reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 293w - Office of the General Prosecutor—General Prosecutor

The position of the General Prosecutor of Puerto Rico is hereby created, to be the highest ranking official in the criminal investigation and prosecution after the Secretary and to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of twelve (12) years, after which, if not renominated, he/she shall cease in his/her functions ninety (90) days after his/her term has expired or when his/her successor takes office, whichever occurs first. The person appointed to take this position shall be an attorney admitted into the practice of the profession by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, of proven moral standing, recognized capability and a minimum of a ten (10)-year experience in the legal profession, of which at least five (5) years shall be in the field of Criminal Law or criminal litigation.
The General Prosecutor shall earn a salary equal to that of the [Solicitor General]. However, the Governor may grant a salary differential as provided for in § 34 of this title. During his/her tenure, he/she may not practice the legal or notary professions.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 44.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 293y - Office of the General Prosecutor—Organization

The Office of the General Prosecutor shall have as many district attorney’s offices as there are judicial regions in the General Court of Justice of Puerto Rico.
The General Prosecutor, in coordination with the Secretary, shall determine the internal structure and organization of his/her Office and with the approval of the Secretary he/she shall designate the directors of the specialized units and divisions. He/she shall also evaluate and recommend to the Secretary, when deemed pertinent, the creation, organization and structure of the divisions and units necessary to investigate, handle and prosecute cases.
The Secretary, on his/her own initiative or at the request of the General Prosecutor, may divide, suppress or consolidate these divisions or units and create others, in order to comply with the purposes of §§ 291—295u of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 46.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 293z - Office of the General Prosecutor—Personnel and resources

The General Prosecutor shall procure the assignment of the resources, personnel, equipment and vehicles necessary for prosecutors and their support personnel to be able to carry out the tasks they have been commissioned.
He/she shall implement the administrative norms in effect in the Department, as well as the special norms and guidelines relative to essential aspects of the ministerial, professional and support work involved in criminal investigation and prosecution and he/she shall see to the faithful compliance of the norms of ethical conduct of officials and employees assigned to his/her Office.
The support personnel assigned and recruited to work at the main Office, the prosecutors’ offices, specialized units, and programs attached to his/her Office may be only transferred or assigned to other dependencies of the Department with the approval of the General Prosecutor or the authorization of the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 47.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294 - Office of Comptroller Affairs—Creation; Director

The Office of Comptroller Affairs is hereby created in the Department, to operate under the general supervision of the Secretary and the immediate direction of a Director designated by the Secretary.
The Director shall be a prosecutor or an attorney with a designation as a special prosecutor with a minimum six (6)-year experience in the practice of the legal profession, preferably in the field of Criminal Law or criminal litigation. The Secretary shall appoint prosecutors and attorneys designated as special prosecutors, who shall have all the attributions and powers of a prosecutor, to render services in this Office.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 48.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294a - Office of Comptroller Affairs—Functions

The Office of Comptroller Affairs shall have the following functions:
(a) Bring and prosecute, by delegation of the Secretary and in representation of the Commonwealth, the criminal actions arising from or corresponding to audits of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico in connection with income, accounts, disbursements and property of the Commonwealth, its agencies, instrumentalities, public corporations and municipalities, against persons not covered by the provisions of §§ 99h—99z of this title, known as the “Special Independent Prosecutor Act”, pursuant to the laws and the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
(b) Provide to the Comptroller of Puerto Rico the necessary collaboration during investigative processes conducted by him/her, without the need for said official to render a final report and refer the case to the Office of Comptroller Affairs.
(c) Evaluate, investigate and recommend to the Secretary the course of action to be followed on matters referred by the Comptroller of Puerto Rico to the Department, relative to the commission of crimes against public property and funds, as well as against public office as typified in the Criminal Code of the Commonwealth and in special laws.
(d) Carry out any other task or bring the actions that the Secretary determines in relation to the results of the audits of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico concerning income, accounts, disbursements and property of the Commonwealth, its agencies, instrumentalities, public corporations and municipalities, pursuant to the laws and the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 49.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294b - Office of Comptroller Affairs—Complaints or charges

