Drink Driving Lawyer in Mataró
At www.alcoholemia.cat, we offer specialized defense in DUI offenses and traffic crimes. We provide services in Mataró and also have an online law office. With lawyers with over 15 years of experience in criminal law and fast-track DUI trials, we have achieved sentence reductions, dismissals, and minimal driving license suspensions.
If you have been summoned by the Mossos d’Esquadra or the Duty Court for a fast-track DUI trial or any traffic-related offense, acting quickly is essential. Lawyers specialized in traffic crimes – including DUI, driving without a license, refusal to take a breathalyzer test, and reckless driving – will analyze your case from the very beginning to recommend the best defense strategy and minimize the legal consequences based on our extensive experience.
📞 Call us now at +34 646 861 871 for an urgent consultation and defense.
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🔹 Experience in DUI offenses and traffic crimes.
🔹 Legal assistance and urgent defense in fast-track trials.
🔹 Over 15 years of experience in Criminal Law.
Act fast and protect yourself legally. Call us now!
Traffic offenses that can be tried through a fast-track trial
The Spanish Criminal Procedure Act (LECrim) regulates fast-track trials as a swift procedure for certain less serious offenses, including traffic-related crimes. This type of trial aims to speed up judicial proceedings and allow the defendant to obtain a quick resolution, with the possibility of a reduced sentence if the facts are acknowledged.
Fast-track trials in traffic-related offenses are regulated under the Spanish Criminal Procedure Act (LECrim), specifically in Articles 795 to 803, within Title III – Procedure for the Fast-Track Prosecution of Certain Offenses.
Article 795.
1. Sin perjuicio de lo establecido para los demás procesos especiales, el procedimiento regulado en este Título se aplicará a la instrucción y al enjuiciamiento de delitos castigados con pena privativa de libertad que no exceda de cinco años, o con cualesquiera otras penas, bien sean únicas, conjuntas o alternativas, cuya duración no exceda de diez años, cualquiera que sea su cuantía, siempre que el proceso penal se incoe en virtud de un atestado policial y que la Policía Judicial haya detenido a una persona y la haya puesto a disposición del Juzgado de guardia o que, aun sin detenerla, la haya citado para comparecer ante el Juzgado de guardia por tener la calidad de denunciado en el atestado policial y, además, concurra cualquiera de las circunstancias siguientes:
1.ª Que se trate de delitos flagrantes. A estos efectos, se considerará delito flagrante el que se estuviese cometiendo o se acabare de cometer cuando el delincuente sea sorprendido en el acto. Se entenderá sorprendido en el acto no sólo al delincuente que fuere detenido en el momento de estar cometiendo el delito, sino también al detenido o perseguido inmediatamente después de cometerlo, si la persecución durare o no se suspendiere mientras el delincuente no se ponga fuera del inmediato alcance de los que le persiguen. También se considerará delincuente in fraganti aquel a quien se sorprendiere inmediatamente después de cometido un delito con efectos, instrumentos o vestigios que permitan presumir su participación en él.
2nd. That it concerns any of the following offenses:
a) Delitos de lesiones, coacciones, amenazas o violencia física o psíquica habitual, cometidos contra las personas a que se refiere el artículo 173.2 del Código Penal.
b) Delitos de hurto.
c) Delitos de robo.
d) Delitos de hurto y robo de uso de vehículos.
e) Delitos contra la seguridad del tráfico.
f) Delitos de daños referidos en el artículo 263 del Código Penal.
g) Delitos contra la salud pública previstos en el artículo 368, inciso segundo, del Código Penal.
h) Delitos flagrantes relativos a la propiedad intelectual e industrial previstos en los artículos 270, 273, 274 y 275 del Código Penal.
i) Delitos de allanamiento de morada del artículo 202 del Código Penal.
j) Delitos de usurpación del artículo 245 del Código Penal.
3.ª Que se trate de un hecho punible cuya instrucción sea presumible que será sencilla.
