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 IV - Crimes Against Public Service (§§ 4881 — 4932) › Chapter 308 - Crimes Against the Judicial Power (§§ 4901 — 4927) › § 4912 - Contempt

Any person who performs any of the following acts shall incur a misdemeanor:
(a) Breach of the peace, noise or disturbance, or behaving in a contemptuous or insolent manner toward a court of justice or a judge in the course of a judicial investigation or proceeding, thus directly tending to interrupting the procedures or impairing the respect due to its authority, or in the presence of the jury while it is sitting or deliberating on any cause of action.
(b) Disobedience of any decree, mandate, summons or other legal order issued or entered by any court.
(c) Unlawful or obstinate refusal by any person to take oath or meet the requirements as a witness in any cause pending before any court, or refusal, without a legitimate excuse, to answer any legal interrogation after having been sworn in or having met said requirements.
(d) Scurrilous or libelous criticism of the decrees, orders, sentences or proceedings of any court which tend to discredit the court or a judge.
(e) To knowingly publish any false or overtly inaccurate report on any judicial proceedings.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 284, 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) › § 4913 - Concealment

Any person who knowingly conceals the person responsible for the commission of a crime, or who procures the disappearance, alteration or concealment of evidence to obstruct the action of justice shall incur a fourth degree felony.
The punishment of a third degree felony shall be imposed when the concealer acts for profit or is a public officer or employee and commits the crime taking advantage of his/her charge or employment.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 285, 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) › § 4914 - Use of a disguise

Any person[, incurs in a misdemeanor,] who uses a mask, hairpiece, makeup, dye, or any other type of costume, whether total or partial that temporarily or permanently alters his/her physical appearance with the purpose to:
(a) Avoid being discovered, recognized or identified in the commission of any crime.
(b) Conceal, flee or escape when accused, arrested or sentenced for the commission of any crime.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 286, 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) › § 4915 - Preventing or persuading non-appearance of witnesses

Any person who, without any legal justification, prevents or persuades another who is or may be a witness not to appear at or testify in any investigation, proceeding, hearing or any judicial, legislative or administrative issue or at any other procedure authorized by the law, shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 287, 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) › § 4916 - Fraud or deceit against witnesses

Any person who commits fraud or deceit to affect the testimony of any witness or person who shall be called to testify in any investigation, proceeding, hearing or judicial, legislative or administrative issue or other procedures authorized by the law, or who knowingly makes any statement or declaration, or who shows any document to such a witness or person to unlawfully affect his/her testimony shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 288, 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) › § 4917 - Threats to or intimidation of witnesses

Any person who threatens another person or his/her family with inflicting bodily harm or damages to his/her estate, or engages in conduct that constitutes intimidation or threat, whether physical, written, verbal, or nonverbal, when such person is a witness or that due to his/her knowledge of the facts may be called to testify in any investigation, proceeding, hearing or judicial, legislative or administrative issue, whether already initiated or not, if the latter entails sanctions in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or the suspension of employment and salary, with the purpose of keeping said witness from testifying, or to testify partially or to change said testimony, shall be guilty of a third-degree felony; the maximum term of punishment shall be established when the victim is under twenty-one (21) years of age.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 289; July 29, 2010, No. 110, § 1.
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) › § 4918 - Conspiracy, threats or attempts against officers of the judicial system or their families

Any person who conspires, threatens, attempts or commits a crime against the person or property of a police officer, bailiff, custody officer, investigating officer, or other law enforcement officer, prosecutor, judge or other public officer related to the criminal investigation, arrest, accusation, processing, conviction or detention, or against any relative of such officers within the fourth degree of consanguinity or second degree of affinity, and said conspiracy, threat, or attempt to commit a crime against the person or property arises during or as a consequence of any investigation, procedure, hearing or issue which such officers are or have been conducting in the exercise of his/her official duties shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 290, 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) › § 4919 - Destruction of evidence

Any person who knowing that any documentary evidence or object that may be submitted as evidence in any investigation, proceeding, hearing or judicial, legislative or administrative matter, or in any other procedure authorized by the law, destroys or hides the same to prevent the filing thereof, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 291, 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) › § 4920 - Drafting of forged writings