The Secretary or the official onto whom he/she delegates, in representation of the Governor, shall formulate before the Commission to Ventilate Municipal Complaints created by §§ 4851—4864 of Title 21, any complaint or charge against a mayor resulting from an investigation conducted by the Office of Comptroller Affairs and the Office of the General Prosecutor, without undermining the power to bring any other kind of action before the courts or any other forum.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 50.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294c - Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs—Creation

The Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs is hereby created in the Department, with the responsibility of implementing the public policy established in §§ 2201 et seq. of Title 34, known as the “Minors’ Act of Puerto Rico”; represent the interests of minors in judicial proceedings relative to the protection of minors; and handle civil matters relative to the institution of the family.
The Office shall be constituted by Advocates for Minors’ Affairs and Family Advocates, who shall discharge the functions imposed on them by law, and the necessary personnel appointed by the Secretary to carry out the purposes of §§ 291–295u of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 51.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294d - Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs—Director

The Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs shall be under the direction of an advocate or the official of the Department that the Secretary designates, who shall be a person of proven moral standing and an attorney admitted into the practice of the legal profession by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, with not less than six (6)-year experience in investigations and the practice of the legal profession. The advocate or the official appointed as Director shall maintain all the rights and privileges of his/her position for the term of his/her appointment as such.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 52.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294e - Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs—Director; functions

The Director of the Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs shall have, among others, the following functions:
(a) Supervise the work of advocates and attorneys assigned to the Office and establish an efficient coordination between these officials and all other offices and programs of the Department to facilitate the discharge of their respective responsibilities and functions.
(b) Establish the necessary coordination with other agencies and government bodies to fulfill the functions imposed by law.
(c) See over the investigation and prosecution at the courts and the competent forums the pertinent actions pursuant to the laws he/she administers.
(d) Implement the administrative norms issued by the Secretary and see to the faithful compliance therewith.
(e) Advise the Secretary in matters of legislation and in the making of public policy in the areas of family relations and minors and conduct studies and research on the matter.
(f) Establish, in coordination with the Institute, continuing educational programs, such as seminars and conferences, with the purpose of broadening the knowledge and keeping the personnel informed on the development and the new legal trends in the areas of family relations and minors.
(g) Develop and coordinate with private agencies and institutions activities addressed to the prevention and control of delinquency and family violence.
(h) Render reports as required by the Secretary and compile and evaluate data and statistics relative to cases and matters under his/her jurisdiction and to the works carried out by the Office.
(i) Recommend and refer promptly to the Office of the [Solicitor General] the matters and cases that deserve to be reviewed by the appellate courts or the pertinent forum.
(j) Represent the Secretary in all acts as he/she delegates and discharge any other function he/she assigns.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 53.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294f - Office of General Lawsuits—Creation

The Office of General Lawsuits is hereby created in the Department, to be under the direction of an Assistant Secretary of Justice appointed by the Secretary. The person appointed to hold this position shall be an attorney admitted into the practice of the legal profession by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico with not less than six (6)-year experience in the practice of the legal profession, and to the extent possible, with broad experience in litigation.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 54.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294g - Office of General Lawsuits—Assistant Secretary; function

The Assistant Secretary in charge of lawsuits shall have, among others, the following functions:
(a) Provide legal representation to the Commonwealth and its officials in any civil or administrative proceeding pursuant to the provisions of §§ 291—295u of this title before local or federal courts of first instance, in or outside the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico, before the corresponding administrative forums or before any other forum as provided by the Secretary.
(b) Establish the coordination necessary between all divisions and programs under his/her supervision and all other components of the Department and government agencies to discharge his/her functions efficiently.
(c) Prepare and keep a register of the suits and actions against the Commonwealth, its employees and former officials, in which he/she assumes legal representation pursuant to the provisions of law, which shall include, along with other information, the amount of the sentences fixed by the court, as provided by §§ 3035—3040 of Title 32, known as the “Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Civil Suits Registry Act”.
(d) Recommend and refer promptly to the Office of the [Solicitor General] the matters and cases that deserve to be reviewed by appellate courts or the corresponding forum.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 55.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294h - Office of Anti-Trust Affairs—Creation