2. El procedimiento regulado en este Título no será de aplicación a la investigación y enjuiciamiento de aquellos delitos que fueren conexos con otro u otros delitos no comprendidos en el apartado anterior.
3. No se aplicará este procedimiento en aquellos casos en que sea procedente acordar el secreto de las actuaciones conforme a lo establecido en el artículo 302.
4. En todo lo no previsto expresamente en el presente Título se aplicarán supletoriamente las normas del Título II de este mismo Libro, relativas al procedimiento abreviado.
Thus, fast-track trials apply to flagrant offenses punishable with up to 5 years of imprisonment when they are traffic safety crimes. The traffic-related offenses include the following:
🔹 Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Art. 379 Criminal Code)
🔹 Refusal to take a breathalyzer test (Art. 383 Criminal Code)
🔹 Reckless driving (Art. 380 Criminal Code)
🔹 Driving without a license due to loss of points or never having obtained one (Art. 384 Criminal Code)
🔹 Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h in urban areas or 80 km/h on interurban roads (Art. 379.1 Criminal Code)
A fast-track trial is initiated if the arrest is immediate or the police have clear evidence of the offense, such as the results of a breathalyzer test. Thus, in the field of traffic safety, the offenses that can be prosecuted through a fast-track trial include:
1️⃣ Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Art. 379.2 PC)
🔹 Exceeding 0.60 mg/l in breath or 1.2 g/l in blood.
🔹 Penalty: Fine of 6 to 12 months, community service (31 to 90 days) or imprisonment from 3 to 6 months.
🔹 Driving license suspension: From 1 to 4 years.
Article 379.
1. El que condujere un vehículo de motor o un ciclomotor a velocidad superior en sesenta kilómetros por hora en vía urbana o en ochenta kilómetros por hora en vía interurbana a la permitida reglamentariamente, será castigado con la pena de prisión de tres a seis meses o con la de multa de seis a doce meses o con la de trabajos en beneficio de la comunidad de treinta y uno a noventa días, y, en cualquier caso, con la de privación del derecho a conducir vehículos a motor y ciclomotores por tiempo superior a uno y hasta cuatro años.
2. Con las mismas penas será castigado el que condujere un vehículo de motor o ciclomotor bajo la influencia de drogas tóxicas, estupefacientes, sustancias psicotrópicas o de bebidas alcohólicas. En todo caso será condenado con dichas penas el que condujere con una tasa de alcohol en aire espirado superior a 0,60 miligramos por litro o con una tasa de alcohol en sangre superior a 1,2 gramos por litro.
2️⃣ Excessive speeding (Art. 379.1 PC)
🔹 Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h in urban areas or more than 80 km/h on highways.
🔹 Penalty: Fine of 6 to 12 months, community service (31 to 90 days), or imprisonment from 3 to 6 months.
🔹 Driving license suspension: From 1 to 4 years.
Article 379.
1. El que condujere un vehículo de motor o un ciclomotor a velocidad superior en sesenta kilómetros por hora en vía urbana o en ochenta kilómetros por hora en vía interurbana a la permitida reglamentariamente, será castigado con la pena de prisión de tres a seis meses o con la de multa de seis a doce meses o con la de trabajos en beneficio de la comunidad de treinta y uno a noventa días, y, en cualquier caso, con la de privación del derecho a conducir vehículos a motor y ciclomotores por tiempo superior a uno y hasta cuatro años.
2. Con las mismas penas será castigado el que condujere un vehículo de motor o ciclomotor bajo la influencia de drogas tóxicas, estupefacientes, sustancias psicotrópicas o de bebidas alcohólicas. En todo caso será condenado con dichas penas el que condujere con una tasa de alcohol en aire espirado superior a 0,60 miligramos por litro o con una tasa de alcohol en sangre superior a 1,2 gramos por litro.
3️⃣ Reckless driving, with or without endangerment to life (Arts. 380 and 381 PC)
🔹 Driving with manifest disregard for the lives of others.
🔹 If there is no risk to third parties:
➡️ Penalty: Imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years.
