Penal CodeCódigo Penal

Prohibition of analogy.

No sanction may be imposed through the analogical application of the criminal law.

Supplementary value of this Code.

Application in Space Territoriality.

For the purposes of this provision, the territory of the Republic is understood to mean, in addition to the natural or geographical territory, the territorial sea, the airspace covering them, and the continental shelf.

Costa Rican vessels and aircraft shall also be considered national territory.

Extraterritoriality.

Costa Rican criminal law shall also apply to punishable acts committed abroad, when:

• 1)They threaten the internal or external security of the State, as well as its economy; and 2) They are committed against the public administration by officials in its service, whether Costa Rican or not.

Possibility of initiating proceedings for punishable acts committed abroad.

Proceedings may be initiated for punishable acts committed abroad, and in that case, Costa Rican law applied, when:

• 1)They produce or may produce their results, in whole or in part, in the national territory; 2) They were committed by persons in the service of Costa Rica and were not tried in the place where the act was committed, by virtue of diplomatic or functional immunity; and 3) They are perpetrated against a Costa Rican or their rights.
• 4)They were committed by a Costa Rican.

(Thus added the previous subsection by article 1°, point 2., subpart a) of the Law to Strengthen Legislation against Terrorism, N° 8719 of March 4, 2009).

Application of criminal law for acts of terrorism

In cases of the crimes classified in subsection 4) of article 112, subsections 7) and 8) of article 215, and in articles 246, 246 bis, 250 ter, 251, 258, 259, 260, 274, 274 bis, 374, 284 bis of this Code, as well as in article 69 bis of Law N.º 8204, Comprehensive Reform of the Law on Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, Drugs of Unauthorized Use, and Related Activities, of December 26, 2001, and its reforms, Costa Rican criminal law shall be applied on the occasion of these crimes to persons for whom extradition is not applicable, in accordance with current rules.

For extradition purposes, these crimes shall not be considered political crimes or crimes connected to a political crime; nor shall they be considered crimes inspired by political motives.

(Thus added by article 1°, point 2., subpart b) of the Law to Strengthen Legislation against Terrorism, N° 8719 of March 4, 2009).

Regardless of the provisions in force at the place of commission of the punishable act and the nationality of the perpetrator, whoever commits acts of piracy, terrorism or its financing, or acts of genocide; counterfeits currencies, credit instruments, bank notes, and other bearer instruments; illegally traffics arms, munitions, explosives, or related materials; takes part in the trafficking of slaves, women, or children; commits sexual crimes against minors, or engages in the trafficking of narcotics or obscene publications shall be punished in accordance with Costa Rican law. Likewise, whoever commits the crimes of illicit enrichment (enriquecimiento ilícito); receiving, legalizing, or concealing assets (receptación, legalización o encubrimiento de bienes); legislating or administering for one's own benefit (legislación o administración en provecho propio); irregular surcharge (sobreprecio irregular); falsehood in the receipt of contracted goods and services (falsedad en la recepción de bienes y servicios contratados); irregular payment of administrative contracts (pago irregular de contratos administrativos); influence peddling (tráfico de influencias); transnational bribery (soborno transnacional), and influence against the Public Treasury (influencia en contra de la Hacienda Pública), contemplated in Law N.° 8422, Law against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment in Public Service, of October 6, 2004, and the crimes of improper bribery (cohecho impropio); proper bribery (cohecho propio); aggravated corruption (corrupción agravada); acceptance of gifts for an act performed (aceptación de dádivas por un acto cumplido); corruption of judges (corrupción de jueces); punishment of the corrupter (penalidad del corruptor); incompatible negotiations (negociaciones incompatibles); peculation (peculado); embezzlement (malversación); and peculation and embezzlement of private funds (peculado y malversación de fondos privados) contemplated in this Code, as well as other punishable acts against human rights and international humanitarian law, provided for in treaties signed by Costa Rica, in this Code, and other special laws shall be punished.

(Thus reformed by article 38 of the law on the Responsibility of Legal Persons for domestic bribery, transnational bribery, and other crimes, N° 9699 of June 10, 2019)

When the aforementioned crimes can be prosecuted.

For those contemplated in articles 6 and 7, it is necessary that the offender be in the national territory.

Furthermore, in the cases of article 6, a simple complaint by the aggrieved party is sufficient, and in those of article 7, criminal action may only be initiated at the request of the competent authorities.

No force of res judicata for foreign judgments in the aforementioned crimes.

Foreign judgments with force of res judicata.

A convicting judgment, in all cases, shall be considered for determining the phenomena of recidivism (reincidencia) and habitualness (habitualidad).

Application in Time Time of validity of the criminal law.

Law subsequent to the commission of a punishable act.

(Note from Sinalevi: Through circular N° 178-2017 and published in the Judicial Bulletin N° 45 of March 9, 2018, the table of conduct for traffic accidents was published. Adjustment to fines for application of the most favorable sanction, article 12 Penal Code, which is transcribed below:

") Law enacted before the completion of the sentence.

Temporary law.

Acts carried out during the validity of a law intended to govern temporarily shall always be judged in accordance with the terms of that law.

Regarding security measures.

Application to Persons Obligatory nature of criminal law and exceptions.

• 1)Foreign heads of state who are in the national territory and diplomatic agents of other States and other persons who enjoy criminal immunity according to international conventions accepted by Costa Rica; and 2) Public officials who, according to the Political Constitution, enjoy immunity.

Special law for minors.

