Senate approves in first reading bill to reform the Criminal Procedure Code

Santo Domingo.– The Senate of the Republic approved in first reading the bill that modifies the Criminal Procedure Code of the Dominican Republic, with the aim of modernizing and strengthening the country's criminal justice system. During a session that lasted more than seven hours, the legislators were fully informed of the 473 articles that make up the legislative piece that is the result of a fusion of modifications presented by Omar Fernández, Felix Bautista, Antonio Taveras, Venerado Castillo and recommendations from the Attorney General's Office. In that sense, the senator from the Fuerza del Pueblo, Omar Fernández, highlighted the depth of the changes introduced.

"We are taking into consideration the reality and the depth of the modifications, which reach 70%, even surpassing the number of articles that the current code had. We are giving the country a tool so that it has confidence in justice, our institutions and the authority they deserve, because there can be no security without justice," he affirmed.

Fernández explained that the project was developed by listening to different sectors of society, especially judges, prosecutors, public defenders, practicing lawyers, and victims, in order to guarantee a more transparent, equitable, and efficient system.

“Our vision focuses on three fundamental principles: strengthening the justice system and the prosecution of crime; guaranteeing the fundamental rights of citizens; and streamlining and decongesting the country's courts. Justice delayed is justice denied,” added the legislator.

Modifications

Among the main reforms of the new Criminal Procedure Code, the protection of fundamental rights stands out, which applies to both the accused, the victims, and the authorities in their exercise of crime prosecution. The calculation of procedural deadlines is modernized to avoid undue delays and ensure that the processes are carried out legitimately.

You can also read: Senators will begin reading the 400 articles of the Criminal Procedure Code today

The maximum duration of the processes will be up to four years in ordinary cases and five years in complex cases. The project also updates the mechanisms for obtaining evidence, including the use of new technologies, especially for the prosecution of organized crime. The figure of habeas corpus is strengthened as a constitutional action aimed at protecting freedom against illegal, arbitrary or unreasonable detentions, establishing clear deadlines for its resolution. Furthermore, the resource procedure is modified so that the courts of appeal can issue a direct ruling when the first instance ruling is clear, reducing judicial delays and decongesting the courts. The initiative will be submitted to a second reading before being sent to the Chamber of Deputies for consideration and possible approval.