Criminal Law · Andorra
A dedicated criminal lawyer in Andorra for your defence
Facing criminal proceedings in Andorra can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local courts and Catalan language. We match you with an accredited Andorran advocate who will represent and defend you at every stage. Request a free, no-obligation connection in minutes.
- Accredited by the Andorran Bar
- Response within 24–48 hours
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No cost to get matched. Response within 24–48h on average.
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Criminal defence in Andorra
Your rights and the role of your lawyer
If you are being investigated or charged with a criminal offence in Andorra, securing a qualified criminal lawyer in Andorra is one of the most important steps you can take. Andorran criminal procedure is governed by the Llei qualificada de la Justícia and conducted in Catalan, which can be a barrier for foreign residents or visitors. Your lawyer will handle every aspect of the case, from police interviews and bail applications to representation before the Batllia d’Andorra, the Tribunal de Corts and the Tribunal Superior de Justícia. Because there is no separate procurador profession, the same advocate both represents you in court and prepares your defence. Free legal aid is available in certain criminal cases for those who meet the economic criteria, and the duty advocate can assist immediately after detention. Our service connects you quickly with a bar-admitted professional who understands the local system.
Andorra-specific criminal procedure
How criminal cases work in Andorra
Criminal justice in Andorra is administered by independent courts under the Llei qualificada de la Justícia. The Batllia d’Andorra handles investigation and first-instance matters, the Tribunal de Corts deals with serious offences, and the Tribunal Superior de Justícia hears appeals. All proceedings are conducted in Catalan, and only advocates admitted to the Col·legi Oficial d’Advocats d’Andorra may represent clients.
Criminal court structure
In Andorra, criminal jurisdiction is exercised by the Batllia d’Andorra, the Tribunal de Batlles, the Tribunal de Corts and the Tribunal Superior de Justícia. The Batllia d’Andorra conducts investigations and hears first-instance cases; the Tribunal de Corts deals with serious criminal offences; and the Tribunal Superior de Justícia is the highest appellate body. Your criminal lawyer will navigate these courts on your behalf.
The advocate’s dual role
Andorra has no separate procurador profession. The advocate (lletrat) admitted to the Andorran bar both represents and defends the client in judicial proceedings. This means your criminal lawyer handles all procedural representation, from filing documents to appearing before the court, ensuring continuity and a single point of contact.
Catalan as the language of proceedings
Catalan is the sole official language of judicial activity in Andorra. All filings, hearings and judgments are in Catalan. If you do not speak Catalan, your lawyer will explain the process and translate key documents, ensuring you understand every step. This is a crucial practical consideration for foreign clients.
Free legal aid in criminal cases
Free legal aid (benefici de justícia gratuïta) is granted by the judge to persons who prove insufficient economic resources. In criminal proceedings, it covers assistance by the duty advocate (lletrat d’ofici) for a detained person and defence and representation at every stage of the same criminal proceeding, as well as authorised procedural expenses and free copies.
Admission to the Andorran bar
To practise as a criminal lawyer in Andorra, an advocate must be admitted to the Col·legi Oficial d’Advocats d’Andorra (CADA). Admission requires holding a law degree, passing the aptitude exams (certificat d’aptitud), and completing the practical traineeship regulated by the Government, as set out in Law 48/2014, amended by Law 10/2023.
Notification and procedural deadlines
Judicial resolutions are notified within a maximum of 5 business days from issuance. Procedural periods are computed in business days only, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, August and the Christmas period. Your lawyer will track all deadlines to ensure your procedural rights are protected.
Key time limit — Criminal Law
Labour – prescription of disciplinary offences — 20/30/60 calendar days (12 months from commission). Employer’s power to sanction; minor/serious/very serious; not criminal.
All country-specific information is sourced from official Andorran bodies and the national legal portal (updated as of March 2025).
- Justícia d’Andorra
- Col·legi Oficial d’Advocats d’Andorra
- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra – Llei qualificada de la Justícia
- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra – Llei 48/2014
- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra – Free legal aid regulation
- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra – Civil Procedure Code
- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra – Labour Relations Law
- Portal Jurídic d’Andorra – Choice of Ordinary Procedure
- Consell General – Constitution of Andorra
Why you need local expertise
Common challenges in Andorran criminal cases
Criminal proceedings in Andorra present unique hurdles for foreign clients and even residents unfamiliar with the system. Here are three you should not face alone.
Language barrier in court
All criminal proceedings in Andorra are conducted in Catalan. Without a lawyer, you may not understand the charges, evidence or court orders, putting your defence at serious risk.
Unfamiliar court system
Andorran criminal courts follow the Batllia, Tribunal de Corts and Tribunal Superior hierarchy. Navigating this without local guidance can lead to missed deadlines and reduced protection.
Risk of detention
If detained, you have the right to a duty advocate immediately. Acting quickly ensures your rights are protected from the first interview, which can influence the entire case.
Our service
Why use our lawyer matching service
We simplify the process of finding a qualified criminal lawyer in Andorra, so you can focus on your defence.
Vetted Andorran advocates
We only work with lawyers admitted to the Col·legi Oficial d’Advocats d’Andorra, ensuring they meet the strict requirements of Law 48/2014 and its amendments.
Rapid response
Our matching service typically connects you with a criminal lawyer within 24–48 hours, crucial for urgent matters such as bail applications or initial hearings.
Free, no-obligation matching
There is no cost to use our service. You receive proposals from suitable lawyers and can choose the one you feel most confident with.
Bilingual support
Our team can help coordinate communication with your lawyer, especially if you do not speak Catalan, ensuring clarity throughout the process.
Where we operate
European jurisdictions covered
Our network includes criminal defence specialists across Europe. If your case involves cross-border elements or you need assistance elsewhere, we can help.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about criminal defence in Andorra
What does a criminal lawyer in Andorra do?
A criminal lawyer in Andorra represents and defends you at every stage of a criminal case, from initial investigation and police interviews to hearings before the Batllia, Tribunal de Corts and Tribunal Superior de Justícia. They advise on your rights, prepare your defence, and file appeals if needed.
Do I need a lawyer if I am detained in Andorra?
Yes. If you are detained, the duty advocate (lletrat d’ofici) is available immediately, and you may apply for free legal aid if your resources are insufficient. The aid covers the duty advocate’s assistance and defence throughout the criminal proceeding.
Are court proceedings in Andorra in Catalan?
Yes. Catalan is the sole official language of judicial activity. All documents, hearings and judgments are in Catalan. Your lawyer will explain everything and can help with translation if needed, but the official language remains Catalan.
How can I verify that my lawyer is authorised to practise in Andorra?
Check that the lawyer is admitted to the Col·legi Oficial d’Advocats d’Andorra (CADA). Admission requires a law degree, passing the aptitude exams and completing a practical traineeship, so all CADA members meet the statutory requirements.
Is free legal aid available for criminal cases?
Yes, free legal aid is granted by the judge to those who prove insufficient economic resources. In criminal proceedings it covers the duty advocate’s assistance and representation at every stage, as well as authorised procedural expenses and free copies.
How quickly can I get a criminal lawyer in Andorra?
Our matching service typically connects you with a criminal lawyer in Andorra within 24–48 hours of your request. This is often fast enough for urgent matters such as bail applications or initial court appearances.
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Request your free lawyer match in Andorra
Tell us about your situation and we will connect you with a suitable criminal lawyer in Andorra within 24–48 hours, at no cost and with no obligation.