The Office of Anti-Trust Affairs is hereby created in the Department, with the responsibility of implementing the public policy established in §§ 257 et seq. of Title 10, which prohibits monopolistic practices, and discharging the functions imposed on it by law. The Office shall operate under the general supervision of the Secretary, but its immediate direction shall be the responsibility of an Assistant Secretary of Justice appointed by the Secretary. The Secretary may designate the Assistant Secretary and the attorneys attached to the Office as special prosecutors. Officials thus designated shall have the powers and attributions of a prosecutor and may act as such before the Parts of the Courts of First Instance or at the pertinent forum, in criminal or civil cases they bring by virtue of the provisions of §§ 257 et seq. of Title 10.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 56.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294i - Office of Anti-Trust Affairs—Powers and duties

The Office of Anti-Trust Affairs, in addition to the powers and faculties conferred thereon by §§ 291—295u of this title and by other laws, shall have, without it being construed as a limitation, the following:
(a) Compile and order information on competitive practices in Puerto Rico’s market and on its relation with the markets of the United States of America and abroad, in order to determine which practices constitute restraints to free trade and lead to the undue concentration of financial power, for which it may require any person to surrender the statements deemed necessary for that purpose.
(b) Conduct the necessary investigations and take the corresponding action to ensure compliance with its own orders and those of the courts of justice.
(c) Investigate and make recommendations to the Secretary in those cases in which a corporation is incurring abuse of its corporate powers, pursuant with what is prescribed in Act No. 93 of July 13, 1988, known as the “General Corporate Act”.
(d) Keep the public informed on its activities to enforce the law and foster in commerce a voluntary obedience of its provisions and objectives. For such purposes, it shall foster the holding of industrial and commercial conferences and the adoption of trade norms that promote free competition fairly.
(e) Promulgate, with the approval of the Secretary and the Special Board created by §§ 257 et seq. of Title 10, the rules and regulations necessary for the enforcement of said sections and to exercise of its powers or to discharge its duties. The rules and regulations thus approved shall have force of law upon compliance with the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of this title, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”.
(f) Represent the Commonwealth, on behalf of the Secretary, in judicial, criminal or civil actions, at first instance or appellate circuits, and in those proceedings before federal administrative or judicial authorities in which the Commonwealth has an interest and are related to maintaining free competition.
(g) Carry out all other tasks assigned by the Secretary in order to enforce §§ 257 et seq. of Title 10, and render the reports required by him/her.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 57.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294j - Office of the [Solicitor General]—[Solicitor General]; creation of position

The position of [Solicitor General] of Puerto Rico is hereby created, to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and to serve at the discretion of the Governor. The person appointed to hold this position shall be an attorney admitted into the practice of the legal profession by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, with not less than six (6) years of professional experience, of proven moral standing and renowned capability. The [Solicitor General] shall earn a salary equal to that of a Judge of the Court of Appeals.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 58.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294k - Office of the [Solicitor General]—Creation

The Office of the [Solicitor General] is hereby created in the Department, to be constituted by Assistant [Solicitors General] and the necessary personnel to be appointed by the Secretary to carry out the purposes of §§ 291—295u of this title. The [Solicitor General] may appoint, with the approval of the Secretary, up to two (2) Deputy [Solicitors General], depending on the demands of service, who shall serve as Acting [Solicitors General] in the manner provided by the [Solicitor General] in case of death, resignation, severance, temporary absence or disability.
The Secretary may designate attorneys of the Department to render pro tempore services at the Office as Assistant [Solicitors General]. The [Solicitor General] may create the internal supervision and coordination subdivisions he/she deems necessary to carry out the functions and the work inherent to the Office of the [Solicitor General].
The [Solicitor General], the Deputy [Solicitor General] and the Assistant [Solicitors General] shall have the attributions and powers of a prosecutor and may not practice the legal or notary profession while holding said positions.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 59.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294l - Office of the [Solicitor General]—Representation in appellate forums

