reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART II - Crimes Against Property (§§ 4820 — 4863a) › Chapter 303 - Crimes Against the Security of Transactions (§§ 4846 — 4863a) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Security in Commercial Transactions (§§ 4856 — 4863a) › § 4862 - Payment within term

After the term granted in the demand for payment has elapsed, the injured party shall file a claim at the district attorney’s office in the district in which the check with insufficient funds or drawn against a closed or non-existent account was released, and the prosecutor shall issue a summons to the drawer or endorser of the check, money order, draft or note for him to appear at a probable cause hearing within a term that shall not exceed ten (10) days from the filing of the claim.
The payment of the check, money order, draft or note, prior to the probable cause hearing, shall release the person who issued or endorsed said check, money order or note from criminal liability. The person shall pay the costs of the proceedings, which shall not be less than twenty-five dollars ($25).
The payment made after a finding of probable cause in the hearing shall not release the accused from criminal liability in the trial. Such a circumstance shall be understood as a mitigating circumstance when establishing the punishment for the crime.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 234, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART II - Crimes Against Property (§§ 4820 — 4863a) › Chapter 303 - Crimes Against the Security of Transactions (§§ 4846 — 4863a) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Security in Commercial Transactions (§§ 4856 — 4863a) › § 4863 - Illegal use of credit and debit cards

Any person who, with the intent to defraud another or to obtain goods and services to which he/she is not legally entitled, uses a credit or debit card knowing that it is stolen or forged, or which has been revoked or canceled, or the use of which is unauthorized for any reason, shall incur a third degree felony.
Any person who intentionally possesses a card knowing that the magnetic stripe of such card was forged shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 235; Dec. 30, 2010, No. 237, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART II - Crimes Against Property (§§ 4820 — 4863a) › Chapter 303 - Crimes Against the Security of Transactions (§§ 4846 — 4863a) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Security in Commercial Transactions (§§ 4856 — 4863a) › § 4863a - Use or possession of scanning devices or re-encoders

(a) Any person who, with the intent to defraud, uses a scanning device to access, read, obtain, memorize, or store, temporarily or permanently, information contained or encoded on the magnetic strip or stripe of a credit or debit card without the permission of the authorized user of such payment card shall incur a third degree felony.
(b) Any person who, with intent to defraud, uses a re-encoder to place encoded information on the magnetic strip or stripe of a credit or debit card, on the magnetic strip or stripe of any other card or any electronic medium that allows an authorized transaction to occur, without the permission of the authorized user of the credit or debit card from which the information is being re-encoded shall incur a third degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, added as art. 235–A on Dec. 30, 2010, No. 237, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter I - Arson (§§ 4864 — 4867) › § 4864 - Arson

Any person who endangers the life, health or physical integrity of others by setting a building on fire shall incur a third degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 236, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter I - Arson (§§ 4864 — 4867) › § 4865 - Aggravated arson

Any person who commits the crime of arson as described in § 4864 of this title, shall incur a second degree felony when any of the following circumstances concur:
(a) Harm is caused to the life, health or bodily integrity of any person;
(b) the offender has removed, damaged or disabled the devices for extinguishing the fire;
(c) the act takes place in an occupied building, or
(d) the structure stores inflammable, toxic, radioactive or chemical material.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 237, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter I - Arson (§§ 4864 — 4867) › § 4866 - Forest fires

Any person who sets fire to mountains, sown fields, pastures, forests or plantations which are the property of others shall incur a fourth degree felony.
If it endangers the life, health or physical integrity of persons, the offender shall incur a third degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 238, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter I - Arson (§§ 4864 — 4867) › § 4867 - Reckless arson

Any person who, recklessly, causes a fire in buildings, mountains, sown fields, pastures, forests or plantations which endangers the life, health or physical integrity of others shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 239, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter II - Crimes Involving Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4868 — 4871) › § 4868 - Mayhem

