Art. 61 CP
Completed offence
The statutory sentence applies to the author of a completed offence.
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Theory of crime · Articles 61-79 CP · Throughout Spain
Sentence determination
Between the legal minimum and maximum, the sentence actually imposed turns on precise rules.
How does the court fix the actual sentence? Articles 61 to 79 of the Spanish Criminal Code govern the move from the abstract statutory range to the real sentence: degrees, halves, the effect of mitigating and aggravating factors, raising or lowering a degree. Mastering these rules means defending every month of liberty.
In brief. sentence determination (Arts. 61-79 CP) turns the abstract statutory range into a concrete sentence. The court applies the degree and half (Art. 66) according to mitigating and aggravating factors, may raise or lower one degree (Art. 70), individualises by gravity and circumstances, and applies the rules on concurrence of offences. Each rule is a lever of defence.
Key facts
66
Rules for applying the sentence according to mitigating and aggravating factors.
70
Raising or lowering one degree: a central mechanism of the calculation.
24h
English-speaking lawyer, sentencing strategy throughout Spain.
From the range to the real sentence
The law sets a range; the court sets the sentence. Each offence carries an abstract range; the rules of Articles 61 onward fix the applicable degree and half, then the concrete sentence within that interval.
Mitigating and aggravating factors command the half. With no circumstances, the court may use the whole range; a mitigating factor imposes the lower half, an aggravating one the upper half, and their combination may change the degree (Arts. 66 and 70).
Individualisation is reasoned. Within the chosen half, the court adjusts the sentence by the gravity of the act and personal circumstances, subject to a duty to give reasons — a space the defence must occupy.
What we argue
The rules of determination
Art. 62 CP
Attempt
Sentence one or two degrees below that of the completed offence.
Art. 63 CP
Accessory
Sentence one degree below that of the principals.
Art. 66 CP
Mitigating and aggravating factors
Rules imposing the lower half, upper half or a change of degree.
Art. 70 CP
Raising / lowering a degree
Calculation of the higher or lower sentence in degree.
Art. 71 CP
Below the minimum
Where lowering a degree falls below the statutory minimum.
Art. 76 CP
Cap on cumulation
Maximum limit of enforcement in case of multiple sentences.
Art. 77 CP
Ideal concurrence
One act, several offences: specific sentencing rules.
Art. 72 CP
Reasons
Duty to give reasons for the degree and extent of the sentence imposed.
Mechanisms
Overview of the sentencing rules
| Situation | Article | Effect | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completed offence | 61 | Statutory sentence | Abstract range |
| Attempt | 62 | One or two degrees less | Degree of execution |
| Accessory | 63 | One degree less | Secondary role |
| No circumstances | 66 | Whole range | Individualisation |
| One mitigating factor | 66 | Lower half | Single circumstance |
| One aggravating factor | 66 | Upper half | Single circumstance |
| Several mitigating factors | 66/70 | One or two degrees less | Favourable combination |
| Multiple sentences | 76 | Enforcement cap | Maximum limit |
Indicative elements based on the Spanish Criminal Code. The concrete sentence depends on all circumstances and any concurrence of offences. This overview does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
The sentence is calculated — and argued — figure in hand
Each degree means years. Moving from the upper to the lower half, or lowering a degree for attempt or qualified mitigating factors, radically changes the sentence actually served.
We build the most favourable calculation. Degree of execution, role in the facts, circumstances and cumulation limits: we present the court with the lowest legally defensible sentencing path.
01
Determining the applicable degree and half
02
Optimising through attempt, accessory role and mitigating factors
03
Controlling the limits on cumulation of sentences
04
Requiring full reasons for the sentence
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Analysis of the abstract statutory range
Phase 02
Qualifying the degree of execution and role
Phase 03
Plea on circumstances and degree
Phase 04
Control of the calculation and reasons for the sentence
Who we represent
Very different situations
D
People under investigation
Accused persons whose real concern is the concrete sentence, beyond guilt.
P
Multiple-offence cases
Defendants facing several offences and cumulation of sentences.
C
Convicted persons on review
People seeking to have their sentences recalculated or capped.
F
Families
Relatives concerned to understand the sentence actually at stake.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
How is the concrete sentence fixed?
From the offence’s abstract range, the court applies the degree and half (Art. 66) according to the circumstances, then individualises within that interval, giving reasons.
What are the lower and upper halves?
The statutory range is split in two: a mitigating factor imposes the lower half, an aggravating factor the upper half, absent any offsetting.
When is a degree lowered?
Notably in cases of attempt (Art. 62), accessory role (Art. 63) or highly qualified mitigating factors (Art. 66), under the rules of Article 70.
Is there a limit on cumulation?
Yes. Article 76 caps the maximum term of enforcement in case of multiple sentences, regardless of their arithmetic sum.
Must the court give reasons for the sentence?
Yes. Article 72 requires reasons for the degree and extent of the sentence; the lack of reasons is a ground of appeal.
Why entrust this calculation to a lawyer?
Because each rule means months or years of liberty. The firm assists 24/7 in Spain.
Speak to a criminal lawyer
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