➡️ Driving license suspension: From 1 to 6 years.
🔹 If there is risk to third parties:
➡️ Penalty: Imprisonment from 2 to 5 years.
➡️ Driving license suspension: From 6 to 10 years.
Article 380.
1. El que condujere un vehículo a motor o un ciclomotor con temeridad manifiesta y pusiere en concreto peligro la vida o la integridad de las personas será castigado con las penas de prisión de seis meses a dos años y privación del derecho a conducir vehículos a motor y ciclomotores por tiempo superior a uno y hasta seis años.
2. A los efectos del presente precepto se reputará manifiestamente temeraria la conducción en la que concurrieren las circunstancias previstas en el apartado primero y en el inciso segundo del apartado segundo del artículo anterior.
4️⃣ Refusal to undergo alcohol or drug testing (Art. 383 Criminal Code)
🔹 Refusing to take an alcohol or drug test when required by a police officer.
🔹 Penalty: Imprisonment from 6 months to 1 year.
🔹 Driving license suspension: From 1 to 4 years.
Artículo 383.
El conductor que, requerido por un agente de la autoridad, se negare a someterse a las pruebas legalmente establecidas para la comprobación de las tasas de alcoholemia y la presencia de las drogas tóxicas, estupefacientes y sustancias psicotrópicas a que se refieren los artículos anteriores, será castigado con la penas de prisión de seis meses a un año y privación del derecho a conducir vehículos a motor y ciclomotores por tiempo superior a uno y hasta cuatro años.
5️⃣ Driving without a license due to loss of points or for never having obtained one (Art. 384 PC)
🔹 Cases:
✅ Having lost all license points.
✅ Never having obtained a driving license.
✅ Driving with a license suspended by a court order.
🔹 Penalty: Fine of 12 to 24 months, community service (31 to 90 days), or imprisonment from 3 to 6 months.
Article 384.
El que condujere un vehículo de motor o ciclomotor en los casos de pérdida de vigencia del permiso o licencia por pérdida total de los puntos asignados legalmente, será castigado con la pena de prisión de tres a seis meses o con la de multa de doce a veinticuatro meses o con la de trabajos en beneficio de la comunidad de treinta y uno a noventa días.
La misma pena se impondrá al que realizare la conducción tras haber sido privado cautelar o definitivamente del permiso o licencia por decisión judicial y al que condujere un vehículo de motor o ciclomotor sin haber obtenido nunca permiso o licencia de conducción.
Benefits of opting for a fast-track trial
If you have been arrested for a traffic-related offense, such as a criminal DUI, reckless driving, or refusal to take a breathalyzer test, you can choose to hire a private lawyer or request a court-appointed lawyer if you meet the requirements for legal aid.
Benefits of a court-appointed lawyer
1. Free service if you meet the requirements
Court-appointed lawyers are free of charge if lack of financial resources is proven. This saves you the costs of hiring a private lawyer.
2. Guaranteed professionalism
Court-appointed lawyers are licensed attorneys with experience in criminal law and traffic-related offenses, which qualifies them to defend DUI cases and other traffic crimes.
3. Mandatory defense
If you are arrested and do not have a lawyer, a court-appointed attorney will be assigned to you to guarantee your right to defense from the very beginning.
4. Full coverage of the process
The court-appointed lawyer will assist you in all stages of the proceedings:
- Statement at the police station.
- Fast-track trial or ordinary procedure.
- Appeals and remedies.
- Enforcement of the sentence.
Disadvantages of a court-appointed lawyer
1. Not all cases are free
Even if you are assigned a court-appointed lawyer, if you do not meet the requirements for legal aid, you will have to pay their fees once the process is completed.
2. You cannot choose the lawyer
The court-appointed lawyer is assigned through the duty roster system, which means you cannot choose them.
Directory of the Courts of Mataró
Remember that if you wish to be assisted by a private lawyer, you must inform the police or the Court.
Their address is Pça. Francisco Tomás i Valiente, s/n, Mataró 08302.
