Begoña Gómez has replaced her defense counsel, dismissing attorney Antonio Camacho after a two-year instruction period and retaining Jaime Campaner to represent her in the upcoming jury trial, according to reports from legal sources. The strategic shift follows a decision by the Audiencia de Madrid endorsing a jury trial format specifically focused on embezzlement and influence peddling charges, alongside a 13-year prison sentence demand filed by the private prosecution group Hazte Oír.
Legal Representation Shift Before Jury Trial
The defense team transition marks a significant pivot in the high-profile judicial proceedings. Antonio Camacho had managed Gómez’s legal representation throughout the lengthy investigative phase of the case. With the Audiencia de Madrid clearing the procedural path for a jury trial—narrowing the legal scope strictly to accusations of malversation and influence peddling—the defense strategy enters a new phase under Campaner’s direction. Campaner brings prominent white-collar criminal defense experience to the docket, having previously represented high-profile clients including Josep Pujol Ferrusola, as confirmed by legal sources familiar with the filings.
Charges and Private Prosecution Demands
The procedural framework for the upcoming trial has solidified following recent court rulings and formal petitions from participating parties. The Audiencia de Madrid’s resolution confirmed that the proceedings will be adjudicated before a popular jury, a trial format reserved for specific criminal categories under Spanish law. Concurrently, the private prosecution organization Hazte Oír formalized its legal stance by requesting a 13-year prison sentence for Gómez. The convergence of the jury trial mandate and the severe sentencing demands from private accusers establishes the immediate parameters that Campaner must navigate as incoming counsel.
Next Judicial Checkpoints
With the legal representation settled and the charges circumscribed by the provincial court’s rulings, the case moves closer to preliminary hearing scheduling. Legal observers await further procedural schedules from the court regarding pre-trial motions and the eventual setting of trial dates for the jury proceedings.
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