Any person who drafts any book, document, register, written instrument, or other forged or predated object in order to introduce or enable the filing thereof as legitimate and true in any investigation, proceeding, hearing or judicial, legislative or administrative matter, or in any other proceeding authorized by the law shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 292, 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) › § 4921 - Submitting forged writings

Any person who, in any investigation, proceeding, hearing or judicial, legislative or administrative matter, or in any other procedure authorized by the law submits in evidence as authentic or true, any written proof knowing that same has been altered, predated or forged shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 293, 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) › § 4922 - Certification of false or inaccurate lists

Any person who has the legal duty to certify the list of jurors and who certifies a false or inaccurate list, or a list with the names of others than those selected, or who being legally bound to write on separate slips the names appearing on such certified lists fails to do so and places in the jury wheel the same names that appear on the certified jury list without adding or deleting any of them shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 294, 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) › § 4923 - Tampering with list of jurors

Any person who adds a name to the list of jurors either by depositing said name in the jury wheel or otherwise, or who withdraws any name from said wheel, or destroys the same, or any of the slips containing the names of the jurors, or who mutilates or defaces said names so that they cannot be read, or alters the name on the slips, except in those cases allowed by the law, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 295, 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) › § 4924 - Promise to render a certain verdict or decision

Any juror or person drawn or summoned as such, any judge, arbitrator or person authorized by law to hear and decide any issue or controversy shall incur a third degree felony if said person:
(a) Promises or agrees to reach a verdict or decision in favor of or against one of the parties, or
(b) admits any book, paper, document or report pertaining to any cause of action or issue pending before the same, except during the ordinary course of the proceedings.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 296, 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) › § 4925 - Undue influence on adjudication

A fourth degree felony shall be incurred by any person who attempts to influence any judge, juror or person summoned or drawn as such, or elected or named arbitrator, or person authorized by the law to hear and decide on any issue or controversy with respect to his/her verdict or decision in any cause of action or proceeding pending before said person, or which shall be submitted for its resolution, availing himself/herself of any of the following means:
(a) Any oral or written communication with such person, except during the ordinary course of the proceedings.
(b) Any book, paper or document shown to such person out of the ordinary course of the proceedings.
(c) Any threat, intimidation, persuasion or plea.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 297, 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) › § 4926 - Family ties with jurors

Any defense or prosecuting attorney who intervenes in a case tried by jury and conceals the fact that he/she has consanguinity or affinity ties within the fourth degree with any of the jurors selected for the case shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 298, 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) › § 4927 - Termination or suspension of employee for serving as juror or witness

Any employer who authorizes, consents or terminates, and any person who threatens to terminate, suspend, reduce the salary, or demote an employee, or who imposes or attempts to impose onerous working conditions upon such person due to the fact that said employee has been summoned to serve, is serving or has served jury duty, or who has been summoned or is bound to appear under penalty of contempt before a judge, court, prosecutor, administrative agency, whether state or federal, both Houses of the Legislature and their Committees, Municipal Legislature and its Committees or any employer who refuses to reinstate said employee when he/she has requested it within forty-eight (48) hours after having ceased to serve as juror or witness, shall incur a misdemeanor.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 299, 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 309 - Crimes Against the Legislative Power (§§ 4928 — 4932) › § 4928 - Preventing [assembly]

Any person who by means of intimidation, violence or fraud prevents the Legislature, either of its Houses, any municipal legislature or any of the members thereof from assembling shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 300, 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 309 - Crimes Against the Legislative Power (§§ 4928 — 4932) › § 4929 - Disorderly conduct

Any person who by means of intimidation, violence or fraud disturbs the Legislature, either of its Houses, a municipal legislature or a legislative committee, or who openly and in the presence of any of these legislative bodies or committees thereof, disturbs the peace in order to interrupt the acts of the abovementioned, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 301, 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 309 - Crimes Against the Legislative Power (§§ 4928 — 4932) › § 4930 - Alteration of text of bills

Any person who alters the text of any bill, ordinance or resolution introduced for voting and approval before either of the Houses that constitute the Legislature or any municipal legislature with the intention of obtaining its passage or approval by any of said Houses or municipal legislatures, or its certification by the Presiding Officer thereof, under terms different from those proposed shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 302, 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 309 - Crimes Against the Legislative Power (§§ 4928 — 4932) › § 4931 - Alteration of enrolled copy

