Art. 20.4 CP
Self-defence
Unlawful attack, reasonably necessary means and no sufficient provocation.
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Theory of crime · Article 20 CP · Throughout Spain
Grounds for exclusion of criminal liability
A criminal act can go unpunished: self-defence, necessity or mental disorder explain why.
Article 20 of the Spanish Criminal Code lists the grounds that exclude criminal liability: self-defence, state of necessity, insurmountable fear, mental disorder, intoxication and performance of a duty. Properly argued, they lead to acquittal — or, when incomplete, to a substantial reduction of the sentence.
In brief. the grounds for exclusion under Article 20 of the Criminal Code exclude criminal liability: self-defence (20.4), state of necessity (20.5), insurmountable fear (20.6), performance of a duty (20.7), mental disorder (20.1), full intoxication (20.2) and altered perception (20.3). When a single element is missing, the incomplete ground (Art. 21.1) sharply reduces the sentence. Proving them is central to the defence.
Repères
20
Article of the Criminal Code listing the grounds for exclusion of liability.
21.1
Incomplete ground: reduction of the sentence by one or two degrees.
24h
English-speaking lawyer, defence strategy throughout Spain.
What removes liability
An act can be typical yet not punishable. Where a ground under Article 20 applies, the perpetrator bears no criminal liability: the conduct remains unlawful, but the law refrains from punishing it.
Each ground has strict conditions. Self-defence requires an unlawful attack; necessity, a greater evil avoided; insurmountable fear, an overwhelming psychological pressure. The defence must establish each of these elements.
The incomplete ground changes the outcome. If a non-essential element is missing — for instance a disproportionate defence — Article 21.1 allows the sentence to be reduced by one or two degrees, still a very favourable result.
What we argue
The grounds for exclusion
Art. 20.5 CP
State of necessity
Avoiding an evil to oneself or others without causing a greater evil.
Art. 20.6 CP
Insurmountable fear
Acting under an insurmountable fear that overrides free decision.
Art. 20.7 CP
Performance of a duty
Acting in the legitimate exercise of a right, office or duty.
Art. 20.1 CP
Mental disorder
Anomaly or disturbance preventing awareness of the unlawfulness of the act.
Art. 20.2 CP
Full intoxication
Full intoxication by alcohol or drugs, or withdrawal syndrome.
Art. 20.3 CP
Altered perception
Altered awareness of reality from birth or childhood.
Art. 21.1 CP
Incomplete ground
A non-essential element missing: sentence reduced by one or two degrees.
Art. 118 CP
Surviving civil liability
Even if criminally exempt, the perpetrator may owe compensation.
Effects
Overview of the grounds
| Ground | Article | Effect | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-defence | 20.4 | Full exemption | Current unlawful attack |
| State of necessity | 20.5 | Full exemption | Greater evil avoided |
| Insurmountable fear | 20.6 | Full exemption | Overwhelming pressure |
| Performance of a duty | 20.7 | Full exemption | Legitimate exercise |
| Mental disorder | 20.1 | Exemption or safety measure | Psychic anomaly |
| Full intoxication | 20.2 | Full exemption | No prior planning |
| Altered perception | 20.3 | Full exemption | Since childhood |
| Incomplete ground | 21.1 | One or two degrees lower | Non-essential element missing |
Indicative elements based on the Spanish Criminal Code. The actual effect depends on proof of each ground’s conditions. This overview does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
Proving the ground reverses the outcome
These grounds are not presumed: they are proven. Forensic reports, psychiatric assessments, witness evidence and reconstruction of the facts support a plea of self-defence or mental disorder.
We also argue the incomplete ground. When full exemption seems out of reach, obtaining the mitigation of Article 21.1 — a sentence reduced by one or two degrees — remains a decisive objective.
01
Analysis of whether each ground’s elements concur
02
Psychiatric and forensic expertise supporting the defence
03
Incomplete-ground and mitigating-circumstances strategy
04
Handling of surviving civil liability
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Analysis of the facts and grounds
Phase 02
Investigation and appointment of experts
Phase 03
Plea of the ground or its incomplete form
Phase 04
Judgment: acquittal, safety measure or reduced sentence
Who we represent
Very different situations
D
People under investigation
Perpetrators invoking self-defence, necessity or duress.
S
Vulnerable persons
People affected by a mental disorder or addiction at the time of the acts.
F
Families
Relatives seeking to establish the mental state of the accused.
V
Victims turned defendants
People who defended themselves and now face prosecution.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
What is a ground for exclusion (eximente)?
A circumstance under Article 20 of the Criminal Code that excludes criminal liability: the act remains unlawful, but its author is not punished (self-defence, necessity, mental disorder, etc.).
Must self-defence be proportionate?
It requires a reasonably necessary means against an unlawful attack. A disproportionate reaction may remove full exemption and open the way to the incomplete ground.
What is the incomplete ground?
When a non-essential element is missing, Article 21.1 allows the sentence to be reduced by one or two degrees — often a very favourable result.
Does mental disorder mean immediate release?
Not always. The exemption under Article 20.1 may be accompanied by a safety measure (treatment, commitment) proportionate to the risk.
Does civil liability remain?
Often, yes. Article 118 provides that a criminally exempt perpetrator may still have to compensate the victim.
How is a ground proven?
Through forensic and psychiatric expertise, witness evidence and reconstruction of the facts. Contact the firm, available 24/7 in Spain.
Speak to a criminal lawyer
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