Executive summary of the Dominican Penal Code, Law 74-25

The recent approval of the Dominican Penal Code (Law 74-25) marks a milestone in the country’s legal history, modernizing legislation that had been in force for over a century. With this reform, the Dominican Republic adapts its criminal framework to the challenges of the current context, incorporating new criminal offenses, strengthening the protection of fundamental rights, and updating penalties in line with the demands of an evolving society.

In this space, we present an executive summary of the main changes and new features introduced by the new Code, with the aim of offering a clear, agile, and practical overview for both legal professionals and citizens interested in understanding the impact of this regulatory transformation.

The objective is to provide a reference tool that allows for rapid identification of the most relevant aspects of the reform, as well as its implications for legal practice, victim protection, and the administration of justice in the Dominican Republic.

Historical context of the reform

For more than two decades, the need to update the Dominican Penal Code has been debated . The previous legal framework did not address modern crimes such as cybercrime, gender-based violence, or complex financial fraud. Furthermore, existing sanctions were considered insufficient to address organized crime.

Law 74-25 responds to this need, aligning criminal legislation with international human rights standards and with practices comparable to those of other countries in the region.

Main changes introduced by Law 74-25

The new regulations introduce more than 70 offenses that were previously unenforceable. These include:

• Femicide: it is recognized from the start
• explicit signature and is punishable by sentences of 30 to 40 years in prison.
• Sicariato: classified as contract killing, punishable by up to 40 years.
• Self-kidnapping: now prosecuted as the crime of simulating kidnapping for economic gain.
• Bullying and cyberbullying: punishable by up to 10 years in prison depending on the severity.
• Pyramid scheme: Financial fraud based on illegal investment schemes is classified as a crime, with penalties of 5 to 10 years.
• Economic violence in the domestic sphere: recognized as a crime for the first time.

These changes close legal loopholes and offer greater protection to victims of previously invisible crimes.

Impact on fundamental rights and protection of victims

Law 74-25 strengthens the protection of women, children, and vulnerable groups. The definitions of gender-based violence are expanded and measures such as more effective protection orders are introduced.

The statute of limitations for sexual offenses is also extended, allowing victims up to 20 years to file a complaint, or 30 years for minors. A national registry of sexual offenders administered by the Public Prosecutor’s Office is also created, a prevention tool unprecedented in the country.

Harsher penalties and rehabilitation measures

The new Code raises the maximum penalty from 30 to 40 years in prison and allows for cumulative sentences up to a maximum of 60 years in cases of multiple serious crimes.

At the same time, it introduces rehabilitation and reintegration measures, such as semi-release for those sentenced to less than five years and re-education programs, reflecting a more humane and restorative approach to criminal justice.

Criminal liability of legal entities

For the first time, the Code establishes that companies and legal entities can be held criminally liable. This includes sanctions such as heavy fines, closure, dissolution of companies, or disqualification from contracting with the State.

This change strengthens the fight against financial, environmental, and corruption crimes committed by corporate structures.

Conclusion: a historic reform

Law 74-25 of the Dominican Penal Code not only toughens penalties for serious crimes but also introduces modern prevention and rehabilitation measures. This comprehensive reform strengthens criminal justice, better protects victims, and responds to contemporary criminal phenomena such as cyberbullying and organized crime.

With this step, the Dominican Republic is moving toward a more just, effective, and responsive criminal justice system, one that meets the needs of today’s society.

See the official document of Law 74-25, which modifies the Dominican Penal Code.

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