Any person who endangers the life, health, bodily integrity or safety of one or several persons, or who causes environmental damages by provoking an explosion, flood or [landslide] by means of causing the demolition of real property, or by using toxic or choking gas, nuclear energy, ionizing elements or radioactive material, microorganisms or any other toxic or hazardous substance shall incur a second degree felony.
If the acts enumerated under this offense are performed due to negligence, the offender shall incur a third degree felony.
For purposes of this section, the term “toxic or hazardous” shall include substances which are prejudicial to the health or which have destructive capabilities.
The court may also impose the penalty of restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 240; Sept. 16, 2004, No. 338, § 9, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter II - Crimes Involving Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4868 — 4871) › § 4869 - Poisoning of public waters

Any person who endangers the life or health of one or several persons by poisoning, polluting or dumping toxic or hazardous substances into wells, reservoirs, bodies of water, pipelines or runoff streams for human use and consumption shall incur a second degree felony.
If the acts enumerated under this offense are performed due to negligence, the offender shall incur a third degree felony.
For purposes of this section, the term “toxic or hazardous” shall include substances which are prejudicial to the health or which have destructive capabilities.
The court may also impose the penalty of restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 241; Sept. 16, 2004, No. 338, § 10, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter II - Crimes Involving Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4868 — 4871) › § 4870 - Environmental pollution

Any person who discharges or provokes, directly or indirectly, emissions, radiation or dumping of any sort on the ground, into the atmosphere or into ground, underground or maritime water bodies breaching laws, regulations or the special conditions of applicable permits and which seriously endangers the health of persons, the biological balance of ecological systems or the environment shall incur a fourth degree felony.
The court may also impose the penalty of restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 242; Sept. 16, 2004, No. 338, § 11, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 304 - Arson and Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4864 — 4871) › Subchapter II - Crimes Involving Catastrophic Risk (§§ 4868 — 4871) › § 4871 - Aggravated environmental pollution

If the environmental pollution offense typified in § 4870 of this title is committed by a person who does not have the corresponding permit, endorsement, certification, franchise or concession, or is committed clandestinely or by infringing expressly stated provisions issued by the competent authorities for correcting or suspending any act in violation of the law, or if he/she submits false information or omits information required for obtaining the corresponding permit, endorsement, certification, franchise or concession, or hinders or obstructs an inspection performed by the competent authorities, said person shall incur a third degree felony.
The court may also suspend the license, permit or authorization and impose the penalty of restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 243; Sept. 16, 2004, No. 338, § 12, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 305 - False Alarms and Interference with Public Service (§§ 4872 — 4874a) › Subchapter I - False Alarms (§§ 4872 — 4873) › § 4872 - False alarms

Any person who knowingly gives a false alarm or warning of a fire, bomb or any other explosive device, or emanation of gasses or substances that are hazardous to health in a building or any other location in which people are gathered shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 244, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 305 - False Alarms and Interference with Public Service (§§ 4872 — 4874a) › Subchapter I - False Alarms (§§ 4872 — 4873) › § 4873 - False telephone call to emergency system

Any person who knowingly calls or allows calls to be made from any telephone under his/her control to any emergency call response system, such as 9-1-1, to falsely warn or notify a fire alarm, medical emergency, commission of a crime, natural disaster or any other situation requiring the mobilization, dispatch or presence of the Firefighters Corps, Commonwealth Emergency Management and Disaster Administration, or law enforcement corps, including the Puerto Rico Police, or who makes or allows that obscene or prank calls are made to such emergency call response systems shall incur a misdemeanor.
The court may also impose restitution to compensate for any unnecessary use of resources or unnecessary disbursement of funds by the Commonwealth to respond to any obscene, prank or false alarm calls to such emergency response systems.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 245, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 305 - False Alarms and Interference with Public Service (§§ 4872 — 4874a) › Subchapter II - Interference with Public Service (§§ 4874 — 4874a) › § 4874 - Sabotage of essential public services

