Law 74-25: the new Dominican Penal Code

law 74-25

The new Criminal Code of the Dominican Republic, Law 74-25,  was created in response to the need to update and modernize legislation that has been in force for over a century (since 1884). This legal framework seeks to adapt to the current challenges of crime, the protection of fundamental rights, and social coexistence in a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

Main axes of Law 74-25 of the Dominican Penal Code

The penal reform is based on constitutional principles and international commitments assumed by the Dominican Republic. Among the central pillars of Law 74-25 are:

• Supremacy of fundamental rights , with special attention to the protection of victims.
• Respect for international treaties , aligning domestic law with global standards.
• Guiding principles of criminal law , such as legality, proportionality, humanity and minimal intervention.
• Individual and corporate criminal liability , recognizing for the first time that legal entities can also be sanctioned.
• Clearer classification of offenses , distinguishing between very serious, serious, and minor offenses, with proportional penalties.

These pillars consolidate a more just and effective penal model, oriented not only to punish, but also to prevent and rehabilitate.

Impact on justice and Dominican society

The implementation of the new Dominican Penal Code will have a direct impact on the administration of justice and the protection of citizens. The reform not only toughens penalties but also strengthens crime prevention and the protection of vulnerable populations such as women, children, and adolescents.

In addition, the statute of limitations for sexual offenses has been extended (20 years for adults and 30 years for minors), making it easier for victims to access justice without their rights being limited by time.

Criminal liability of legal entities

One of the most notable innovations is the recognition of the criminal liability of companies and corporations . Under Law 74-25, legal entities can be sanctioned for crimes committed in their name or for their benefit.

Penalties include significant fines, closure of establishments, loss of licenses, and even dissolution of the company. This change seeks to combat corporate crime and close gaps in impunity for corruption and financial crimes.

Scales of sanctions and alternative measures

Law 74-25 increases the maximum sentence from 30 to 40 years in prison and allows for cumulative sentences of up to 60 years in cases of multiple serious crimes. This tightening reflects greater severity in the face of crimes such as femicide, murder for hire, and crimes against humanity.

At the same time, the new Code introduces measures aimed at social reintegration, such as semi-release for minor sentences and mandatory re-education programs. These alternatives seek to balance punishment with rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and promoting a more humane penal system.

The approval of Law 74-25 represents a milestone in the legal history of the Dominican Republic. With it, the country has an updated criminal justice framework capable of addressing modern crimes, better protecting victims, and ensuring proportional sanctions.

The reform of the Dominican Penal Code, Law 74-25 , not only updates the criminal offenses and penalties but also sends a clear message of institutional commitment to justice and transparency. By establishing harsher penalties for corruption, gender-based violence, and organized crime, the legislation seeks to strengthen public confidence in the judicial system and ensure that the Dominican Republic has a modern, effective legal framework aligned with international human rights standards.

For a clearer and more accessible understanding of this historic reform, we have prepared an executive summary of the Dominican Penal Code, Law 74-25 , which highlights the main changes, new criminal offenses, and practical implications. We invite you to consult it for a quick and reliable guide to this legislation that transforms criminal justice in the Dominican Republic.