Any person who alters the enrolled copy of a bill, ordinance or resolution approved by the Legislature, either of its Houses, or any municipal legislature with the purpose of obtaining its passing by the Governor or mayor or certification by the Secretary of State or Municipal Secretary for such act, ordinance or resolution, as the case may be, or for the same to be printed, disclosed by the official publisher of statutes and ordinances in a language other than that in which was passed, approved, signed or promulgated shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 303, 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 309 - Crimes Against the Legislative Power (§§ 4928 — 4932) › § 4932 - Refusal of witness to appear, testify or submit evidence

Any person who, having been summoned to appear as a witness before either House of the Legislature, municipal legislature or any of the committees thereof, refuses to appear, and acquiesce to the same or fails to do so without a legitimate use, or who, in the presence of any House of the Legislature, municipal legislature or any of the committees thereof obstinately refuses to be sworn in, answer to any material and pertinent question, or to produce any book, document or record in his/her possession or control after being given a reasonable term for the same, shall incur a fourth degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 304, 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 V - Crimes Against Humanity (§§ 4933 — 4934) › Chapter 310 - Crimes Against Human Rights (§§ 4933 — 4934) › § 4933 - Genocide

Any of the acts set forth below constitute genocide when perpetrated with the intention of destroying a group as such, in whole or in part, whether it is national, ethnic, racial or religious:
(a) Murder of group members.
(b) Serious injury to the physical or mental health of the members of the group.
(c) Intentionally submitting the group to living conditions that shall entail their total or partial physical destruction.
(d) Measures intended to preventing births within the group.
(e) Transfer by force of children from one group to another.
Any person who commits genocide in the modality set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall incur a first degree felony. Any person who commits genocide in the modalities set forth in subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this section shall incur a second degree felony.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 305, 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 VI - Additional Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › Chapter 311 - Final Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › § 4935 - Application of this Code in time

Any conduct carried out prior to the effectiveness of this Code in violation to the provisions set forth in the Penal Code hereby repealed or of any other special law of-criminal nature shall be governed by the laws in effect at the time of the commission of the act.
If this Code abolishes any crime, no proceeding shall be initiated, legal actions in progress shall be stayed, and any condemning sentence shall be declared null and void, and the person shall be released. The change of the name of-crime does not mean that the type of crime has been abolished.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 308, 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 VI - Additional Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › Chapter 311 - Final Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › § 4936 - Power to punish for contempt

This Code shall not affect the power conferred by the law to any public agency, administration or officer to punish for contempt.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 310, 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 VI - Additional Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › Chapter 311 - Final Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › § 4937 - Crimes not included in this Code

The inclusion of some crimes or provisions of special laws in this Code does not imply the repeal of said laws nor of those special crimes not included in this Code.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 311, 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 VI - Additional Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › Chapter 311 - Final Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › § 4938 - Continuous review of this Code and criminal laws

Within thirty (30) days following the date of approval of this new Penal Code, the Legislature of Puerto Rico shall establish a reviewing entity that, among other duties, shall evaluate the laws pertaining to the administration of criminal justice, the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the laws that codify crimes in order to propose the necessary changes to temper the provisions set forth therein with the provisions in this Code.
The recommendations of the reviewing entity shall promote compliance with the objectives established in this Code and shall assist in the establishment of a rational and scientific basis for its future review and the approval of special laws containing criminal provisions.
The integrating and reviewing duties of the entity shall be carried out pursuant to a work plan that shall conduct studies and propose legislative changes based on the priorities established by the Legislature of Puerto Rico and its respective Committees On the Judiciary.
The entity shall be empowered to draft amendments or repeals and to suggest new legislation which may complement or be included in this Code by means of attachments or new titles, sections or articles. The initial work shall be geared to concluding the first phase of this review process before the provisions set forth in this Code take effect.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 312.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 5 - Penal Code of 2004—Special Provisions (§§ 4733 — 4939) › PART VI - Additional Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › Chapter 311 - Final Provisions (§§ 4935 — 4939) › § 4939 - Implementation of the rehabilitating provisions

The Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Secretary of Justice shall jointly adopt, within the next one hundred twenty (120) days as of the date of approval of this new Penal Code, the regulations establishing the procedures set forth in § 4732 of this title, for the evaluation of the adjustment of the inmates and for the issue and processing the certificates of rehabilitation, which they shall submit within said term to the Legislature. Once received by the Legislature, said regulations shall be approved without objections or returned to be amended. The regulations shall take effect at the same time as this new Penal Code.
Likewise, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall adopt the necessary regulation for the implementation of §§ 4679, 4680 and 4682 of this title, and shall submit the same within one hundred and twenty (120) days as of the approval of this new Penal Code. Once received by the Legislature, said regulations shall be approved without objections or returned to be amended. The regulations shall take effect at the same time as this new Penal Code.
History —June 18, 2004, No. 149, § 313.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART I - General Provisions (§§ 1 — 12) › Chapter 1 - Title; Rights of Defendant; Definitions (§§ 1 — 12) › § 6 - Second prosecution prohibited

No person can be subjected to a second prosecution for a public offense for which he has once been prosecuted and convicted or acquitted.
History —Code Crim. Proc., 1935, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART I - General Provisions (§§ 1 — 12) › Chapter 1 - Title; Rights of Defendant; Definitions (§§ 1 — 12) › § 7 - Self-incrimination; restraint prior to conviction

No person can be compelled, in a criminal action, to be a witness against himself; nor can a person charged with a public offense be subjected, before conviction, to any more restraint than is necessary for his detention to answer the charge.
History —Code Crim. Proc., 1935, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART I - General Provisions (§§ 1 — 12) › Chapter 1 - Title; Rights of Defendant; Definitions (§§ 1 — 12) › § 11 - Rights of defendant generally

In a criminal action the defendant is entitled:
(1) To a speedy and public trial.
(2) To be allowed counsel, or to appear and defend in person and with counsel.
(3) To produce witnesses on his behalf.
(4) To be confronted with the witnesses against him in the presence of the court, except the where the charge has been preliminarily examined before a prosecuting attorney or a justice of the peace, or where the testimony of a witness on the part of the People who is unable to give security for his appearance has been taken in the presence of the defendant, who has, either in person or by counsel, cross-examined or had an opportunity to cross-examine the witness, the deposition of such witness may be read, upon its being satisfactorily shown to the court that he is dead or insane, or cannot with due diligence be found within Puerto Rico. The examination of witnesses by the prosecuting attorney as provided for in section three must be in private, and he shall not interrogate witnesses produced for the defendant except during the public trial.
(5) In every judicial procedure or prior thereto, where a person with impaired hearing is a suspect, is charged or accused of a crime or a misdemeanor, as well as in subsequent procedures to the person’s conviction, he/she shall be guaranteed, inasmuch as possible, that he/she will have freedom of motion of his/her hands in order to be able to communicate thereby. The judge or the official in charge shall determine whether this is possible, or if other measures are needed that will not interfere with the capability of the audio-impaired person to communicate, and that are adequate to insure his/her safety, and that of the public and the officials of the court or the agency concerned.
History —Code Crim. Proc., 1935, § 11; Aug. 21, 1999, No. 285, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART II - Trial in District Court; Preliminary Proceedings in Superior Court Cases (§§ 51 — 241) › Chapter 9 - Powers and Duties of Prosecuting Attorney (§§ 171 — 183) › § 182 - Prosecution of forfeited recognizances, fines, penalties, etc

The prosecuting attorney shall prosecute all recognizances forfeited and all cases for the recovery of fines, penalties, debts, and forfeitures accruing to the People of Puerto Rico within his district.
History —Code Crim. Proc., 1935, § 107.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 521 - Prosecution of felonies; investigation of acts of public officials

Every felony shall be prosecuted through indictment filed by the corresponding prosecuting attorney in the court having jurisdiction in the case, in the manner provided by the Code of Criminal Procedure. When the prosecuting attorney, without justified cause in the judgment of the court, shall fail to prosecute a public official for the commission of a felony by reason of acts done in the exercise of his functions, the said judge may issue a warrant for the Grand Jury of his part to investigate the matter. The Grand Jury shall, in these cases, confine itself merely to reporting the action that the court should take, and if the judge finds that the proceedings of the Grand Jury have been in accordance with law and that probable cause exists, he shall direct the prosecuting attorney to file a complaint against the official involved. The Grand Jury shall also have power, motu proprio or at the request of the Court of First Instance, to investigate the administrative acts of public officials, and to investigate the offices and centers of government, submitting to the Governor of Puerto Rico, through the judge, a report of the result of its investigation, together with such recommendations as it may deem pertinent.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 1; Aug. 28, 1925, No. 98, p. 788; July 9, 1936, No. 21, p. 156, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 522 - Order of court for drawing of Grand Jury