Any person who intentionally destroys, damages, vandalizes, alters, or interrupts the operation of water, gas, power, telephone, telecommunications, or computer network or system facilities or equipment, or any other property intended for providing public or private essential services, including transportation and communications, shall incur a third degree felony.
However, it shall be a second degree felony when it results in preventing a person from seeking or receiving help to save his/her life, health, or physical integrity.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 246; Dec. 30, 2010, No. 250, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 305 - False Alarms and Interference with Public Service (§§ 4872 — 4874a) › Subchapter II - Interference with Public Service (§§ 4874 — 4874a) › § 4874a - Hindrance to access and interference with works at learning and health or other institutions where Government services are rendered to the public

Any person who, without lawful authority, interferes with the rendering of services or hinders the access to a learning or health institution, or interferes with the rendering of services or hinders the access to buildings where government services are rendered to the public, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
For purposes of this section, a learning institution means any public or private elementary, middle or high school, university, college, vocational or technical school that has academic curricula or skill development programs for children, youths or adults in Puerto Rico.
In the case of health facilities, it means facilities certified and authorized by the Government to operate as such, as established and defined in the Health Facilities Act, §§ 331 et seq. of Title 24, to wit: hospitals, health centers, public health units, diagnosis or treatment centers, public health services, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centers, medical facilities for persons with disabilities, mental health centers, psycho-social rehabilitation centers, hospitals for chronic illnesses, general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, tuberculosis hospitals, and nonprofit health facilities.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, added as § 246–A on Feb. 4, 2011, No. 3, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 306 - Crimes Against Public Order (§§ 4875 — 4880) › § 4875 - Disorderly conduct

Any person who commits any of the following acts shall incur a misdemeanor:
(a) To disturb the peace or tranquility of one or several persons by means of offensive conduct that affects the right to privacy in the home, or in any other location in which reasonable privacy is to be expected;
(b) to disturb the peace or tranquility of one or several persons by means of offensive or insulting words or statements are articulated in a location in which reasonable privacy is to be expected by those within audible range, or
(c) to disturb the peace or tranquility of one or several persons by means of criticism, insults, challenges, provocations or words that are insulting and offensive which may provoke a violent or angry reaction from those who hear them.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 247, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 306 - Crimes Against Public Order (§§ 4875 — 4880) › § 4876 - Rioting

The use of force or violence which disturbs the public peace, or the threat to use such force or violence by two (2) or more persons acting together and without the legal authority to do so, and the potential for doing so immediately shall constitute rioting, and any person who participates in a riot shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 248, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 306 - Crimes Against Public Order (§§ 4875 — 4880) › § 4877 - Conspiracy

When two (2) or more persons conspire or agree to commit a crime and have made specific plans regarding their participation, the time, the location, or the acts to be carried out, they shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. When any of the persons involved is a law enforcement officer who is taking advantage of his/her office to commit the crime instituted herein, he/she shall be punished for a fourth-degree felony.
If the agreement is to commit a first- or second-degree felony, they shall be guilty of a fourth-degree felony, or if any of the persons involved is a law enforcement officer who is taking advantage of his/her office to commit the crime instituted herein, he/she shall be punished for a third-degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 249; Aug. 6, 2010, No. 121, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 306 - Crimes Against Public Order (§§ 4875 — 4880) › § 4878 - Agreement, when it constitutes conspiracy

No agreement, except to commit a first degree or second degree felony, shall constitute conspiracy, except that ulterior or optional act is carried out to execute the agreement by one or more of the conspirators.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 250, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 306 - Crimes Against Public Order (§§ 4875 — 4880) › § 4879 - Use of violence or intimidation against public authorities

Any person who uses violence or intimidation against a public official or employee to compel him/her to commit or omit an act proper to his/her office or to commit an act contrary to his/her official duties, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 251; July 19, 2006, No. 126, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART III - Crimes Against Collective Safety (§§ 4864 — 4880) › Chapter 306 - Crimes Against Public Order (§§ 4875 — 4880) › § 4880 - Resisting or obstructing public authorities

Any person who resists, obstructs, delays or interferes with any public officer or employee in the discharge or attempt to discharge any of his/her duties shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 252, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4881 - Unlawful enrichment

