Criminal Procedure Code at Puerto Rico (US)
Puerto Rico's Code of Criminal Procedure (Código de Procedimiento Criminal) is codified under Title 34 of the Laws of Puerto Rico. This comprehensive legal framework governs criminal investigations, prosecutions, trials, and appeals within the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico.
📘 Structure of Title 34 – Code of Criminal Procedure
The Code is organized into several parts, each addressing different stages and aspects of criminal proceedings:
General Provisions: Outlines the scope and application of the Code.
Trial in District Court; Preliminary Proceedings in Superior Court Cases: Details procedures for initiating and conducting trials. (Resolution No. 1920-2003 establishing advance measures for the application of the Criminal Procedure Code. - Carlos Felipe Law Firm)
Pleadings and Proceedings After Information Filed and Before Commencement of Trial: Covers pre-trial motions and procedures.
Proceedings After the Commencement of Trial and Before Judgment: Addresses trial conduct and related matters.
Judgment and Execution: Specifies rules for sentencing and enforcement.
Appeals to Supreme Court: Provides guidelines for appealing decisions.
Bail: Regulates conditions and procedures related to bail.
Miscellaneous Proceedings: Includes various procedural matters.
Habeas Corpus: Details procedures for challenging unlawful detention. (Translation of the Law of Criminal Procedure for Cuba and Porto Rico (with Spanish Text), with Annotations, Explanatory Notes, and Amendments Made Since the American Occupation : War Department, Division of Insular Affairs, October 1, 1901 / United States Division of Insular Affairs. - Princeton University Library Catalog)
Search Warrants: Establishes rules for the issuance and execution of search warrants. (Criminal Procedure Code (Act No. 44 of 1988, as amended up to Act No. 13 of 2007))
Proceedings Against Fugitives From Justice: Addresses procedures for handling fugitives. (§§ 711 -749. Repealed. 1963 Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 254, eff. July 30, 1963, renumbered as Rule 255 on July 23, 1975, No. 199, § 4, Part 2, p. 82, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974, P.R. Laws tit. 34, §§ 711 -749 | Casetext Search + Citator)
Proceedings for Bringing Prisoners Before the Court: Covers procedures for bringing detainees to court. (§§ 711 -749. Repealed. 1963 Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 254, eff. July 30, 1963, renumbered as Rule 255 on July 23, 1975, No. 199, § 4, Part 2, p. 82, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974, P.R. Laws tit. 34, §§ 711 -749 | Casetext Search + Citator)
Minors: Specifies procedures involving juvenile offenders.
Forensic Sciences: Regulates the use of forensic evidence.
📄 Accessing the Code
The full text of Title 34 – Code of Criminal Procedure is available in English on the Justia Legal Resources website: (Laws of Puerto Rico TITLE THIRTY-FOUR - Code of Criminal Procedure (§§ 1 — 4012) :: 2023 Laws of Puerto Rico :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia)
🔗 Title 34 – Code of Criminal Procedure
For the official Spanish version, you can refer to the Puerto Rico Department of State's website:
🔗 Departamento de Estado de Puerto Rico
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