You can view the updated list of phone numbers and addresses for the Criminal Courts of Mataró at the following link
Their address is Pça. Francisco Tomás i Valiente, s/n, Mataró 08302.
Location and maps of the Courts of Mataró
Map: How to get to the Courts of Investigation of Mataró
Map: How to get to the Criminal Courts of Mataró
Map of the territorial jurisdiction of the Judicial District of Mataró
The Judicial District of Mataró is one of the 49 judicial districts into which the autonomous community of Catalonia is divided, being Judicial District No. 4 of the province of Barcelona.
The territorial scope, regulated by Royal Decree 529/1983 of March 9, covers the following municipalities: Alella, Argentona, Cabrera de Mar, Cabrils, Caldetas, Dosrius, El Masnou, Mataró, Orrius, Premiá de Dalt, Premiá de Mar, San Andrés de Llavaneras, San Ginés de Vilasar, San Vicente de Montalt, Teyá, Tiana y Vilasar de Mar.
The Map of the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Judicial District of Mataró establishes the jurisdiction and territorial competence of the courts in the city and its metropolitan area. In criminal proceedings, the location of the events determines the Court of Investigation that will handle the case and, if applicable, the Criminal Court that will judge it. If the events occur within the area indicated on the map, they fall under the competence of the Courts of Investigation and Criminal Courts.
You can consult the map of the judicial district of Mataró here.
Functions of the Courts of Investigation and Criminal Courts in Mataró | traffic and road safety offenses
The Courts of Investigation and Criminal Courts in Barcelona play a key role in the administration of justice in cases related to traffic and road safety offenses. From the initial investigation to the imposition of penalties, these judicial bodies ensure that the law is upheld in Mataró.
Courts of Investigation in Mataró (Investigation Phase)
The Courts of Investigation are responsible for investigating crimes and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to bring a case to trial.
🔹 Main functions of Investigating Courts:
✔️ Reception of complaints and police reports
✔️ Investigation of traffic offenses: DUI, driving without a license, refusal to take tests, etc.
✔️ Taking statements from witnesses and defendants
✔️ Ordering expert and forensic tests: blood alcohol and drug analysis
✔️ Adoption of precautionary measures, such as driving license suspension or pre-trial detention
✔️ Determining sufficient evidence to continue the judicial process
✔️ Resolution of fast-track trials in flagrant offenses with acknowledgment of guilt
🔹 In traffic offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a license, or refusal to take a breathalyzer test, the investigation phase is fast, and the case may be resolved through a fast-track trial.
Criminal Courts in Mataró (Trial and Sentencing Phase)
If the Court of Investigation finds sufficient evidence, the case is referred to the Criminal Courts, where the trial is held and the sentence is issued.
🔹 Main functions of Criminal Courts:
✔️ Prosecution of crimes
✔️ Holding the oral trial with the presentation of evidence, witnesses, and defense
✔️ Issuing the judgment: imprisonment, fines, community service, driving license suspension
Important:
🔹 The Criminal Courts can try offenses with a penalty of up to 5 years of imprisonment (with exceptions).
🔹 If the anticipated sentence exceeds this limit, the case is referred to the Provincial Court of Barcelona, subject to certain exceptions.
Benefits of opting for a fast-track trial
✅ One-third reduction of the sentence if the defendant accepts a plea agreement (Art. 801 LECrim).
✅ Fast resolution of the procedure within a few days.
✅ Lower costs and less judicial strain for the defendant.
✅ Avoids a lengthy trial and reduces the likelihood of a harsher conviction.
🔹 Conclusion
Fast-track trials are an agile and effective procedure for offenses such as DUI, driving without a license, refusal to take a breathalyzer test, or gender-based violence. Accepting a plea agreement can be a beneficial strategy if a reduced sentence and an immediate resolution are sought. However, if there are doubts regarding the defense, it is essential to analyze the case with a trusted lawyer.
Need a criminal defense lawyer in Mataró?
Have you been charged with a traffic-related offense in Mataró?