Any public officer, employee, former officer or former employee who uses for his/her own benefit or for the benefit of a third party any information or data that could have been known solely by reason of his/her office, employment or assignment shall incur a fourth degree felony.
If the person obtains the pursued benefit, he/she shall incur a third degree felony.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 253, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4882 - Unjust enrichment

Any public officer, employee, former officer or former employee who enriches his/her own estate or that of a third party when such enrichment has occurred after having taking office, employment or assignment and up to five (5) years after concluding his/her term, and is unable to justify said enrichment when duly required to do so shall incur a third degree felony.
It shall be understood that there has been enrichment not only regarding the increase of the estate with money or property, but also when any obligations which bound him/her have been extinguished.
The third party benefitted shall also incur this felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 254, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4883 - Unlawful benefit from public office

Any public officer or employee who unlawfully uses for his/her benefit or the benefit of a third party any property, works or services paid for with public funds shall incur a fourth degree aggravated felony.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 255, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4884 - Negotiations incompatible with the discharge of public office

Any public officer or employee who, by reason of his/her office, directly or through third party, promotes, authorizes or executes a contract, bid or any other operation in which he/she has an interest without having a dispensation or authorization allowed by the law shall incur a fourth degree felony.
The third party thus benefitted shall also incur this felony.
A third degree felony sentence shall be imposed if the person obtains the benefit pursued.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 256, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4885 - Undue intervention in government operations

Any person who unduly intervenes or without legal authority in the execution of a contract, in a bid process or otherwise in the negotiation of any other procedure of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for purposes of obtaining benefits or to benefit a third party shall incur a fourth degree felony.
A third degree felony sentence shall be imposed if the person obtains the benefit pursued.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 257, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4886 - Usurpation of public office

Any person who commits any of the following shall incur a misdemeanor:
(a) To usurp any office, employment or assignment for which the person has not been elected, named nor designated, or to carry out the same without being duly qualified.
(b) To willfully perform any of the duties of the office, employment or assignment to which he/she was designated after having finished the term of service or after receiving an official notification ordering the termination or suspension of his/her duties.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 258, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4887 - Retaining property

Any public officer, employee, former officer or former employee who, after completion of the term of office, employment, or assignment, or when the office has been eliminated or the duties entrusted have concluded due to resignation or severance, retains under his/her power or refuses to surrender any property, files, records, documents, access codes, disks, electronic files or any other official information or material belonging to his/her office, whether hard copy or on electronic media, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
When the property or material in his/her custody is mutilated, damaged, destroyed or retrieved, the offender shall incur a third degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 259, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4888 - Alteration or mutilation of property

Any public officer or employee who is in charge of or has control over any property, file, record, document, electronic register or any other type of register or data bank, whether hard copy or electronic, and who alters, destroys, mutilates, removes or conceals the same in whole or in part, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
In the event of loss of public property or funds, the court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 260, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4889 - False certifications

Any public officer or employee authorized by law to issue certifications and any other documents, who issues as true a certification or document containing statements which he/she knows to be false shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 261, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4890 - Bribery

Any public officer or employee, juror, witness, arbitrator or any person authorized by law to hear or decide any issue or controversy who solicits or receives, directly or through an intermediary, for him/herself or for a third party, any money or benefit, or accepts a proposal to such effects to perform, omit or delay an act that pertains to his/her regular office or duties, or to perform an act that is contrary to his/her regular duties, or with the understanding that such remuneration or benefit shall influence any action, decision, vote or ruling by said person in his/her official capacity shall incur a third degree felony.
When the perpetrator is a public officer, arbitrator or person authorized by law to hear or decide any issue or controversy, he/she shall incur a second degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 262, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4891 - Offer of bribery

Any person who, directly or through an intermediary, gives or promises to give money or any benefit to a public officer or employee, witness, juror, arbitrator, or any other person authorized by law to hear or decide any issue or controversy, or to a witness for the purpose provided in § 4890 of this title, shall incur a third degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 263, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4892 - Undue influence

Any person who obtains or attempts to obtain any benefit from another by claiming or pretending that he/she is in a position to influence the conduct of a public officer or employee in the exercise of his/her duties shall incur a fourth degree felony.
A third degree felony sentence shall be imposed if the person obtains the benefit pursued.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 264, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4893 - Omission in the performance of duty

