Crimes Against the Person: How to Defend Your Rights When You Need It Most
Facing a criminal charge for an offense against the person is one of the most challenging experiences an individual can endure. It is not merely about responding in court: it is about protecting your life as you know it. A criminal indictment can lead to the loss of liberty, but it may also seriously affect your personal reputation, employment, relationship with your children, or immigration status if you are a foreign national.
In many cases, charges arise from confusing, rushed, or plainly unjust situations: a street altercation, a complaint during a breakup, a misinterpretation of events by law enforcement, or even a false accusation. Whatever the origin, the damage begins as soon as you are linked to a criminal proceeding.
That is why, in those first moments, your decisions —or failure to act— can drastically alter the course of the proceedings. Acting without legal guidance or relying on improvised solutions can lead to irreparable consequences. On the other hand, having a criminal defense lawyer in Barcelona with specific expertise in personal offenses enables you to establish a solid, tailored, and effective legal strategy from the outset.
Our law firm has been successfully defending individuals accused of serious crimes against the person for over a decade. We have handled cases involving bodily harm, family disputes, allegations of threats, assaults arising in emotionally charged contexts, or judicial errors due to mistaken identity. We know what is at stake. And we know how to act quickly, rigorously, and with humanity.
Our approach is not based solely on knowledge of the Criminal Code, but on a deep understanding of the real-life circumstances our clients face. We understand the fear, uncertainty, and social stigma that a criminal accusation brings. For this reason, when you choose us, you are not just hiring a legal service: you are gaining solid support that will accompany you throughout the entire process, from the initial summons to the final resolution of the case.
What Are Considered Crimes Against the Person?
Crimes against the person include conduct punishable under criminal law that directly infringes upon the fundamental rights of an individual. These rights —life, physical and moral integrity, freedom, dignity, and sexual integrity— form the essential core of protection afforded by Criminal Law. Their legal and social gravity is considerable, and any indictment within this category must be taken with the utmost seriousness.
The most common offenses in this category include:
- Offenses against life, such as homicide (whether consummated or in attempt). These involve accusations that a person caused or attempted to cause the death of another. The distinction between an attempt and a consummated act has significant legal consequences, requiring thorough evidentiary analysis.
- Bodily harm, ranging from minor injuries (e.g., a bruise from a fight) to serious harm involving permanent damage, loss of function, or the need for surgery. In such cases, the medical report, the intent, and the context are key to determining the applicable criminal classification.
- Domestic violence, especially where a romantic, marital, or cohabiting relationship exists. Criminal law increases penalties when the offense occurs within a couple or involves particularly vulnerable persons, such as minors or the elderly. These proceedings typically begin with a complaint and may require immediate protective measures such as restraining orders or suspension of visitation rights.
- Offenses against personal liberty, including threats, coercion, harassment, or unlawful detention. These situations involve attempts to subjugate or limit another’s will through violence, intimidation, or persistent conduct.
- Sexual offenses, one of the most sensitive and complex areas of Criminal Law. These cases demand extremely careful handling, due to the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect the procedural rights of all parties involved. The line between accusation and defense calls for technical analysis, careful evidence management, and an understanding of the emotional and contextual dimensions of each case.
Each of these offenses entails technical particularities that cannot be addressed generically. The accused's personal circumstances, the available evidence, the type of criminal proceedings (ordinary summary, expedited procedure, etc.), and any aggravating or mitigating factors all play a major role in how the case develops.
For this reason, in the face of such accusations, it is crucial to have specialized legal defense. The defense strategy must be designed from the very first moment —tailored, technically sound, and capable of responding promptly. In criminal proceedings involving crimes against the person, there is no room for generic responses or mistakes. Swift, informed, and well-guided action can completely alter the outcome of the judicial process.
What to Do If You Are Accused of a Personal Offense
Receiving a complaint, a court summons, or even an informal notice that a criminal investigation is underway can be a deeply distressing experience. Most people are unprepared to face criminal proceedings, and many make hasty decisions that later complicate their defense. That is why it is crucial to know what steps to take from the outset.
Even if you have not yet been arrested or summoned to testify, any information you provide, phone call you make, or message you send can have legal consequences. Everything you do —or fail to do— will be scrutinized and may be used against you if you do not act under proper legal advice. In these types of proceedings, time is of the essence.