(a) The [Solicitor General] shall represent the Commonwealth in all civil and criminal matters to which it is a party or in which it has an interest, that are being processed in appellate forums or otherwise before the appellate courts of Puerto Rico, the United States, or any federated state, territory or possession of the United States of America, except in cases in which the Secretary determines otherwise.
(b) The [Solicitor General] shall also represent before any appellate court the parties or interests represented by the Department at first instance and appear before any appellate court to follow up on other cases being processed at first instance by the Department or by external legal representation, except in cases in which the Secretary determines otherwise and subject to the exceptions that may be established by law.
(c) Likewise, at the request of a municipality, the [Solicitor General] shall render services in appeals, in appropriate cases and when the Secretary deems it convenient. The municipality shall pay the Department the cost of said legal representation, which moneys shall be covered into the Special Fund created by virtue of §§ 291—295u of this title.
(d) In those cases in which the Commonwealth and a party or interest represented by the Department concur as parties at first instance, the [Solicitor General] may opt to represent simultaneously, before the corresponding appellate forum, both the Commonwealth and the party or interest represented by the Department at first instance; represent only the party or interest represented by the Department at first instance; or represent the Commonwealth only. In this last case, the approval of the Secretary shall be necessary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 60.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294m - Office of the [Solicitor General]—Assistance in cases at First Instance

In the cases that the Secretary determines, the [Solicitor General] shall provide the technical support and the assistance necessary for the effective processing of cases at first instance, at the local judicial forums and at the Commonwealth and federal forums, provided this is justified when taking into account the nature of each case.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 61.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294n - Office of the [Solicitor General]—Investigations and proceedings before the Supreme Court

The [Solicitor General] shall conduct the investigations the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico and the Secretary request concerning complaints and disciplinary procedures against attorneys and notaries. In addition, he/she shall bring and conduct before said Court all proceedings he/she is ordered to bring or conduct by the Supreme Court in professional conduct cases against attorneys and notaries. The [Solicitor General] shall not conduct investigations or intervene in complaints about conduct incurred by an attorney while he/she is a judge, unless by the time the complaint is presented the attorney is no longer a judge. He/she shall not intervene either in relation to the conduct of an attorney that, at the time the complaint is presented, is a judge, regardless of when the conduct to be investigated has been incurred.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 62.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294o - Office of Internal Auditing—Creation

The Office of Internal Auditing is hereby created in the Department, to be under the direction of an Internal Auditor appointed by the Secretary, who shall be a person of proven moral standing and is experienced and knowledgeable in government accounting and auditing principles. The Internal Auditor shall answer directly to the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 63.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter III - Personnel System (§§ 293 — 294p) › § 294p - Office of Internal Auditing—Functions and duties

The Office of Internal Auditing shall have, among others, the following functions and duties:
(a) Conduct audits at the different administrative units, offices and programs of the Department, with the purpose of determining whether the financial transactions and operations, budgets, books, contracts, accounts and disbursements are being conducted pursuant to the law and the applicable regulations.
(b) Render reports on the results of the audits conducted and formulate for the Secretary the pertinent recommendations to ensure that public funds are to be used pursuant to the provisions of law, in the most efficient manner and obtaining the best yield and utility.
(c) Advice the Secretary and the directors of administrative units in matters of fiscal and operational procedures, internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations in general.
(d) Follow up on the recommendations formulated by the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico, external auditors, and the Office itself in relation to the fiscal operations of the Department, and advise the unit directors on the pertinent actions that should be implemented pursuant to said recommendations.
(e) See to the Department’s compliance with the provisions of federal laws relative to the use of public funds.
(f) Conduct the special investigations referred by the Secretary and render the reports he/she requests.
(g) Oversee the acquisition, use and disposal of the property of the Department with the purpose of ascertaining that said procedures are being carried out pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations.
(h) Evaluate periodically the computerized accounting systems and compliance with the internal control to be established to determine its efficiency and to ensure the protection of the assets of the Department against loss, fraud or inefficient use or disposal.
(i) Adopt the specific norms and procedures that shall govern the processing of the audits and investigations to be conducted, with the previous approval of the Secretary.
(j) Carry out any other similar function established by law or assigned by the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 64.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294q - Appointment

The Governor shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, Special General Prosecutors, District Attorneys, Assistant Prosecutors III, Assistant Prosecutors II, Assistant Prosecutors I, Family Advocates, and Advocates for Minors’ Affairs.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 65.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294r - Term of office