Any public officer or employee who knowingly omits to comply with any duty imposed by law or regulations and, as a consequence of said omission, causes the loss of public funds or damages to public property shall incur a misdemeanor.
If the assessed value of the loss of public funds or the damages to public property exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000), he/she shall incur a fourth degree felony.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 265, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter I - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Office (§§ 4881 — 4894) › § 4894 - Negligence in the performance of duty

Any public officer or employee who persistently neglects to comply with a duty imposed by law or regulation and, as a consequence of said omission causes the loss of public funds or damages to public property shall incur a misdemeanor.
If the assessed value of the loss of public funds or the damages to public property exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000), he/she shall incur a fourth degree felony.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 266, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Public Funds (§§ 4895 — 4900) › § 4895 - Embezzlement of public funds

Any public officer or employee who is responsible, directly or indirectly, for the administration, transfer, care, custody, revenues, disbursement or accounting of public funds shall incur a third degree felony, regardless of whether or not he/she obtained benefits for him/herself or for any third party if he/she commits any of the following acts:
(a) Illegally appropriates such funds, in whole or in part;
(b) uses such funds for any purpose that is not authorized or contrary to the law or regulations;
(c) deposits such funds illegally or alters or makes any entry or registry in any account or document pertaining to the same that is not authorized or contrary to the law or regulations;
(d) illegally withholds, converts, transfers or releases such funds without authorization or contrary to the law or regulations, or
(e) fails to cover or disburse public funds in the manner prescribed by law.
When the offender is a public officer or the loss of public funds exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), he/she shall incur a second degree felony.
The court may also impose restitution.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 267, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Public Funds (§§ 4895 — 4900) › § 4896 - Refusal to answer or furnish fiscal information

Any person who refuses to take or sign any oath, declaration or statement required by the fiscal legislation of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or by any competent person, employee or officer, or who refuses to answer any interrogation so required; or who furnishes, gives or returns any form, certification, list or fiscal form with incomplete, false or fraudulent information shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 268, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Public Funds (§§ 4895 — 4900) › § 4897 - Hindering debt collections

Any person who hinders or obstructs any person, public official or employee from conducting debt collections authorized by the law, concerning revenues, taxes, excise taxes, duties, municipal licenses and permits or any other sums of money in which the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has an interest shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 269, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Public Funds (§§ 4895 — 4900) › § 4898 - Possession and unlawful use of tax information, receipts and payment vouchers

Any person who has in his/her power, without authorization to do so, receipt forms or payment vouchers for municipal licenses, taxes, excise taxes or permits, or who issues, uses or gives any receipt for the payment of taxes, excise taxes, duties or municipal licenses against provisions of law or regulations, or who receives the amounts for such taxes, excise taxes, permits, duties or municipal taxes without issuing a receipt or voucher, or who makes any unlawful or false entry in the receipt or voucher or in the fiscal documents or data banks shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 270, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Public Funds (§§ 4895 — 4900) › § 4899 - Unlawful purchase and sale of property for payment of taxes

Any collector or agent who, directly or indirectly, performs any of the following acts shall incur a fourth degree felony:
(a) Purchases any portion of personal or real property sold for the payment of unpaid taxes.
(b) Sells or assists in the sale of any personal or real property, knowing that such property is exempted from seizure or from the payment of taxes, or knowing that the taxes for which same is being sold have been paid.
(c) Sells or assists in the sale of any personal or real property for the payment of taxes with the purpose of defrauding the owner of said property.
(d) Issues a sales certificate for real property transferred under the circumstances described in the previous subsections.
(e) Otherwise hinders or restricts bidders in any public auction held for the payment of unpaid taxes.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 271, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 307 - Crimes Against the Discharge of Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4900) › Subchapter II - Crimes Against Public Funds (§§ 4895 — 4900) › § 4900 - Refusal to allow the inspection of books and documents

