Dealing with the Spanish public administration has its own rules: deadlines are short, official silence has legal meaning, and a badly framed appeal closes doors. At FH Jurídicos we defend individuals, self-employed professionals and companies in Madrid against fines, refusals and administrative decisions of every kind — both before the administration itself and before the administrative courts (contencioso-administrativo). We work in English and Spanish.
The first thing to know: deadlines rule everything
As a general rule you have one month to file an administrative appeal and two months to go to court, counted from notification. Once those deadlines pass, the decision becomes final and there is very little way back. If you have received an official notification, don't let it sit — bring it to us and we will tell you in a free first consultation whether an appeal is worth it.
How we can help
Fines and administrative penalties
Submissions and appeals against traffic fines, municipal by-law penalties, consumer and labour sanctions or decisions of any public body. We look for procedural defects — faulty notifications, expired proceedings, limitation periods — as well as substantive grounds before you pay anything.
Administrative appeals and judicial review
We draft and file the administrative appeals (reposición, alzada) and, where the administration will not budge, we take your case to the administrative courts, including interim measures to suspend the decision while the case is heard.
Claims against the administration (public liability)
If a public service has caused you damage — an accident due to a poorly maintained public street, an administrative error, a healthcare issue — you may claim compensation. The general deadline is one year from the damage or its stabilisation.
Licences, planning and business activity
Planning and activity licences, responsible declarations and enforcement proceedings before the municipalities of the Madrid region.
Immigration refusals
Refusals of residence permits or nationality applications are fought in this jurisdiction — it is the natural continuation of our immigration service for international clients.
How we work
Administrative cases are won on the file. We request full access to your expediente, identify the formal and substantive defects, and only recommend an appeal when there is a real prospect of success. A timely appeal can suspend enforcement — from the collection of a fine to a demolition order — while the matter is decided.
How we handle your case
01
Free assessment
We listen to your case, review your documents and tell you honestly whether it is worth pursuing and by which route.
02
Fixed written quote
Before starting, you receive a written quote with the fees and the foreseeable court costs. No surprises.
03
We handle everything
Filings, deadlines, hearings and communication with the court. You are kept informed at every relevant step.
04
Resolution and follow-up
We pursue the matter until it is actually resolved, including enforcement if the other side does not comply.
What our quote includes
- Full study of the case and documentation
- Strategy and route recommendation
- Drafting and filing of all documents
- Representation at hearings and appearances
- Direct communication with your lawyer
- Follow-up until the matter is resolved
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal an administrative decision in Spain?
Generally one month for administrative appeals and two months for judicial review before the courts, counted from the date of notification. After that, the decision becomes final.
Is it worth appealing a fine?
It depends on the amount and on the defects in the file. Many penalties are annulled for faulty notification, expiry of the proceedings or limitation. We review the file and give you an honest assessment before you decide.
What does "administrative silence" mean?
It is the legal effect the law gives to the administration's failure to answer in time. Depending on the procedure, silence counts as approval or as refusal of your request, and in both cases it determines how and when you can act.
Does appealing suspend the obligation to pay or comply?
Not automatically: interim suspension must be requested and justified. For financial penalties it is usually conditional on a guarantee; in other cases, on the risk of irreparable harm. We assess this in every appeal.
