How to Say "defendant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “defendant” is “acusado” — use 'acusado' when referring to someone formally charged with a crime, especially in criminal proceedings where guilt is being determined.
acusado
ah-koo-SAH-dohakuˈsaðo
Examples
El abogado defendió al acusado con gran elocuencia.
The lawyer defended the defendant with great eloquence.
El acusado se declaró inocente ante el juez.
The accused declared himself innocent before the judge.
Gender Match
When using 'acusado' as a noun, remember to change the ending and the article to match the person's gender: 'el acusado' (man) vs. 'la acusada' (woman).
demandado
de-man-DA-doðemanˈdaðo
Examples
El demandado debe presentarse ante el juez mañana.
The defendant must appear before the judge tomorrow.
El abogado del demandado solicitó más tiempo para revisar las pruebas.
The defendant's lawyer requested more time to review the evidence.
Notificaron al demandado sobre la demanda civil.
They notified the defendant about the civil lawsuit.
People vs. Actions
Even though 'demandado' looks like a verb action, here it functions as a person. Use it with 'el' (the) just like you would use 'el doctor' or 'el amigo'.
Gender Changes
If the person being sued is female, you must change the ending to 'a': 'la demandada'.
Confusion with the Suer
Mistake: “Using 'demandado' for the person who starts the lawsuit.”
Correction: Use 'demandante' for the person suing, and 'demandado' for the one being sued (the person receiving the 'demanda').
reo
REH-ohˈreo
Examples
El reo fue escoltado por dos policías.
The prisoner was escorted by two police officers.
Los derechos del reo deben ser respetados.
The convict's rights must be respected.
Se sentó en el banquillo de los reos.
He sat in the defendant's dock.
Gender and People
When talking about a man, use 'el reo'. For a woman, the word changes to 'la rea'. This is common for nouns describing people in Spanish.
Plurals
To talk about a group of prisoners, just add 's' to make it 'reos'. If the group is all women, use 'reas'.
Reo vs. Preso
Mistake: “Using 'reo' for every person in a movie about jail.”
Correction: Use 'preso' for general prisoners and 'reo' specifically when talking about the legal process or the person found guilty by a judge.
procesado
pro-seh-SAH-dohpɾoθeˈsaðo
Examples
El procesado se declaró inocente ante el juez.
The accused declared himself innocent before the judge.
Derechos fundamentales del procesado.
Fundamental rights of the defendant.
Los procesados esperan la sentencia definitiva.
The defendants are waiting for the final sentence.
Using 'The' with People
When using this as a person, remember to use 'el' or 'la'. 'El procesado' is a man being tried, and 'la procesada' is a woman.
Not just any suspect
Mistake: “El procesado huyó antes de que llegara la policía.”
Correction: El sospechoso huyó...
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.