Fast-track trials for gender violence in Alicante

Most gender violence complaints are handled as fast-track trials: within a few days, sometimes within hours, it is decided whether there will be charges, a plea agreement or a trial. We prepare the strategy from the duty court onwards.

Reviewed by Celeste Pérez Bleda, Bar member no. 7301 · Updated October 2026

In short

A fast-track trial (juicio rápido) is an accelerated criminal procedure for offences punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment (or by other penalties of up to ten years) when the investigation is straightforward, as is the case in many gender violence matters (articles 795 et seq. of the Criminal Procedure Act, Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal). The investigation is carried out at the duty court (juzgado de guardia) or the Violence against Women Section, and if the accused accepts the charges there, the sentence is reduced by one third (article 801). If there is no plea agreement, the trial takes place before the Criminal Court (Juzgado de lo Penal) within fifteen days.

What is a fast-track trial?

It is the procedure set out in articles 795 et seq. of the Criminal Procedure Act (Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal, LECrim) for trying offences quickly where the penalty does not exceed five years’ imprisonment, or ten years for other types of penalty, when the case begins with a police report (atestado) and the investigation is straightforward. The law expressly includes offences of injury, coercion, threats, or habitual physical or psychological violence committed against a partner, former partner or the other relatives listed in article 173.2 of the Criminal Code (Código Penal).

The stages, step by step

Urgent inquiries. The duty court (juzgado de guardia) or the Violence against Women Section (Sección de Violencia sobre la Mujer) takes statements from the person under investigation, the victim and any witnesses, and may grant a protection order.
Charges. The prosecutor and, where applicable, the private prosecution (acusación particular) file their indictment. If there is agreement, a judgment by consent can be handed down at the same court.
Trial. If there is no plea agreement, the Criminal Court (Juzgado de lo Penal) holds the trial within the following fifteen days.

Plea agreements: when they make sense and when they do not

If the accused accepts the sentence requested by the prosecution at the duty court, article 801 of the Criminal Procedure Act allows it to be reduced by one third, provided the offence is punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine or another penalty of up to ten years. But a plea agreement (conformidad) means a conviction and a criminal record and, in gender violence cases, a mandatory restraining order. It is not a decision to be taken in a hurry or without knowing the evidence.

If you are the victim

You can join the proceedings as a private prosecutor to seek the appropriate sentence and compensation, rather than relying solely on the public prosecutor’s view. We stand by you when you give your statement, request the protection measures you need and make sure that the speed of the procedure does not leave important evidence out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a fast-track trial take?

The urgent inquiries are carried out while the duty court is on call. If there is no plea agreement, the law provides for the trial to be held within fifteen days before the Criminal Court.

What happens if I accept a plea agreement?

A conviction is handed down with the sentence reduced by one third. It is final and results in a criminal record. We explain the consequences to you before you decide.

Can the victim withdraw the complaint?

Gender violence offences are public offences: withdrawing the complaint does not stop the proceedings. In some cases the victim can exercise the exemption from testifying against her partner, subject to the exceptions introduced by Organic Law 8/2021.

Legal basis