If you are facing charges for traffic crimes such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without a license, a specialized lawyer can help you.
We offer criminal defense throughout most of Catalonia: urgent assistance and legal representation.
If you are facing a DUI offense, drug driving, reckless driving, or refusal to take a breathalyzer test, you need expert criminal defense. We offer immediate assistance, court representation, and specialized legal defense.
📍 We provide services in the following judicial districts:
➡️ Barcelona and province: Arenys de Mar, Badalona, Barcelona, Berga, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Cornellà de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Gavà, Granollers, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Igualada, Manresa, Martorell, Mataró, Mollet del Vallès, El Prat de Llobregat, Rubí, Sabadell, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Terrassa, Vic, Vilafranca del Penedès, Vilanova i la Geltrú.
➡️ Girona and province: Girona, Blanes, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, La Bisbal d’Empordà, Olot, Ripoll.
➡️ Tarragona and provincince: Amposta, Falset, Gandesa, Reus, Tarragona, Tortosa, Valls, El Vendrell.
📞 Express legal consultation | 🚀 Personalized advice | 🏛️ Defense in fast-track trial
Sources
Consejo General del Poder Judicial (CGPJ). (s.f.). Directorio de Juzgados de lo Penal – Provincia de Barcelona.
Consejo General del Poder Judicial (CGPJ). (s.f.). Directorio de Juzgados de Instrucción – Provincia de Barcelona.
Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal (LECrim)
Código Penal (CP)
Cartography of the Judicial Districts
https://www.icab.es/es/servicios-a-la-ciudadania/justicia-gratuita
https://www.abogacia.es/servicios/ciudadanos/servicios-de-orientacion-juridica-gratuita
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traffic Offenses
¿A partir de qué tasa de alcohol se considera delito en España?
According to Article 379.2 of the Spanish Criminal Code, exceeding 0.60 mg/l in breath or 1.2 g/l in blood constitutes a criminal offense. These legal limits may vary depending on future legislative reforms. At present, there is ongoing debate about toughening these penalties. It is recommended to regularly check the current limits.
¿Qué pasa si me niego a hacer la prueba de alcoholemia?
It is a crime of disobedience (Art. 383 Criminal Code) and carries a prison sentence of 6 months to 1 year and a driving license suspension from 1 to 4 years.
¿Es delito conducir sin carnet?
Yes, if the driving license has never been obtained or if it has been revoked by a court order (Art. 384 Criminal Code).
¿Qué pasa si conduzco con el carnet retirado por alcoholemia?
It is a criminal offense punishable by 3 to 6 months of imprisonment or a fine (Art. 384 Criminal Code).
¿A partir de qué velocidad se considera delito?
According to Article 379.1 of the Spanish Criminal Code, if you exceed the speed limit by more than 60 km/h in urban areas or 80 km/h on highways, it is considered a criminal offense.
¿Qué pena tiene un delito por exceso de velocidad?
Prison sentence of three to six months, or a fine of six to twelve months, or community service from thirty-one to ninety days, and, in any case, a driving ban from more than one year up to four years.
¿Qué es la conducción temeraria?
Driving in a manner that endangers road safety with manifest recklessness and creates a specific risk to the life or physical integrity of others (Art. 380 Criminal Code), punishable by imprisonment from six months to two years and disqualification from driving motor vehicles and mopeds for a period of more than one year and up to six years.
¿Es delito huir de un accidente tras provocarlo?
Yes, according to Article 382 bis, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident, punishable by prison sentences of six months to four years and revocation of the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for one to four years.
¿Es delito conducir bajo los efectos de drogas?
Yes, according to Article 379.2 of the Criminal Code, it is punishable by imprisonment from three to six months, or a fine of six to twelve months, or community service from thirty-one to ninety days, and, in any case, by disqualification from driving motor vehicles and mopeds for a period of more than one year and up to four years.
¿Cómo se cancelan los antecedentes penales por delitos de tráfico?
After serving the legal period without committing new offenses, and once an additional statutory period has passed, criminal records can be canceled by submitting an application to the Criminal Records Office.