At each judicial term, the court, whenever in its opinion the same may be necessary, shall order the drawing by lot of twenty (20) names from the regular list of jurors for the formation of the Grand Jury to act during the term.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 2, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 523 - Manner of drawing

The drawing for the Grand Jury shall be carried out in open court by the secretary of the court, after having cited the fiscal and those defendants whose cases are to be submitted to the Grand Jury for investigation, at least five (5) days in advance of the date of the drawing. Wherever applicable articles 199-204 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and §§ 636, 637 and 639 of this title shall govern said drawing and formation of the Grand Jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 3, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 524 - Challenges—Time

All challenges to the Grand Jury shall be made at the time of the drawing, and at any time before the Grand Jury is impanelled and sworn.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 4, eff. 90 days after June 19, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 525 - Challenges—Entire panel or individual jurors

The People and any of the defendants summoned may challenge the entire panel of the Grand Jury or any individual juror. The court shall instruct the defendants as to the time and manner of exercising this right.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 5, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 526 - Challenges—Causes for challenge to panel

A challenge to the panel may be interposed for one or more of the following causes only:
(1) That the number of ballots required by law was not drawn by lot from the box containing the names of the regular jurors.
(2) That the drawing was not had in the presence of the officers designated by law.
(3) That the drawing was not had in accordance with law.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 6, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 527 - Challenges—Causes for challenging individual jurors

The causes for challenging any of the members of the Grand Jury shall be such as are established by the Code of Criminal Procedure for challenging the petit jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 7, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 528 - Challenges—Manner of interposing and deciding

The challenges mentioned in §§ 526 and 527 of this title shall be interposed and decided in the same manner as challenges to the petit jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302 § 8, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 529 - Challenges—Waiver

Any challenge not interposed within the time and in the form provided by this chapter, shall be considered as waived.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 9, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 530 - Challenges—Order

Challenges shall be interposed first by the People and then by the defendants.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 10, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 531 - Challenges—Effect of challenge to panel; setting aside indictment

If a challenge to the panel is allowed, the Grand Jury are prohibited from inquiring into the charge against the defendant by whom the challenges was interposed. If, notwithstanding, they do so and find an indictment against him, the court must direct it to be set aside without prejudice to resubmitting the charge to another Grand Jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 11, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 532 - Challenges—Effect of challenge to individual juror; contempt

If a challenge to an individual grand juror is allowed, he cannot be present or take part in the investigation and consideration of the charge against the defendant who interposed the challenge or in the deliberations of the Grand Jury on said charge. Any violation of this section shall constitute contempt of court and shall be punishable as such, as it shall be the obligation of the members of the Grand Jury to inform the court of any such violation of this section.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 12, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 533 - Number of jurors; quorum

Twelve (12) jurors shall constitute a quorum. Should this number be incomplete, the court shall order the drawing of such new jurors as may be necessary. The number of jurors shall not exceed fifteen (15). If after excuses and challenges allowed by the court and the number of jurors present exceeds fifteen (15), a drawing shall be had of the names of the fifteen (15) members who are to form the Grand Jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 13, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 534 - Concurrence required for indictment

An indictment by the Grand Jury shall not be found without the concurrence of a majority of the members met to investigate the charge.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 14, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 535 - Foreman

Upon the formation of the jury with twelve (12) or more members, the court shall designate a foreman from among their number.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 15, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 536 - Oath

All members of the Grand Jury shall take the following oath in open court:
“You and each of you, gentleman of the Grand Jury, do swear that you will diligently inquire into all offenses cognizable by you committed against The People of Puerto Rico within the jurisdiction of this court, of which you shall have or can obtain legal evidence, and that you will make true presentment thereof before this court; that in the discharge of your duties you will keep your own counsel and that of your fellows and that of The People; that you will not, except when required in the due course of judicial proceedings, disclose the testimony of any witness examined before you or anything occurred in your deliberations, nor the manner in which you may have voted in any matter before you; that you will indict no person through malice, hatred or ill-will, nor leave any unindicted through fear, favor or affection, or for any reward or the promise thereof, and that in all your presentments you will present the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to the best of your knowledge and belief.”
The jurors shall answer: “Yes, we swear.”
History —June 18, 1919, No 58, p. 302, § 16, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 537 - Charge of court

