Remember the essentials: in Spain, a detained person has the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer — immediately. Use these rights. Every word spoken without a lawyer can be used against you.
Part 1
Right at the moment of detention (the first few minutes)
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Remain silent CriticalDo not give any statements, do not answer questions about the case. Say only: "I want a lawyer. I will remain silent until they arrive." — in Spanish: «Quiero un abogado. Ejercito mi derecho a guardar silencio.»
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Do not sign anything CriticalRefuse to sign any documents, protocols, or consent forms — especially consent to "simplified extradition" (entrega voluntaria). This is irreversible.
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Request an interpreterIf you do not understand Spanish, say immediately: «Necesito un intérprete». This is your legal right and it cannot be refused.
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Find out and remember the grounds for detentionAsk: is this a European Arrest Warrant (EAW), an INTERPOL request, or a bilateral treaty? Remember everything you are told. Note the time, place, and names of the officers.
Part 2
The first 2–4 hours
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Contact an extradition lawyer ImmediatelyDo not agree to a "duty lawyer" (abogado de oficio) — they have no specialisation in extradition. Insist on being able to call your own lawyer: +34 699 999 996 (Olexander Predytkevych, available 24/7).
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Notify family or a trusted contactInform one trusted person: where you are, at which station, what is happening. Give them the lawyer's contact details. This ensures coordination.
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Find out which court will hear the caseExtradition cases in Spain are heard by the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid. It's important to know when the first hearing is scheduled — usually within 72 hours.
Part 3
The first 24 hours — before the hearing
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The lawyer files an objection to the extraditionYour extradition lawyer must file an "Oposición a la extradición" — a formal refusal of voluntary surrender. This triggers the full judicial procedure.
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Request a non-custodial precautionary measureThe lawyer files a petition for release on bail, passport deposit, or a travel ban instead of pre-trial detention.
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Gather documents for the court (through family/lawyer)Your lawyer will need the following documents as soon as possible:
Passport / ID document
Residence permit or proof of residence in Spain
Marriage certificate / children's birth certificates (if any)
Employment contract or work certificate
Property or lease documents
Medical records (if any)
Evidence of integration into Spanish society
Any documents related to the case
Need immediate help?
We take calls 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
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