Art. 178 CP
Sexual assault
Act against sexual freedom without consent: one to four years.
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Sexual freedom · Consent · Alicante
Sexual offence lawyer in Alicante
Since the 2022 reform, everything turns on consent: a rigorous, respectful defence is essential.
Since Organic Law 10/2022, the Spanish Criminal Code unifies offences against sexual freedom around consent (Articles 178 onward). These charges, among the most serious, require in Alicante a rigorous English-speaking defence, respectful of the victim and of the rights of the accused.
In brief. Organic Law 10/2022 recast offences against sexual freedom around consent: sexual assault (Art. 178) covers any act without consent, aggravated where there is penetration (Art. 179) or qualified circumstances (Art. 180). Evidence, often centred on consent and forensic material, is at the heart of a defence conducted in Alicante.
Key facts
178
Sexual assault: any act against sexual freedom without consent.
179
Assault with penetration: substantially aggravated penalty.
24h
English-speaking lawyer in Alicante, rigorous and confidential defence.
Consent at the centre
Consent is the central criterion. Since 2022 there is a single category of sexual assault (Art. 178), defined by the absence of freely given consent. The former distinction between assault and “abuse” has been removed.
The penalties are high and graded. Penetration (Art. 179) and qualified circumstances — violence, plurality of perpetrators, victim vulnerability (Art. 180) — significantly aggravate the penalty.
The defence must be rigorous and dignified. Analysis of consent, consistency of statements, forensic material and digital evidence are examined with care, in respect of all parties.
What we defend
Offences against sexual freedom
Art. 179 CP
Assault with penetration
Carnal access or introduction of limbs or objects: four to twelve years.
Art. 180 CP
Aggravating circumstances
Particular violence, plurality of perpetrators, vulnerability: aggravated penalty.
Art. 181 CP
Victim under sixteen
Specific, reinforced regime protecting minors.
Art. 178.2 CP
Absence of consent
Consent absent unless freely expressed through acts.
Art. 182 CP
Other offences
Acts of a sexual nature without the preceding circumstances.
Art. 191 CP
Prosecution on complaint
In principle requires a complaint by the victim or the prosecutor.
Art. 192 CP
Complementary measures
Supervised release and bans regarding minors.
Evidence
Consent and evidence
Consistency of statements and forensic material are decisive.
Penalty framework
Indicative overview
| Offence | Article | Penalty framework | Key aggravating factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual assault | 178 | 1 – 4 years | Violence or intimidation |
| Assault with penetration | 179 | 4 – 12 years | Form of the act |
| Aggravating circumstances | 180 | Upper half of the penalty | Plurality of perpetrators |
| Victim under 16 | 181 | Reinforced penalty | Age of the victim |
| Other offences | 182 | Prison or fine | Nature of the act |
| Complementary measures | 192 | Supervised release | Risk of reoffending |
| Restraining order | 57 | Complementary penalty | Protection of the victim |
| Reparation | 116 | Compensation | Victim’s loss |
Indicative figures based on the Spanish Criminal Code as reformed by Organic Law 10/2022. Penalties are high and depend on the circumstances. This table does not replace a lawyer’s analysis.
Our difference
A rigorous defence, respectful of all parties
The presumption of innocence remains fully intact. Consent, the consistency and corroboration of statements, the chronology and the technical evidence must be examined rigorously, without ever turning an accusation into proof.
We act with discretion and method. Checking the regularity of investigative acts, forensic expertise and analysis of communications are conducted with respect for the victim’s dignity and the rights of the defence.
01
Analysis of consent and corroboration of statements
02
Forensic expertise and control of the chain of evidence
03
Control of the regularity of investigative acts
04
Confidential defence and management of complementary measures
How we act
A structured defence at every stage
Phase 01
Police custody and first statements
Phase 02
Investigation and expert assessments
Phase 03
Analysis of consent and evidence
Phase 04
Trial in Alicante and complementary measures
Who we represent
In Alicante and around
D
People under investigation
People facing an exceptionally serious charge, in Alicante.
V
Victims
Victims supported with respect towards protection and reparation.
R
Foreign residents
English-speakers facing sensitive proceedings in Spain.
F
Families
Relatives supporting a demanding and complex process.
Related
Related pages
FAQ
What you should know
What changed with the 2022 reform?
Organic Law 10/2022 unified sexual offences around consent: there is now a single category of sexual assault (Art. 178), with no distinction from the former “abuse”.
How is absence of consent defined?
Consent must be freely expressed through acts; its absence characterises assault, placing evidence at the heart of the trial.
Does penetration change the penalty?
Yes. Article 179 provides a substantially aggravated penalty (four to twelve years), further increased by the circumstances of Article 180.
Does the presumption of innocence apply?
Fully. The accusation must be proven; the defence ensures a statement is not treated as proof without corroboration.
What measures accompany the penalty?
Often supervised release, a restraining order and, for minors, a ban on certain activities (Art. 192).
Is the defence confidential?
Absolutely. The firm provides a rigorous and discreet defence, 24/7, in Alicante and throughout Spain.
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
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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.
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