Here are the key actions you should take:
- Seek specialized legal counsel. Not all attorneys are trained or experienced in Criminal Law. Criminal cases involving personal offenses are sensitive, often emotionally charged or rooted in previous conflicts, and require representation by a lawyer skilled in complex criminal matters. A generalist attorney is not enough: you need someone who knows the procedures, understands how criminal judges and prosecutors operate, and can anticipate the prosecution’s tactics.
- Do not give a statement without legal advice. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Often, in an attempt to “clarify things” or “appear cooperative,” the accused agrees to make a statement before the police or judge without knowing the content of the complaint or the evidence involved. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and wait until you are properly advised. What you say early on can define the entire criminal process.
- Gather evidence and identify witnesses. An effective defense must begin immediately. Although the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, you can —and should— provide elements that support your version of events: messages, medical reports, recordings, eyewitnesses, expert opinions, among others. The sooner they are collected, the greater their procedural value.
- Remain calm. A criminal complaint does not mean a conviction. Although the process may seem overwhelming, every step has a legal solution. A good criminal defense lawyer is not just a technical defender: they are also a guide, a source of support, and a key advisor throughout the proceedings. They listen to your concerns, clarify your doubts, prevent errors, and anticipate possible scenarios. With the right legal team, it is possible to regain control.
Remember: the criminal justice system is full of deadlines, strategic decisions, and critical moments. Acting quickly, being well-informed, and having professional support not only improves your chances of a favorable outcome but can also prevent irreversible personal and legal consequences.
Real-Life Example: Wrongful Accusation in an Assault Case
A few months ago, we defended a young man accused of causing bodily injury in a bar fight. The medical report for the other individual showed significant injuries, but our expert witnesses demonstrated that those injuries were pre-existing and unrelated to the alleged incident. After several court hearings, we secured a full acquittal for our client.
Cases like these are not uncommon. What makes the difference is the legal strategy and the speed with which action is taken.
Why Choose Us as Your Criminal Defense Team?
In criminal proceedings, having a lawyer is not enough: you need someone who understands your situation, acts swiftly, and knows how to protect you both inside and outside the courtroom. Criminal defense is a complex discipline, where timing, strategy, and experience determine the difference between a favorable outcome and an unjust conviction. These are the reasons why more and more individuals choose us to handle their defense:
- Because we know the courts of Barcelona and the actual workings of the criminal justice system. We not only master the law, but we also understand the dynamics of the courts, the criteria of judges and prosecutors, and the specific characteristics of each jurisdiction. That familiarity allows us to anticipate what may happen at every stage of the proceedings.
- Because we apply a technical, strategic, and human defense. We do not improvise. We analyze every case from all angles: legal, evidentiary, personal, and reputational. And we do so without prejudice. We do not judge our clients —we defend them firmly, while maintaining empathy and respect for their story.
- Because our criminal legal advisory services in Barcelona are tailored to each case with professionalism and close personal attention. Every client has a unique situation, which is why we avoid standard solutions. We listen, explain clearly, review every detail, and accompany our clients throughout the entire process —from the first call to the final judgment.
- Because we know that, in these moments, legal matters are also emotional. A criminal accusation does not only have legal consequences: it can cause anxiety, fear, loss of confidence, and a major impact on family or social life. That’s why our role goes beyond drafting legal briefs or appearing before a judge. We also stand by the accused person, answering questions, managing pressure, and helping to maintain composure when it’s needed most.
- Because we defend with loyalty, commitment, and results. Our track record is supported by years of experience and by numerous cases where we have achieved acquittals, dismissals, reduced sentences, or effective protection of our clients’ rights. We do not promise the impossible: we act with honesty and with our full technical capacity.
Choosing who will handle your criminal defense is a crucial decision. We will not leave you alone. We will defend you as if we were in your place.
Protect Your Freedom. Act in Time.
If you are facing a criminal investigation or have received a judicial notice, do not wait. Preparation and anticipation can be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
📞 Contact us today to receive legal assistance in serious criminal matters. Our team is ready to help you regain control of the situation with rigor, confidentiality, and experience.