info@societejuridique.com
Madrid: Paseo de la Castellana 216 8 ª Planta
Alicante: Av. Ansaldo Nº31, local 16
24h emergencies: 669 30 21 13
Article 150 Spanish Criminal Code: disfigurement
Quick answerArticle 150 of the Spanish Criminal Code punishes with three to six years of imprisonment anyone who causes another the loss or uselessness of a non-principal organ or limb, or disfigurement. It is the intermediate offence between the basic bodily harm in Article 147 and the more serious forms in Article 149.
Applying this provision turns on an evaluative concept, disfigurement, which decides the jump from a range of three months to three years to one of three to six years. That is why the expert debate on the seriousness of the permanent effect is decisive in these cases.
Also cited as: article 150 Spanish Criminal Code · art. 150 CP · Spanish Penal Code article 150 · artículo 150 del Código Penal.
Wording of the provision
Anyone who causes another the loss or uselessness of a non-principal organ or limb, or disfigurement, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to six years.
Consolidated text published by the Spanish Official State Gazette, Organic Act 10/1995 of 23 November, the Criminal Code. Unofficial English rendering; the Spanish text is the authentic one.
Sentencing range. Three to six years of imprisonment, as against three months to three years for the basic offence in Article 147(1) and six to twelve years under Article 149.
Key facts
| Results covered | Loss or uselessness of a non-principal organ or limb, and disfigurement. |
|---|---|
| Concept of disfigurement | A permanent, visible aesthetic alteration of some significance, assessed on objective criteria and having regard to the victim’s age, sex and occupation. |
| Classification | Serious offence, the penalty exceeding five years at its upper limit. |
| Trial court | Provincial Court, the penalty exceeding five years of imprisonment. |
| Limitation period | Ten years, under Article 131 of the Criminal Code. |
| Reduction for consent | The reduction by one or two degrees in Article 155 is available where the victim gave valid consent. |
| Boundaries | With Article 149, which requires the loss of a principal organ or limb, serious disfigurement or serious illness, and with Article 147. |
Elements and scope
- A result consisting in the loss or uselessness of a non-principal organ or limb, or in disfigurement.
- Permanence of the effect, excluding temporary alterations or those correctable without significant intervention.
- A causal link between the conduct and the result, established by forensic report.
- Intent, at least indirect, as to the result, or negligence, which points to Article 152.
Points of application
Disfigurement is a normative concept, not a purely aesthetic one. It requires permanence, visibility and a significance beyond the trivial. Minimal or easily concealed scars do not meet the threshold, and the assessment has regard to the victim’s personal circumstances.
Surgical correction affects classification. Where the effect can be corrected by ordinary surgery with a satisfactory outcome, case law has tended to exclude disfigurement. A report on the feasibility and prognosis of that correction should be sought.
Principal and non-principal organs. The line drawn against Article 149 does not turn on abstract anatomical importance but on the function lost. The medical expert must address the degree of functional impairment.
Defence strategy
Challenging the expert assessment. This is the main line. A full recovery report with photographs should be requested, together with the defence’s own expert evidence on visibility, permanence and the prospects of correction.
Intent as to the result. The aggravated result must be covered at least by indirect intent. Where the mechanism of injury was not apt to produce it, the case should be brought back to Article 147 together with negligence under Article 152.
Repairing the harm. Given the length of the penalty, the mitigating circumstance of reparation, and where appropriate its strongly qualified form, are decisive in bringing the sentence below the threshold for suspension.
Defence in this area
If you or your company are facing proceedings in this area, the firm provides defence and prosecution in Alicante and Madrid, with 24-hour assistance to detained persons.
Are you under investigation or facing charges in Spain? Société Juridique acts for foreign nationals throughout Spain, with offices in Alicante and Madrid and a 24-hour custody line. +34 669 30 21 13 or enquire online.
- Spanish Criminal Code by article
- Criminal Procedure Act by article
- Practical defence guides
- Contact the firm
This page is provided for information only and does not constitute legal advice. The application of any provision depends on the circumstances of the case and requires review of the file by a lawyer. The English rendering of the legal text is unofficial.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What penalty does Article 150 of the Spanish Criminal Code carry?
Three to six years of imprisonment.
What counts as disfigurement?
A permanent, visible aesthetic alteration of some significance. Not every scar qualifies: the assessment looks at permanence, visibility and significance, and at the victim’s personal circumstances.
Does it matter that the effect can be operated on?
Yes. Where correction is possible through ordinary surgery with a favourable prognosis, case law tends to exclude disfigurement, which brings the case back within Article 147 or 148.
How does it differ from Article 149?
Article 149 requires the loss or uselessness of a principal organ or limb, sterility, impotence, serious disfigurement or serious illness, and carries six to twelve years of imprisonment.
Is the penalty reduced where the victim consented?
Yes. Article 155 allows the penalty to be reduced by one or two degrees where the victim gave valid, free, spontaneous and express consent, unless they are a minor or a person with a disability in need of special protection.
When does the offence become time-barred?
After ten years, under Article 131 of the Criminal Code, the penalty exceeding five years of imprisonment.
Paseo De La Castellana 216 8º 28046 Madrid
Alicante – Playa de San Juan Av. Ansaldo 31, local 16, 03540 Alicante
London: 20 Wenlock Road, N1 7GU, United Kingdom
Paris: 72 Faubourg St Honoré, 75008, France
info@societejuridique.com
SERVICES
LINKS
Société de Conseil Juridique et Expert is a law firm with offices in Madrid, Alicante, London and Paris, specialising in criminal law, technology law and economic and corporate crime. We provide strategic guidance in complex criminal proceedings, intellectual property and technological resources for legal decision-making with advanced forensic analysis. Our multidisciplinary team combines legal experience, legal intelligence and personal attention to deliver effective solutions adapted to each case. Legal assistance available 24 hours a day and online consultations.
Copyright © 2026 Société de Conseil Juridique et Expert S.L.
Where we act: Alicante·Madrid·Elche·Torrevieja·Orihuela·Benidorm·Alcoy·San Vicente·Elda·Denia·Villajoyosa·Villena·Novelda·Ibi·All locations
Defence by offence: Drink driving·Robbery and theft·Assault·Sexual offences·Threats·Squatting·Homicide·Criminal records