In the pursuit of justice, honesty is not just a moral virtue — it’s a legal imperative. Spanish law, much like many legal systems around the world, holds truth in the highest regard when it comes to legal proceedings. Whether you’re involved in a civil dispute, criminal defense, or family law case, the integrity of your actions can shape not only the outcome of your case but the rest of your life.
Let’s explore some of the key actions — and their consequences — under Spanish law, especially in emotionally charged or high-stakes situations like domestic abuse, restraining orders, or custody battles.
🚫 Lying to Your Lawyer: When the Foundation Crumbles
Action: Deliberately deceiving your own legal counsel
Consequence: Legal sanctions, eroded defense, potentially a lost case
In Spanish law, lying to your abogado (lawyer) is like sabotaging your own ship. When a client withholds the truth or provides false information, the lawyer cannot mount an effective or ethical defense. Spanish legal ethics prohibit attorneys from knowingly presenting false claims — so if they discover deception, they may be compelled to withdraw from the case.
Additionally, the court may impose fines or sanctions if it becomes clear that a litigant manipulated the legal process. In emotionally complex cases — especially those involving domestic violence or custody — this betrayal of the legal system can have devastating personal and legal consequences.
🔁 Violating a Restraining Order: A Path to Imprisonment
Action: Repeated breaches of a orden de alejamiento (restraining order)
Consequence: Additional criminal charges, longer prison sentences
Restraining orders in Spain are serious legal instruments designed to protect individuals from further harm. Repeated violations are viewed by the courts not only as defiance but as a clear danger to public safety and the victim’s wellbeing.
Under Article 48 of the Spanish Penal Code, breaking a restraining order — especially multiple times — often results in cumulative sentences. The court may impose more severe penalties such as incarceration, and prosecutors can add charges like coercion, intimidation, or stalking. There is little tolerance for repeated breaches, particularly in domestic violence contexts.
🤥 Falsehoods Exposed by the Prosecution: The Risk of Perjury
Action: The prosecution uncovers lies, false testimonies, or manipulated evidence
Consequence: Harsher sentencing, perjury charges, credibility collapse
In Spain, perjurio (perjury) is a serious offense. Although it functions slightly differently than in systems like the U.S., giving false testimony or forging evidence can still lead to criminal prosecution under Articles 456–458 of the Penal Code.
More than that, any discovered falsehoods can destroy your credibility in the eyes of the court. This makes judges and juries less likely to believe anything you say — even the truth. This is particularly devastating in cases involving vulnerable parties, where trust in testimony is crucial.
🤲 An Honest Appeal with Remorse: A Chance at Redemption
Action: Admitting fault, showing genuine remorse during appeal
Consequence: Judicial leniency, reduced sentence, restored credibility
Spanish judges are human — and many take remorse, self-awareness, and rehabilitation into account when weighing appeals. Under Spanish criminal law, especially in sentencing guidelines and parole decisions, cooperation with the court and genuine remorse can lead to reduced sentences or suspended penalties.
When a person openly acknowledges their mistakes and makes amends, it allows the legal system to focus not only on punishment but on restoration. This is especially relevant for first-time offenders or individuals who acted under psychological pressure.
💡 Emotional Intelligence in the Legal System
There’s a profound link between emotional intelligence and legal outcomes. People who can take accountability for their actions, empathize with others, and express their truth in a grounded way tend to navigate the justice system more effectively.
Truth is not just a legal tool — it’s a healing force. Whether you are the victim seeking justice or someone trying to make amends, embracing the truth with integrity can lead to outcomes that support long-term peace, not just punishment.
In closing:
The Spanish justice system, while firm, also allows space for personal transformation. Honesty is not weakness — it’s strength. When legal battles feel like emotional battlegrounds, returning to your truth — clearly, courageously, and without distortion — is often your most powerful move.
— Linda C J Turner
Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
