Inés Guardiola has become a widely recognized name in Spain’s legal circles, especially after taking on the defence of former football star Dani Alves. Her sharp legal skills, extensive academic background, and commitment to client representation have earned her significant media attention and professional respect.
Who is Inés Guardiola?
Inés Guardiola is the founder and lead attorney at Guardiola Penalistas, a Barcelona-based law firm specializing in criminal law. She graduated in Law from Pompeu Fabra University in 2003 and earned a Master’s in Criminal Law and Criminal Sciences from the University of Barcelona in 2004. 2016, she completed her Doctorate in Criminal Law, solidifying her academic and professional credentials.
Beyond her practice, Guardiola is also an Associate Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Barcelona and actively participates in the Barcelona Bar Association. Her academic and professional achievements reflect her deep knowledge of Spain’s legal framework, particularly criminal defence.
High-Profile Role: Defending Dani Alves
The defence of Dani Alves, a former FC Barcelona player accused of sexual assault, brought Inés Guardiola massive public attention. Guardiola stepped in as Alves’ attorney in October 2023, taking on one of the most closely followed cases in recent Spanish legal history.
In February 2024, Alves was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault. Guardiola, however, remained determined to prove her client’s innocence. She immediately began preparing an appeal, highlighting possible flaws in the original trial and advocating for Alves’ rights throughout the legal process.
Securing Dani Alves’ Bail
One of Inés Guardiola’s most notable successes came in March 2024, when she successfully secured conditional release for Dani Alves. The court granted Alves bail on the condition of posting €1 million and complying with strict requirements, such as surrendering his Spanish and Brazilian passports and appearing regularly before the court.
This significant move allowed Alves to remain out of prison while his legal team continued to appeal the initial conviction. The pivotal decision highlighted Guardiola’s ability to navigate complex legal proceedings under intense public and media scrutiny.
Recent Developments
In February 2025, Guardiola submitted a request to the Catalan High Court to re-examine the victim and reassess fingerprints related to Alves’ case. However, the court denied her appeal, stating that re-interviewing the victim could cause further distress and was unnecessary. However, the court allowed media reports about the case to be included in the ongoing legal review.
Despite setbacks, Guardiola remains committed to pursuing every legal avenue available to ensure her client receives fair treatment under Spanish law.
Conclusion
Inés Guardiola career reflects a deep commitment to justice, legal excellence, and client advocacy. Her role in defending Dani Alves demonstrates her legal expertise and her ability to handle high-pressure cases with precision and determination. As she continues her work in courtrooms and academic circles, Guardiola stands out as one of Spain’s leading figures in criminal defence law.
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