The parole is one of the most important figures in the prison law in Spain, as it allows the prisoner to serve the final part of their sentence outside the prison, subject to certain conditions.

This is a key measure for social reintegration, but it is not granted automatically: it requires compliance with strict criteria and an individual assessment by the judge.

What is probation?

Parole is colloquially known as the “prison category 4”, as it can only be granted when the convicted person is in third level of prison classification.

From a legal point of view, it consists of the suspension of the enforcement of the remaining part of the sentence, imposed by a final judgement.

It is regulated in the Articles 90 to 92 of the Criminal Code, and is awarded by the Prison Supervision Judge.

If you are in prison or have a family member who is affected, it is advisable to consult a lawyer on La Línea de la Concepción before starting any procedure.

When can you apply for parole?

The Criminal Code sets out different types of probation, depending on when the sentence is served and the personal circumstances of the convicted person.

Ordinary parole scheme (section 90.1 of the Criminal Code)

This is the most common scenario and requires:

• To be in third security level
• To have fulfilled three-quarters of the sentence
• Maintain good behaviour
• To have fulfilled the civil liability

The judge will also take into account:

• The personality of the convicted person
• His background
• The seriousness of the offence
• His behaviour in prison
• His social and family environment
• The risk of reoffending

Additional requirements for certain offences

• Terrorism or organised crime offences → cessation of activities and collaboration
• Offences against the Public Administration → compensation for financial loss

Duration, conditions and judicial review

Probation lasts between 2 and 5 years, provided that it is not less than the remaining term of the sentence.

The judge may order:

• Prohibitions
• Rules of conduct
• Control measures

These conditions may be amended if the convicted person’s circumstances change.

Revocation of parole

You may lose your parole if:

• Se comete un nuevo delito
• Se incumplen las condiciones
• Cambian las circunstancias valoradas

En ese caso, el penado vuelve a prisión y el tiempo en libertad no se descuenta de la condena.

Special regime (Article 90(2) of the Criminal Code)

Permite acceder a la libertad condicional antes, con dos tercios de la condena cumplida, si:

• Hay buena conducta
• Se ha trabajado o participado en programas de reinserción

El juez puede incluso adelantarla hasta 90 días por año cumplido.

Special provisions (Article 90(3) of the Criminal Code)

Aplicable cuando:

• Es la primera condena
• La pena es inferior a 3 años
• Se ha cumplido la mitad

No se aplica en delitos sexuales.

Humanitarian regime (Article 91 of the Criminal Code)

Para:

• Mayores de 70 años
• Enfermos graves

Puede concederse aunque no se hayan cumplido los plazos ordinarios, si existe baja peligrosidad.

Parole in the case of a reviewable life sentence (Article 92 of the Criminal Code)

Requiere:

• To have fulfilled 25 años
• Estar en tercer grado
• Tener pronóstico favorable de reinserción

El tribunal revisa periódicamente la situación del penado.

How to apply for parole correctly

Solicitar la libertad condicional sin asesoramiento es uno de los errores más frecuentes.

Una buena defensa penal incluye:

• Revisión del expediente penitenciario
• Preparación de informes
• Estrategia procesal
• Acreditación de requisitos

Puedes consultar con un abogado especializado en derecho penitenciario para valorar tu caso.

Conclusion

La libertad condicional es una oportunidad clave para la reinserción, pero requiere cumplir requisitos legales estrictos y una estrategia adecuada.

Una mala solicitud o falta de preparación puede retrasar su concesión o provocar su denegación. Si estás interesado en obtener la libertad condicional puedes contactarnos. Somos abogados especialistas en derecho penal en La Línea de la Concepción.

Frequently Asked Questions