Extradition Lawyers in Spain

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We are well-regarded as one of the best criminal law firms in Spain, and we specialize in extradition procedures. Our team of criminal lawyers can represent you in the National High Court for your extradition case. We can provide extradition law advice, assist you with an appeal or provide representation and specialist advice for a extradition procedure.

When you need assistance from an experienced attorney, contact Palladino Pellón Law Firm by calling +34 678 29 88 44 or by email to info@palladinopellon.es and get help 24/7

We are present in key locations in Spain | We have law offices in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia | We provide our services all over Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
 

...The extradition request for the fugitive, and the arrest warrant issued by the relevant Central Court are forwarded by the police to the Ministry of Justice. The extradition documentation should have reached the Spanish Authorities within forty days of the fugitive's detention. Otherwise, the Judicial Authority will order the release of the fugitive... We are legal professionals focused on extradition law in Spain

Our skilled attorneys for extradition procedures are available 24/7

The procedure for passive extradition in Spain comprises three principle phases:
 

1. First Phase (Administrative)

In this first administrative phase the documentation for extradition should be followed in the following instances:
 

■ Embassy of the requesting State

Presentation of the extradition request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Certain countries are able to transmit documentation on extradition direct to the Ministry of Justice, such as, for example, those who have ratified the Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition.
 

■ Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards the extradition request to the Ministry of Justice
 

■ Ministry of Justice

The extradition request for the fugitive, and the arrest warrant issued by the relevant Central Court are forwarded by the police to the Ministry of Justice. The extradition documentation should have reached the Spanish Authorities within forty days of the fugitive’s detention. Otherwise, the Judicial Authority will order the release of the fugitive.
 

■ Council of Ministers decides whether to proceed with or suspend the extradition procedure
 

2. Second Phase (Judicial)

If the Council of Ministers decides to proceed with the request for extradition, the latter will move into the judicial phase. The stages are as follows:
 

■ Central Office of the National Court

A second period of forty days is fixed upon the receipt of the documents, to enable the Court to obtain the authority of the Council of Ministers to proceed with the extradition. The extradition documentation and a translation will normally be attached to this authority. There are two possibilities here:

a) If the fugitive agrees to be extradited, a confirmation document will be sent to the Ministry of Justice, which will also trigger the third phase (administrative).

b) If the fugitive does not agree to being extradited, his/her case will be referred to the Criminal Chamber of the National Court.
 

■ Criminal Chamber of the National Court

There are two alternatives at this stage:

1. Final decision, which will allow the case to proceed to the third (administrative) phase;

2. Lodging of an appeal (a single, ordinary appeal) which will be considered by the Criminal Chamber in plenary session.
 

■ Criminal Chamber in plenary session

Pronouncement of the final decision which will trigger the third (administrative) phase.
 

...A second period of forty days is fixed upon the receipt of the documents, to enable the Court to obtain the authority of the Council of Ministers to proceed with the extradition... A fast reaction hiring an extradition attorney with expertise before the National High Court is crucial for the resolution of these issues

Extradition Lawyers in Spain | Corporate video of Palladino Pellón & Associates spanish law firm

3. Third Phase (Administrative)

■ Ministry of Justice

If the Ministry decides to proceed with the extradition, the case shall be referred for final consideration by the Council of Ministers.
 

■ Council of Ministers

Agreement to refuse extradition or to surrender the fugitive.
 

4. Possible procedural issues

■ The lack of an essential document or necessary information (for example, to ensure dual criminality) can be supplied on request

■ In cases where the extradition request is based on sentences passed in absentia, and in relation to certain countries, some difficulties have arisen when the Spanish judicial authorities have requested guarantees on the fugitive being offered a new trial, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 3 of the Law on Passive Extradition.

■ At the same time, guarantees are sought for the non-implementation of sentences which are contained in the Criminal Law of certain countries, and which are not covered by Spanish law, such as life sentences, enforced manual labour, or sentences which are in excess of the maximum 30 years set out in Spanish law. Moreover, the Spanish judicial authorities, before surrendering the fugitive to the requesting State, can request remand or other prison sentences.

The Spanish Passive Extradition Law of 21 March 1985 contains a detailed description of procedure (Articles 7 to 19).
 

During the procedure followed by the Ministry of Justice on extradition documentation, the relevant judicial authority should issue an international arrest warrant which should be transmitted through Interpol. When the fugitive is arrested, Interpol will inform the judicial authority which made the extradition request.

The principle stages to be followed in terms of required documentation in extradition cases are as follows:
 

■ National or High Court of Justice

The High Court of Justice with jurisdiction, or the Magistrates’ Court prepares the documentation which will normally include the sentence to be imposed, the grounds for arrest or arrest warrant, where applicable, rogatory letters, the charge from the Public Prosecutor’s Department and the relevant legal statutes.
 

■ Spanish Ministry of Justice

The documentation received is verified by the Mutual Legal Assistance Division. Where necessary, the relevant legal statutes which had not been sent before, or essential documents which are to be brought before the court are added. This documentation should be translated into the language of the requested country, in accordance with that country’s law, or the relevant treaty.
 

■ Council of Ministers

Authority to proceed with the active extradition procedure. This authority will be sent to the Department of Consular Affairs, together with the above-mentioned documentation and translations, as well as to the judicial authorities making the request and Interpol.
 

■ Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Department of Consular Affairs will send the request to the relevant authorities.

Spain formalized extradition agreements with many countries around the world, in order to guarantee the international cooperation in the prosecution of serious offences. These treaties allow Spain to request the extradition of individuals accused or convicted of crimes, or for other countries to request from Spain the hand over of persons under similar circumstances.

Spain has signed agreements with countries such as Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, the United States, Liberia, Morocco, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, among others.

For example, The Instrument Amending the Treaty of May 29, 1970, and the Supplementary Treaties of January 25, 1975, February 9, 1988, and March 12, 1996 between the United States of America and Spain signed at Madrid on December 17, 2004.

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■ Mandatory grounds

Extradition will not be granted among others, in the following cases:

Political and military offences, not including those classified as terrorism; Minor offenses; Lack of guarantees, like the risk of execution, inhumane or degrading treatment; Judgment or prosecution for the same act; If the requested person has asylum status; or in the case of Statute of limitations.

■ Optional grounds

Extradition may also be denied if there is reasons to believe that the extradition request is based on race, religion, nationality, or political opinions or when the requested person is under eighteen years of age.
 

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