Special General Prosecutors, District Attorneys, Assistant Prosecutors III, Assistant Prosecutors II, Assistant Prosecutors I, Family Advocates, and Advocates for Minors’ Affairs shall be appointed for a term of twelve (12) years; if after the term has expired they have not been renominated, they shall cease in their functions ninety (90) days after the term has expired or when their successor takes office, whichever occurs first.
When the prosecutor or advocate is renominated and confirmed, the term of the new appointment shall begin to transpire as of the date the previous appointment expired. If the renomination or original nomination is rejected by the Senate, the prosecutor or advocate shall cease in his/her functions immediately after the action of the Senate.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 66.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294s - Requirements

The person appointed to hold a position as a prosecutor or advocate must be an attorney admitted into the practice of the profession by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico and enjoy good moral, intellectual and professional standing as determined by the nominating authority.
Special General Prosecutors, District Attorneys and Assistant Prosecutors III shall also have at least six (6) years of professional experience, and Assistant Prosecutors II, four (4) years of professional experience. Assistant Prosecutors I shall have one (1) year of professional experience.
The Advocates for Minor’s Affairs and Advocates for Family Affairs shall have four (4) years of professional experience.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 67.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294t - Oath and credentials

Prosecutors and advocates shall, before taking office, take an oath of fidelity to the efficient discharge of their duties upon issue of the corresponding credentials by the Governor pursuant to the provisions of the Puerto Rico Political Code.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 68.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294u - Assignment of tasks

Civil, criminal and special proceedings shall be brought by the corresponding prosecutor or advocate pursuant to the general directives from their supervisors and the tasks they have been assigned. In any case, these officials shall cooperate with the Courts of First Instance of Puerto Rico to expedite the processing of these matters.
The Secretary or, by delegation, the General Prosecutor or the Director of the Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs, as the case may be, shall designate the parts and sections of the courts of justice in which prosecutors and advocates shall serve.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 69.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294v - Practice of the legal and notary professions, prohibited

Prosecutors and advocates are hereby prohibited to engage in the private practice of the legal and notary professions while they hold their respective positions.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 70.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294w - Supervision—Periodical evaluation

Prosecutors and advocates shall be under the administrative supervision of the Secretary and the direct and operational supervision of the General [Prosecutor] and the Director of the Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs, respectively, in all matters corresponding to the discharge of their offices and shall submit the reports and render the services they require. The General Prosecutor and the Director of the Office of Minors’ and Family Affairs, if that is the case, shall answer to the Secretary for the discharge and faithful compliance of the duties and responsibilities of prosecutors and advocates.
The Secretary shall establish a system to evaluate periodically the work of prosecutors and advocates. For these purposes, he/she shall adopt regulations to govern their conduct, which shall establish the norms that these officials shall observe and the corrective and disciplinary measures to be taken in cases of improper conduct or aggravated infractions, subject to the provisions of §§ 291—295u of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 71.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294x - General duties and functions

Prosecutors and advocates have the duty to bring the criminal, civil and special actions comprised within the scope of their respective obligations and to fully discharge the duties conferred by law and assigned by the Secretary. In the exercise of their functions, prosecutors and advocates shall have the following general responsibilities:
(a) Process the matters they are assigned responsibly, sensitively and diligently, with a theoretical and practical command of the law and the elements of criminal investigation, as well as render the reports they are required to meet the purposes of §§ 291—295u of this title and other applicable laws.
(b) Plan and organize the matters they are assigned and establish priorities pursuant to the norms of the public and administrative policy of the Department, in order for justice to be served speedily without impairing the rights of those intervened.
(c) Observe in the course of their professional conduct the applicable ethical, public policy and administrative norms, abstaining at all times from carrying out private activities that might affect the discharge of their duties and the prestige of their ministerial office.
(d) Discharge their ministerial office with integrity and capability and issue an informed judgment in all situations maintaining always their commitment with truth and justice.
(e) Maintain the confidentiality of the matters they handle and investigate in order to protect the integrity of the procedures and the identity of the persons subject to investigation.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 72.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294y - Prosecutors—Special duties and functions

