The importance in Spain of article 967 of the criminal procedural law

According to article 967 of the criminal procedure law in Spain:

1. In the citations that are made to the complainant, the offended or harmed and the investigated for the holding of the trial, they will be informed that they can be assisted by a lawyer if they wish and that they must attend the trial with the means of proof of that they try to fend off. A copy of the claim ("denuncia") or complaint ("querella") that has been filed will be attached to the summons of the person investigated.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, for the prosecution of minor offenses that carry a penalty of a fine which maximum limit is at least six months, the general rules of defense and representation shall apply.

2. When those summoned as parties, witnesses and experts do not appear or do not allege just cause to stop doing so, they may be penalized with a fine of 200 to 2,000 euros.