¿Qué juzgados de Barcelona llevan los delitos de tráfico?
The Courts of Investigation and the Criminal Courts of Mataró handle these cases. After the investigation phase, the case is referred to the Criminal Court.
¿Puedo solicitar una suspensión de la pena por un delito vial?
Yes, if it is the first conviction, the sentence does not exceed 2 years of imprisonment, and the civil liability has been paid, provided that the requirements for suspension of the sentence under Article 80 of the Criminal Code are met.
¿Qué pasa si no pago una multa por delito de tráfico?
According to Article 53.1 of the Criminal Code, the fine may be converted into subsidiary personal liability, consisting of one day of imprisonment for every two unpaid daily installments.
¿Un extranjero puede ser expulsado de España por un delito de tráfico?
Yes, if the sentence exceeds 1 year of imprisonment, expulsion from the country may be applied.
¿Puede pagarse fraccionadamente la pena de multa?
The fine penalty may be paid in installments for a justified reason, and the court may authorize its payment within a period not exceeding two years from the final judgment, according to Article 50 of the Criminal Code.
¿Cuáles son los delitos contra la seguridad vial más comunes en Barcelona?
The most frequent offenses are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a license, reckless driving, and refusal to take breathalyzer tests.
¿Qué consecuencias tiene cometer un delito contra la seguridad vial?
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, it may result in fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, or prison sentences.
¿Cuándo se considera conducción bajo los efectos del alcohol un delito?
When the blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.60 mg/l in breath or 1.2 g/l in blood, it is considered a criminal offense with prison penalties, according to Article 379 of the Criminal Code.
¿Es un delito negarse a realizar la prueba de alcoholemia?
Yes, refusing to take the breathalyzer test is punishable with imprisonment from six months to one year and loss of the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for a period of more than one year and up to four years, according to Article 383 of the Spanish Criminal Code.
¿Puedo evitar la retirada del carnet si cometo un delito contra la seguridad vial?
It will depend on the type of traffic-related offense committed and the circumstances of the case. According to the Spanish Criminal Code, the driving license suspension is an ancillary penalty in certain offenses.
¿Qué diferencia hay entre los Juzgados de Instrucción y los Juzgados de lo Penal?
The Courts of Investigation are responsible for investigating crimes and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the defendant, while the Criminal Courts are the ones that conduct the trial and issue the judgment.
¿Dónde están los Juzgados de lo Penal en Barcelona?
The Criminal Courts of Barcelona are located in the City of Justice, at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 111, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
¿Qué juzgado me corresponde si cometo un delito contra la seguridad vial en Barcelona?
First, the Court of Investigation of Barcelona will intervene, and if the case goes to trial, it will be referred to the Criminal Courts of Barcelona.
¿Cuánto tiempo tarda en resolverse un caso de delito contra la seguridad vial en Barcelona?
It depends on the case, but if it is processed as a fast-track trial, it can be resolved in just a few days or weeks. If it is referred to the Criminal Court, it may take around a year or more.
¿Puedo acudir a los Juzgados de lo Penal sin abogado?
No, in criminal proceedings it is mandatory to have a lawyer and a court representative (procurador).
¿Qué es la conformidad en un juicio rápido?
It is when the defendant admits the facts and accepts the sentence proposed by the prosecutor, thereby obtaining a one-third reduction of the penalty.
¿Cuáles son las ventajas de aceptar la conformidad en un juicio rápido?
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Reduced sentence 📉
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Fast resolution of the case ⏳
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Avoiding the uncertainty of a long trial
¿Es recomendable aceptar la conformidad en un juicio rápido?
It depends on the case. An expert lawyer in traffic-related offenses in Barcelona can assess whether the proposed sentence is fair or if it is better to go to trial.
¿Qué pasa si no acepto la conformidad en un juicio rápido?
The case will proceed to an ordinary trial before the Criminal Courts, which may lengthen the process and result in a higher sentence if a guilty verdict is issued.
