Spanish Phrases for Legal Situations: Essential Expressions for Clear Communication


Legal conversations can be stressful even in your native language. When they happen in Spanish, misunderstandings can easily lead to delays or complications. Learning key phrases used in legal settings helps you communicate confidently with attorneys, courts, law enforcement, and government agencies.

This guide covers practical expressions commonly used in legal discussions, contracts, official procedures, and emergency situations, providing clear support for anyone who needs reliable Spanish language tools.

Core Legal Vocabulary

  • Abogado / abogada — Lawyer

  • Tribunal / corte — Court

  • Juez / jueza — Judge

  • Fiscal — Prosecutor

  • Denuncia / reporte — Report or complaint

  • Declaración — Statement

  • Testigo — Witness

  • Contrato — Contract

  • Audiencia — Hearing

  • Identificación — Identification

Phrases for Speaking With a Lawyer

  • Necesito hablar con un abogado.
    I need to speak with a lawyer.

  • ¿Puede representarme en este caso?
    Can you represent me in this case?

  • Quiero entender mis derechos.
    I want to understand my rights.

  • Necesito asesoría legal.
    I need legal advice.

  • ¿Cuáles son los próximos pasos?
    What are the next steps?

Phrases for Police or Law-Enforcement Situations

  • No entiendo lo que está pasando.
    I don’t understand what is happening.

  • ¿Por qué me detuvieron?
    Why was I stopped?

  • Quiero permanecer en silencio.
    I want to remain silent.

  • Quiero hablar con un abogado antes de responder.
    I want to speak with a lawyer before answering.

  • No doy permiso para registrar mis pertenencias.
    I do not consent to a search of my belongings.

  • ¿Puedo ver la orden judicial?
    May I see the warrant?

Phrases for Court Appearances

  • Tengo una audiencia programada.
    I have a scheduled hearing.

  • Estoy aquí para presentar documentos.
    I’m here to submit documents.

  • Quiero solicitar una extensión.
    I want to request an extension.

  • No recibí la notificación.
    I did not receive the notice.

  • ¿Dónde debo esperar?
    Where should I wait?

Phrases for Contracts and Agreements

  • Quiero revisar el contrato antes de firmar.
    I want to review the contract before signing.

  • ¿Cuáles son las obligaciones?
    What are the obligations?

  • Necesito una copia del acuerdo.
    I need a copy of the agreement.

  • No estoy de acuerdo con esta cláusula.
    I do not agree with this clause.

  • ¿Puede explicarlo en términos simples?
    Can you explain it in simple terms?

Phrases for Filing Reports or Claims

  • Quiero poner una denuncia.
    I want to file a report.

  • Necesito documentar lo sucedido.
    I need to document what happened.

  • ¿Qué información necesitan?
    What information do you need?

  • Aquí están mis documentos de identificación.
    Here are my identification documents.

  • ¿Puedo obtener una copia del reporte?
    Can I get a copy of the report?

Phrases for Emergencies and Urgent Situations

  • Necesito ayuda inmediata.
    I need immediate assistance.

  • Estoy en una situación peligrosa.
    I’m in a dangerous situation.

  • Mi seguridad está en riesgo.
    My safety is at risk.

  • Necesito protección.
    I need protection.

  • Por favor llame a un abogado o a mis familiares.
    Please call a lawyer or my family.

Useful Clarification Phrases

  • ¿Puede repetirlo más despacio?
    Can you repeat it more slowly?

  • No entiendo este término legal.
    I don’t understand this legal term.

  • ¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?
    Can you write it down, please?

  • ¿Dónde puedo obtener más información?
    Where can I get more information?

Final Notes

Learning essential Spanish expressions for legal situations helps avoid confusion and supports smoother communication in stressful moments. Keeping these phrases accessible—on your phone or printed out—can make a meaningful difference whenever you’re dealing with attorneys, courts, or official processes.

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