Prosecutors assigned to the criminal division have the duty of investigating and prosecuting all those persons accused of offenses which they may try under the authority of the Commonwealth and on behalf of the People of Puerto Rico, except in those cases when §§ 99h—99z of this title, known as “Independent Special Prosecutor Act”, applies.
In the case of prosecutors assigned to the civil division, their duty is to appear before the judicial and administrative forums of the Commonwealth and before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico when necessary to litigate civil and administrative cases in representation of the legitimate interests of the Commonwealth and its agencies, instrumentalities and officials.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 73.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 294z - General Special Prosecutors—Special duties and functions

General Special Prosecutors shall have the following duties, powers, obligations and authority in addition to those that the law confers onto District Attorneys, whether they are taking upon themselves the representation of the People of Puerto Rico, cooperating with any District Attorney in the discharge of his/her functions or replacing him/her in his/her office:
(a) Supervise and direct the divisions and units specialized in the criminal field or in any other field of the Department that the Secretary determines.
(b) Investigate criminal, civil and administrative matters that the Secretary or the General Prosecutors assigns and represent these officials before government agencies in hearing any cause.
(c) Act as a representative of the People of Puerto Rico in any criminal or civil case at the Court of First Instance.
The central office of the Department shall be the seat of General Special Prosecutors.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 74.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295 - District Attorney—Special duties and functions

District Attorneys are the highest-ranking officials at the office of the prosecutor and have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) Supervise the personnel assigned to the office of the prosecutor.
(b) Assign the corresponding cases and investigations among the prosecutors under their supervision.
(c) See that the matters proper to the office of the prosecutor are handled efficiently and expeditiously.
(d) Recommend to the General Prosecutor and the Secretary any movement in the assigned personnel as deemed appropriate, as well as request additional resources as deemed necessary for the best performance of the office of the prosecutor.
(e) Discharge the regular functions and duties of the office of the prosecutor and any other task or assignment entrusted by the General Prosecutor or the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 75.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295a - Family Advocate—Special duties and functions

Family Advocates shall act as the legal counsel for the claimant in the following matters:
(a) In proceedings concerning judicial authorizations, declarations of heirs and judicial administration when the amount of the property subject to proceedings does not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000);
(b) in proceedings concerning emancipations, filiation, adoption, determination of disability and guardianship in relation to which there is no property whatsoever involved, or if there is, the amount of such a property does not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000);
(c) in proceedings concerning dispensations from familial relations;
(d) in habeas corpus proceedings in which the unlawful detention does not arise from any criminal proceeding whatsoever;
(e) in incidences of contempt of court orders or sentences in relation to the proceedings indicated in this section;
(f) in criminal or civil proceedings concerning claims or failure to comply with support obligations;
(g) of the claimant in criminal or civil proceedings concerning the abandonment of minors before the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico that, in the judgment of the District Attorney, merit their intervention, or
(h) in any other matter that the Secretary assigns as part of the public policy on family matters.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 76.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295b - Family advocate—Eligibility of the petitioner

Family Advocates shall comply with the provisions of §§ 291—295u of this title, at the request of an interested party, after having verified through sworn statement or any other means indicated by the court, that the petitioner lacks the resources necessary to contract the services of an attorney pursuant to the eligibility norms that the Secretary establishes through regulations.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 77.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295c - Family advocate—Actions on child abuse

Family Advocates shall bring, in representation of the Commonwealth, the pertinent actions ensuing from investigations conducted on alleged child abuse pursuant to the effective legislation on that matter.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 78.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295d - Family advocate—Powers

Family Advocates have the powers and attributions proper to a prosecutor, but they shall exercise them only in relation to actions that they handle in cases concerning family matters pursuant to the terms of §§ 291—295u of this title. When the Secretary so determines, they may exercise the functions and handle any other matter he/she deems appropriate pursuant to the needs of the service.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 79.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295e - Advocates for Minors’ Affairs—Special functions and powers

Advocates for Minors’ Affairs shall handle exclusively all matters covered by §§ 2201 et seq. of Title 34, known as the “Puerto Rico Minors’ Act”, as well as any other matter as determined by the Secretary, in order to comply with the public policy on juvenile delinquency and to attain the purposes of §§ 291—295u of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 80.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295f - Positions

