was offered a plea at the duty court. The security footage did not show the item being taken. We refused the plea; at trial she was acquitted.
Our collaborators for fast-track trials 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 fast-track trials in Mallorca
What is a juicio rápido?
A fast-track criminal procedure that can be decided within days.
Should I accept the plea to go home?
Only after checking the evidence and the consequences for your record.
Can I be tried if I return to my country?
Yes, but it is better to attend or be represented.
Does a conviction affect residence?
It can, especially for non-EU nationals.