Juvenile criminal lawyer in Alicante
Defence of minors who have been arrested or are under investigation before Police Stations, the Juvenile Prosecutor and the Juvenile Court. Assistance with arrests, reform proceedings, precautionary measures, hearings, appeals, enforcement of measures and civil liability. When a minor's future is at stake, the strategy must begin from the very first summons or statement.
Juvenile criminal proceedings have their own rules. The investigation is led by the Public Prosecutor, the decision rests with the Juvenile Court, and the consequences are not penalties but measures with an educational purpose.
But that does not mean the proceedings are lenient. A reform case can result in very restrictive measures, including the possibility of detention. That is why it is important to prepare the statement, the Technical Team report, the evidence, the reparation of damage and the family's position from the very first moment.
In this jurisdiction, proving the minor's context is just as important as disputing the facts: studies, behaviour, family support, therapies, educational monitoring, remorse, reparation and personal development.
The most common cases involve assaults and fights between minors, sexual offences, bullying and cyberbullying, image sharing, threats, criminal damage, theft and robbery, and substance use or distribution. In all of them, the technical team report carries as much weight as the evidence.
Working with the family is part of the case: what the minor is told, what documentation is provided, what therapies or support are demonstrated, and how reparation of damage is maintained when appropriate. We also act as private prosecutors when the victim is another minor and the family wants to be part of the proceedings, not just informed.
From arrest to cancellation of the record.
- 01
Arrest or summons of the minor
An arrested minor has the right to legal assistance, to have their parents or guardians informed immediately, and not to make a statement. The prior private consultation is essential: in this jurisdiction, a hasty statement carries the same weight as in adult proceedings.
- 02
Reform case at the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office
The investigation is led by the Public Prosecutor. Reports can be submitted, proceedings proposed and arguments made regarding desistance, conciliation or extrajudicial reparation provided for in Organic Law 5/2000.
- 03
Technical team report
The psychosocial team assesses the minor's personal, family and school situation. That report guides the proposed measure, so it is important to prepare the interview and provide real documentation: academic records, medical reports, therapies, family context.
- 04
Precautionary measures
Precautionary detention, supervised release, placement with another person or educational group, and restraining orders. They are challenged at the hearing by proposing less burdensome alternatives and demonstrating effective family supervision.
- 05
Hearing before the Juvenile Court
Evidence, examinations and reports. The goal is not only acquittal when appropriate: it is also to avoid detention and steer the measure towards the least harmful educational option for the minor's future.
- 06
Measures and enforcement
Reprimand, community service, socio-educational tasks, supervised release, placement, weekend detention or detention in closed, semi-open, open or therapeutic regime. The measure can be modified or substituted during enforcement.
- 07
Civil liability
Parents, guardians or custodians are jointly liable for the damage caused. The amount, contributory negligence and school or home insurance coverage — often overlooked — are discussed.
- 08
Appeals and cancellation of the record
Appeal before the Provincial Court and monitoring the cancellation of the juvenile record, so that it does not hinder access to studies, public examinations or public employment.
What families need to know on day one.
- The law applies to those aged fourteen to seventeen at the time of the offence.
- Children under fourteen are not held criminally liable: child protection services intervene.
- The purpose of the measure is educational, not punitive: this opens real room for negotiation.
- Conciliation or reparation of damage can close the case without a measure for non-serious offences.
- The family is part of the defence: a demonstrated support network influences the technical team report.
- Private prosecution is also exercised when the victim of the offence is another minor.
In the criminal law guide
Articles on minors and criminal law
Has your child been arrested or summoned?
Tell us what happened before the first statement. We will analyse the situation and the steps that should be taken.