Thirteen (13) General Special Prosecutor positions are hereby created, as well as thirteen (13) District Attorney positions, thirteen (13) Assistant Prosecutor III positions, one hundred and thirty (130) Assistant Prosecutor II positions, one hundred and seven (107) Assistant Prosecutor I positions, forty-one (41) Family Advocate positions, and forty-one (41) Advocate for Minors’ Affairs positions.
The Governor may authorize the creation of four (4) additional Assistant Prosecutors IV positions, four (4) additional Assistant Prosecutors III positions, six (6) additional Assistant Prosecutors II positions, six (6) additional Assistant Prosecutors I positions, eighteen (18) additional Family Advocate positions, and fourteen (14) additional Advocate for Minors’ Affairs positions upon certification by the Secretary attesting to the need to create additional prosecutor and advocate positions and upon certification of availability of funds by the Office of Management.
District Attorneys, Assistant Prosecutors IV, Assistant Prosecutors III, Assistant Prosecutors II, Assistant Prosecutors I, and Family Advocates have the powers and shall exercise the functions previously exercised by them or by officials of the same class under legal authority until the date of effectiveness of this act; the Advocate for Minors’ Affairs shall have the powers and exercise the functions established by §§ 2201 et seq. of Title 34, and the Family Advocate shall have the powers and exercise the functions established by §§ 291—295u of this title and by §§ 1101 et seq. of Title 8, known as the “Child Safety, Wellbeing, and Protection Act”, or as otherwise provided in the future.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 81; Aug. 5, 2012, No. 157, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295g - Salaries

The annual salaries indicated below are hereby established for the following positions in the Department, comprised within the Confidential Service:
District Attorney Salary equal to that of a Superior Judge General Special Prosecutor Salary equal to that of a District Attorney Assistant Prosecutors III 95% of a District Attorney’s salary Assistant Prosecutors II 90% of a District Attorney’s salary Assistant Prosecutors I 80% of a District Attorney’s salary Advocate for Minors’ Affairs 90% of a District Attorney’s salary Family Advocate 90% of a District Attorney’s salary
The Secretary is hereby authorized to designate prosecutors and advocates to discharge directing or administrative functions and others corresponding to positions in the confidential service in the Department when the needs of the service so require. In these cases, such a special designation does not interrupt the term for which the official was appointed. Furthermore, the Secretary may grant officials thus designated a differential in salary that shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the salary assigned by §§ 291–295u of this title, pursuant to the norms to be established through regulations. When establishing compensation, he/she may take into account any special working conditions, the administrative reality of the Department, the number of prosecutors or advocates and employees under his/her supervision and any other pertinent factor. The payment of differential shall cease when the Secretary relieves the prosecutor or advocate from the exercise of the special functions.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 82.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295h - Vacation and sick leave

Prosecutors and advocates shall be entitled to accrue and enjoy vacation and sick leaves pursuant to the norms that apply to the employees of the Department. The Secretary shall adopt, through regulations, the procedure on the granting, enjoyment and liquidation of the vacation and sick leaves established by law.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 83.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295i - Leave lump sum payment

Upon severance from service, prosecutors and advocates are entitled to receive a lump sum payment for the vacation and sick leaves accrued pursuant to the provisions of § 703a of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 84.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295j - Causes for admonishment, severance, suspension and removal

Prosecutors and advocates may be admonished, severed, suspended from employment and salary or removed from office before the expiration of the tern for which they were appointed, subject to the procedure adopted through regulations, for the following reasons:
(a) Moral, improper or reprehensible conduct, including the use of their position for their own benefit;
(b) manifest professional incompetence or inability in the discharge of their functions and duties;
(c) mental or physical disability that affects the discharge of their functions when there is reasonable grounds to believe that the official in question is disabled or when there is a medical or judicial finding to that effect;
(d) evidence of illegal use of controlled substances;
(e) conviction for a felony or a misdemeanor, regardless of whether it implies moral turpitude or not;
(f) insubordination or dereliction of their duties, or
(g) failure to comply with the duties and functions imposed by law or administratively.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 85.