Criminal defense attorney in Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara and its metropolitan area (Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Tlajomulco) are home to many U.S. and Canadian retirees, students and remote workers, especially around Lake Chapala. Guadalajara’s airport also has many direct flights to the United States. Foreigners usually need a criminal lawyer here after an arrest at the airport, a real estate dispute, a car accident or a family complaint. This page explains what is unusual about Jalisco: where the hearings are actually held.
Most hearings are in Puente Grande, not downtown
The control courts of Jalisco’s First Judicial District sit at the Centro de Justicia Penal in Puente Grande, at km 17.5 of the free highway to Zapotlanejo. The Federal Criminal Justice Center in Jalisco is in the same prison complex. Whether the case is state or federal, families in the metropolitan area should plan to travel to Puente Grande. Cases from other parts of Jalisco, such as Lake Chapala, may belong to a different judicial district, so we confirm the court as soon as we review the file.
State crimes are investigated by the Fiscalía del Estado de Jalisco. Federal crimes, such as firearms, larger drug amounts or smuggling, are investigated by the FGR.
Arrested at Guadalajara airport
Common cases include cartridges in checked luggage, THC products, controlled medication without a Mexican prescription, and travelers stopped because of an old arrest warrant. Since the reform published on May 29, 2025, bringing in firearms or cartridges that are not for exclusive military use without a permit carries 6 to 12 years in prison (article 84 Bis of the Federal Firearms and Explosives Law). Only small amounts of drugs count as personal use, for example 5 grams of marijuana (article 479 of the General Health Law).
Retirees and residents: property and family matters
Pre-sale homes that are never delivered, lots sold twice and caretakers or partners who mishandle money can lead to fraud or breach-of-trust complaints, whether you are the victim or the accused. In many property crimes, the law allows a restitution agreement or a conditional suspension of the process (articles 186 to 196 of the National Code of Criminal Procedure).
Traffic accidents with injuries
A car accident with injuries can lead to a criminal investigation even when no one acted on purpose. Insurance, repair of the damage and a restitution agreement with the injured party often decide how the case ends.
Your rights if you are arrested in Jalisco
- To remain silent and to have your own lawyer present.
- To an interpreter (article 45 of the National Code of Criminal Procedure) and consular assistance (article 151).
- To be brought before a judge within 48 hours of being held by the prosecutor (article 16 of the Constitution).
Useful guides: Guadalajara warrant checks; criminal arrests in Guadalajara; arrests at Mexican airports; Mexican gun laws.
Frequently asked questions about criminal cases in Guadalajara
Where will the hearing be after an arrest in the Guadalajara metropolitan area?
Usually at Puente Grande, where both the state control courts of the First Judicial District and the federal criminal court are located.
Can a fraud case be settled?
Often, yes, through a restitution agreement approved by the judge or, in some cases, before the prosecutor.
Why Justicia Transparente in Guadalajara
- Defense in English and Spanish for retirees, students and foreign residents
- 24/7 response for arrests at Guadalajara airport
- Representation at the state and federal courts in Puente Grande
- Direct contact with the attorney handling your case
Rulings in favor of our firm
These are rulings from our firm whose English-language documents have already been reviewed and do not expose unredacted client personal data. The full list is on Successful Cases.
Written and reviewed by Germán Jalil Terríquez Córdova, Esq. — Founder and Managing Director of Justicia Transparente. Mexican criminal defense attorney with 15 years of experience. Professional license (cédula profesional) No. 6691677 issued by Mexico’s Ministry of Education (SEP).
