Terrorism
Terrorism
Offences with a terrorist purpose (Arts. 571-580 CP): specialised defence.
info@societejuridique.com
Madrid: Paseo de la Castellana 216 8 ª Planta
Alicante: Av. Ansaldo Nº31, local 16
24h emergencies: 669 30 21 13
Audiencia Nacional · Special jurisdiction · Madrid
Defence before the National Court
Spain’s special court for the most complex cases — terrorism, organised crime, extradition.
The Audiencia Nacional, based in Madrid, is Spain’s specialised court for the most serious and cross-border matters: terrorism, organised crime, large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, major economic crime, extradition and European Arrest Warrants. Its procedures require experienced, English-speaking representation.
In brief. the Audiencia Nacional is a specialised national court (Madrid) competent for terrorism, organised crime, large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, major economic offences affecting several territories, offences against the Crown, and extradition and European Arrest Warrant proceedings. Its cases are complex, often international, and demand a specialised defence.
Key facts
AN
Audiencia Nacional: Spain’s specialised court, based in Madrid.
24h
English-speaking lawyer, immediate assistance before the National Court.
ES
Cross-border cases handled throughout Spain and with foreign counsel.
A specialised jurisdiction
The National Court has defined competences. It handles terrorism, organised crime, large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, counterfeiting, and economic offences causing serious harm across several provinces.
It is the court for cross-border cooperation. Extradition, European Arrest Warrants and the execution of international requests are decided by the Audiencia Nacional, making it central to any transnational case.
Its cases are document-heavy and technical. Wiretaps, financial analysis, international letters rogatory and lengthy investigations require a defence able to master both the substance and the procedure.
What we handle
Matters before the National Court
Art. 570 bis CP
Organised crime
Criminal organisations and groups operating across territories.
Art. 368-370 CP
Large-scale drug trafficking
Trafficking of notorious importance and international networks.
Art. 301 CP
Money laundering
Complex, cross-border laundering schemes.
Economic
Major economic crime
Large frauds affecting several provinces or many victims.
Extradition
Extradition
Passive extradition proceedings towards third States.
EAW
European Arrest Warrant
Surrender proceedings between EU Member States.
Interpol
Interpol red notices
Arrests on international alerts and their challenge.
Art. 472 CP
Offences against the Crown / State
Certain offences against the highest institutions.
Jurisdiction
Overview of competence
| Matter | Basis | Scope | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrorism | Arts. 571-580 | National | Special regime |
| Organised crime | Art. 570 bis | Cross-territory | Network structure |
| Drug trafficking | Art. 368-370 | Large scale | International routes |
| Money laundering | Art. 301 | Cross-border | Financial tracing |
| Major economic crime | Various | Several provinces | Many victims |
| Extradition | Law 4/1985 | Third States | Grounds for refusal |
| European Arrest Warrant | Law 23/2014 | EU | Fast surrender |
| Interpol red notice | International | Global | Arrest and challenge |
Indicative elements on the competence of the Audiencia Nacional. The applicable regime depends on the matter and the facts. This overview does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
Complex cases are won on procedure and evidence
National Court cases turn on the file. Legality of wiretaps and searches, chain of custody, financial analysis and the regularity of international cooperation are often where the case is decided.
We coordinate cross-border defence. Working with foreign counsel, challenging surrender and extradition on fundamental-rights grounds, and controlling the evidence gathered abroad are central to our approach.
01
Control of the legality of wiretaps, searches and evidence
02
Challenge to extradition and surrender on rights grounds
03
Financial analysis and tracing in laundering cases
04
Coordination with foreign counsel in cross-border cases
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Arrest and appearance before the National Court
Phase 02
Investigation and control of the evidence
Phase 03
Intermediate stage and challenges
Phase 04
Trial and appeals
Who we represent
Very different situations
D
People under investigation
People prosecuted before the National Court in complex cases.
E
Businesses
Companies involved in major economic or laundering proceedings.
A
Wanted persons
People facing extradition, an EAW or an Interpol red notice.
L
Foreign counsel
Lawyers abroad coordinating a defence in Spain.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
What is the Audiencia Nacional?
Spain’s specialised national court, based in Madrid, competent for terrorism, organised crime, large-scale trafficking, laundering, major economic crime and extradition.
Why is my case before this court?
Because it falls within its special competence — typically a cross-territory, cross-border or especially serious matter.
Does it handle extradition?
Yes. It decides extradition to third States and European Arrest Warrant surrender proceedings.
Are these cases international?
Very often. They involve international cooperation, evidence gathered abroad and coordination with foreign counsel.
Can the evidence be challenged?
Yes. The legality of wiretaps, searches and international cooperation is a central line of defence.
What should I do if summoned or arrested?
Make no statement without a lawyer. The firm assists 24/7, including before the National Court in Madrid.
Speak to a criminal lawyer
In a fast-track case, the days you have are the case.
Criminal defence in English before the courts of Alicante and the rest of Spain, for residents and for visitors who have flown home.
Paseo De La Castellana 216 8º 28046 Madrid
Alicante – Playa de San Juan Av. Ansaldo 31, local 16, 03540 Alicante
Londres: 20 Wenlock Road, N1 7GU, Reino Unido
París: 72 Faubourg St Honoré, 75008, Francia
info@societejuridique.com
SERVICIOS
ENLACES
Société de Conseil Juridique et Expert es un despacho de abogados con sedes en Madrid, Alicante, Londres y París, especializado en defensa y acusación penal, delitos económicos y corporativos y derecho tecnológico. Trabajamos con orientación estratégica en procedimientos penales complejos, propiedad intelectual y análisis forense avanzado, y prestamos consultoría jurídica, compliance y escudos de protección a particulares y empresas. Atendemos desde Alicante y Madrid, con consulta online en toda España y asistencia al detenido 24 horas. Resuelva sus dudas en las preguntas frecuentes o solicite una primera consulta.
Copyright © 2026 Société de Conseil Juridique et Expert S.L.
Sedes y delegaciones: Alicante·El Campello·Madrid
Tambien actuamos en: San Juan de Alicante·Benidorm·Elche·Torrevieja·Orihuela·Alcoy·San Vicente·Elda·Denia·Villajoyosa·Villena·Novelda·Ibi·Murcia
Tambien actuamos en: San Juan de Alicante·Benidorm·Elche·Torrevieja·Orihuela·Alcoy·San Vicente·Elda·Denia·Villajoyosa·Villena·Novelda·Ibi·Murcia
Defensa por delitos: Alcoholemias·Robos y hurtos·Lesiones·Agresión sexual·Amenazas·Okupas·Homicidios·Antecedentes penales