Any employee in charge of the collection, receipt or disbursement of public funds who, upon being required to allow any competent officer to inspect the books, documents, registers and files pertaining to his/her office, fails or refuses to do so or obstructs the operations shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 272, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4901 - False statements or allegations regarding a crime

Any person who knowingly makes a false statement or allegation that a crime has been committed by means of a claim, request, information, strict confidences, regardless of whether same is anonymous or under a false name, directed to persons or officers with legal authority to conduct criminal investigations, thus causing the initiation of an investigation to clarify such false statement or allegation shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 273, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4902 - Perjury

Any person who takes an oath, makes a statement or declaration, testifies, deposes or certifies the truth before any competent court, body, officer or person and states that any material or important fact is true knowing that it is false, or who categorically states a material or important fact without being certain that it is true shall incur perjury and the punishment for a fourth degree felony shall be imposed upon said person.
If under the circumstances set forth in the previous paragraph, any person gives two (2) or more inconsistent testimonies, declarations, depositions or certifications, he/she shall also incur perjury. In this case, it shall be necessary to establish the truth or falsehood of the stated facts.
For purposes of this section, “body” shall include any institution with quasi-judicial, quasi-legislative or quasi-adjudicative powers.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 274, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4903 - Aggravated perjury

If a false statement rendered by any person under the circumstances set forth for the crime of perjury results in the deprivation of freedom or the conviction of a person accused of a crime, he/she shall incur aggravated perjury and the punishment for a third degree felony shall be imposed.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 275, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4904 - Form of oath

For purposes of the crimes of perjury and aggravated perjury, no special form of oath or affirmation shall be required. The form which the person regards to be most binding or solemn shall be used.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 276, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4905 - Inadmissible defense

It shall be inadmissible as defense in any cause of action for perjury or aggravated perjury that:
(a) The circumstances under which the oath was made or taken were irregular.
(b) The fact that the accused did not know the relevance of the false statement he/she made, or that such false statement did not affect the cause of action. It shall suffice that such false statement is material or important and that it possibly could have been used to affect said proceedings.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 277, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4906 - Deposition or certification: when deemed to be complete

Any deposition or certification shall be deemed to be complete for purposes of the crime of perjury or aggravated perjury from the time it was rendered by the deponent with the purpose of having it published, disclosed or used as true.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 278, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4907 - Taking justice in one’s hand

Any person who takes justice in his/her own hands rather than resorting to a public authority for purposes of exercising an existing or alleged right shall incur a misdemeanor.
If the crime is committed through violence or intimidation against persons or by force upon objects, the offender shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 279, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4908 - Refusal to prevent the commission of a crime or to assist in an arrest

Any person who, after being required to do so by a person with authority and without risk to either him/herself or another, does not prevent the commission of a crime that affects the life or bodily integrity of others or who does not assist in the arrest of another person shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 280, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4909 - Escape

Any person who is lawfully under preventive custody, imprisonment, restriction of freedom or interned as a security measure, or undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in a program of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a private program, supervised and licensed by a Commonwealth agency, or under a special diversion procedure under Rule 247.1 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, or under a special law, and escapes or evades the legal custody exercised over him/her by another person with legal authority and any other person acting jointly with same shall incur a fourth degree felony.
The punishment shall be imposed in addition to the punishment corresponding to the other crime or the sentenced being served. No alternative punishment to imprisonment shall be available for this crime.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 281, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4910 - Aiding in escape

Any person in charge of the custody of another who causes, assists, allows or expedites the escape of the latter under any of the circumstances set forth for the crime of escape shall incur a third degree felony if the person whom he/she helped to escape was serving a sentence of imprisonment or restricted freedom. The punishment corresponding to a fourth degree felony shall be imposed in all other cases.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 282, eff. May 1, 2005.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4911 - Introducing objects into a penal facility

Any person who sells, introduces, or helps to sell or who has in his possession with the intent to introduce or sell narcotics, drugs or any other controlled substance or any type of weapon, alcoholic or intoxicating beverages, explosives, projectiles or other object that could affect the order or security in any penal institution or facility in the correctional system, from within or from outside, to any inmate, knowing he/she is an inmate, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 283, eff. May 1, 2005.