The Community of Madrid managed last year a total of 117,959 requests for mutual legal assistance free, 9.8% more than the previous year, as highlighted on Friday by the Minister of Presidency, Justice and Local Administration, Miguel Ángel García Martín, during the presentation of the annual report of this public service at the headquarters of the Vice-Ministry. of Justice and Victims of the capital.
The most numerous files recorded concerned Criminal order (60.15%), followed by Civil (24.23%), Administrative Litigation (8.51%) and Social (7.1%). The Free Legal Assistance Commission received a total of 8,428 calls and 152 personal requests via public service 012 in the various Citizen Service offices.
The regional government has increased its investments in this service by 9.2% this year, up to the 56.3 million euros, to guarantee this right enshrined in the Spanish Constitution. “While the Central Executive invests 6.39 euros per capita, we rise to 8.18,” said García Martín. This includes increasing all lawyer modules by 4% and creating four new scales for professional actions not provided for in the Free Legal Assistance Regulation: appeal against a prison order, counterclaim, court order. removal and condition of double accusation/defense.
García Martín also wanted to thank all the lawyers and duty counsel for their work: “Making real and effective for citizens who demonstrate insufficient resources their right to legal defense and procedural representation 365 days a year”. He also reiterated the need for more civil servants: “Last year we asked the ministry for 470 positions and they only gave us 174, which did not even cover the replacement rate,” he said. he lamented. This year 629 people asked for it.