The court, after the Grand Jury has been sworn, shall charge them as to their duties and rights and as to the manner of discharging them. The court shall also charge them as to the crimes which are be inquired into by them and deliver to the foreman a copy of the oath taken by them.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 17, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 538 - Retirement of Grand Jury; proceedings; discharge

The Grand Jury shall retire to the jury room and proceed to inquire into the offenses cognizable by them. On the completion of the business before them they shall be discharged by the court.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 18, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 539 - Fees and mileage

Each grand juror shall receive the same fees and mileage as any member of the petit jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 19, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 540 - Presentation and filing of indictment

Indictments by the Grand Jury must be in writing and presented in open court by the foreman in the presence of all the other members of the Grand Jury and filed with the secretary of the court for custody.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 20, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 541 - Presentation of offenses; evidence

The fiscal of the court shall present to the Grand Jury all charges for offenses cognizable by them, in the form of indictments, and shall produce before them all such evidence as he may have to support such charges.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 21, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 542 - Examination of witnesses; production of evidence

The Grand Jury shall have power to summon and examine witnesses and experts under oath; to make ocular inspections, and to compel the introduction of documentary or other evidence in addition to that offered by the fiscal.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 22, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 543 - Duties of tribunal officers

It shall be the duty of all court officers to render services to the Grand Jury for the rapid and efficient discharge of their duties.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 23, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 544 - Investigation of offenses

The Grand Jury may investigate any offense cognizable by them within the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance in which they are acting, though no charge shall have been submitted to them by the fiscal.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 24, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 545 - Endorsement of indictment

If in any case the Grand Jury finds cause to indict, they shall endorse the indictment submitted by the fiscal as follows: “A true bill.” Said endorsement shall be dated and shall bear the signature of the foreman.
Where no charge has been submitted by the fiscal, the Grand Jury shall direct him to prepare an indictment, and when so prepared it shall be properly endorsed.
Where the Grand Jury fail to find the fiscal’s charges justified, the indictment shall be endorsed as follows by the foreman: “Charge dismissed.” Said endorsement shall be dated and shall bear the signature of the foreman.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 25, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 546 - Kind of evidence to be received

In the investigation of a charge the Grand Jury shall receive no evidence other than that given by witnesses or experts examined before them, or furnished by depositions, when the same are admissible, or derived from documentary evidence. They shall receive none but legal evidence, and the best evidence in degree, to the exclusion of hearsay or secondary evidence when primary evidence can be produced.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 26, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 547 - Hearing of defendant

The Grand Jury shall not be bound to hear the defendant nor the evidence offered by him, but they shall weigh all the evidence submitted to them; and when they have reason to believe the other legal evidence exists within their reach which will remove the charge or explain the facts constituting the same, they may order such evidence to be produced and also examine the defendant, if he so desires, first informing him of his right to refuse to testify, and that any testimony so given may be used against him.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 27, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 548 - Evidence requiring indictment

It shall be the duty of the Grand Jury to find an indictment when, in their opinion, all the evidence before them, taken together, if unexplained or uncontradicted, would warrant a conviction by a petit jury.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 28, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 549 - Declaration of offense known to juror

Any member of the Grand Jury who has knowledge of the commission of an offense cognizable by them, or who has reason to believe that such offense has been committed, shall declare his knowledge or belief, under oath, to his fellow-jurors who shall thereupon proceed to make the proper investigations.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 29, eff. 90 days after June 18, 1919.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) › PART III - Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial (§§ 291 — 577) › Chapter 33 - Grand Jury (§§ 521 — 577) › § 550 - Secret sessions

The sessions of the Grand Jury shall be secret. The court stenographer, or a stenographer appointed for the purpose by the court, whose remuneration shall be paid by the People of Puerto Rico, may be present to take and transcribe the evidence.
History —June 18, 1919, No. 58, p. 302, § 30, eff 90 days after June 18, 1919.