(Thus reformed by article 2 of the law "Comprehensive Reform of the Organic Law of the Guardianship Jurisdiction for Minors" law 7383 of March 16, 1994)

Form, Time, and Place of the Punishable Act Form of the punishable act.

When the law punishes the act in consideration of the result produced, whoever does not prevent it shall be liable if they could have done so, according to the circumstances, and if they were legally obligated to avoid it.

Time of the punishable act.

Place of the punishable act.

• a)In the place where the criminal activity of perpetrators or participants was developed, in whole or in part; and b) In the place where the result was produced or should have been produced.

In crimes of omission, the act is considered carried out where the omitted action should have taken place.

Concurrence of Crimes and Apparent Concurrence of Norms Ideal concurrence.

Material concurrence.

Apparent concurrence of norms.

When it exists.

The penalty corresponding to the attempt shall not be applied when the consummation of the crime was absolutely impossible.

(Text modified by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber Nº 1588-98 at 4:27 p.m. on March 10, 1998).

Grounds for Justification Fulfillment of the law.

(Corrected by Errata published in La Gaceta N° 234 of November 24, 1971).

Consent of the right-holder.

State of necessity.

• a)That the danger is current or imminent; b) That they did not voluntarily cause it; and c) That it is not avoidable in another way.

If the holder of the interest that one seeks to save has the legal duty to face the risk, the provisions of this article shall not apply.

Self-defense (legítima defensa).

• a)Illegitimate aggression; and b) Reasonable need for the defense employed to repel or prevent the aggression.

It shall be understood that this ground for justification is present for anyone who executes violent acts against a stranger who, without any right and with danger to the inhabitants or occupants of the building or its dependencies, is inside them, regardless of the damage caused to the intruder.

(Thus reformed by article 1 of law Nº 5743 of August 4, 1975).

Excess in defense.

Excess arising from an excitement or disturbance that the circumstances made excusable is not punishable.

Culpability No penalty without fault.

Meaning of intent (dolo).

Preterintent (preterintención).

Fortuitous event or force majeure.

Error of fact.

However, if the error arises from fault (culpa), the act shall be sanctioned only when the law prescribes a penalty for its commission on that basis. The same rules shall apply with respect to whoever erroneously supposes the concurrence of circumstances that would justify the act carried out.

Error of law.

If the error is not insurmountable, the penalty provided for the act may be mitigated in accordance with the provisions of article 79.

Due obedience.

• a)That the order emanates from a competent authority to issue it and is vested with the forms required by law; b) That the agent is hierarchically subordinate to the one issuing the order; and c) That the order does not bear the character of an evident punishable infraction.

More severe penalty for a special consequence of the act.

Coercion or threat.

Recidivism Recidivism and its assessment.

Nor shall a crime committed abroad be taken into account if, by its nature, extradition would not proceed.

Habitualness.

Political or fiscal crimes shall not be taken into account for the declaration of habitualness.

(Thus reformed this article through resolution of the Constitutional Chamber Nº 796-92 of March 24, 1992, which clarifies resolution No. 88-92 at 11 a.m. on January 17, 1992.)

Professionalism.

(Thus reformed this article through resolution of the Constitutional Chamber Nº 796-92 of March 24, 1992, which clarifies resolution No. 88-92 at 11 a.m. on January 17, 1992.)

Imputability and its Forms Unimputability.

(Corrected by Errata published in La Gaceta N° 234 of November 24, 1971).

Diminished imputability.

Provoked disturbance.

Perpetrators and Accomplices Perpetrator and co-perpetrators.

Instigators.

Accomplices.

Commencement and scope of the participants' responsibility.

If the act was more serious than the one they intended to carry out, those who had accepted it as a probable consequence of the undertaken action shall be liable for it.

Communicability of circumstances.

The relationships, circumstances, and personal qualities whose effect is to diminish or exclude penal liability shall have influence only with respect to the participants in whom they concur.

Material circumstances that aggravate or mitigate the act shall only be taken into account with respect to the person who, knowing them, provided their assistance.

Classes of penalties

The penalties established by this Code are:

• 1)Principal: imprisonment, banishment (extrañamiento), fine (multa), and disqualification (inhabilitación).
• 2)Accessory: special disqualification (inhabilitación especial).
• 3)Provision of public utility services.
• 4)Home detention with electronic monitoring.
• 5)Drug treatment under restorative judicial supervision.

(Thus reformed by article 48 of the Restorative Justice Law, N° 9582 of July 2, 2018)

Imprisonment and security measures.

Its maximum limit is fifty years.

(Thus reformed by article 1 of law Nº 7389 of April 22, 1994)

(Note from Sinalevi: Through resolution of the Constitutional Chamber N° 9877 of July 3, 2015, the continuity of the effects of the reform to articles 51 and 76 of the Penal Code, carried out through Law N° 7389 of April 22, 1994, is ordered, all subject to what the Constitutional Chamber definitively resolves regarding the conformity of those norms with Constitutional Law.)

Banishment.

It ranges from six months to ten years.

Fine (multa).

The penalty of a fine (multa) obliges the convicted person to pay a sum of money to the institution designated by law, within fifteen days after the sentence becomes final.

When the penalty of day-fines is imposed, the judge, in a reasoned sentence, shall first set the number of day-fines that the convicted person must cover, within the limits indicated for each crime and contravention, according to the gravity of the act, the circumstances of manner, time, and place, as well as the author's own characteristics, directly related to the criminal or contraventional conduct. This penalty may not exceed three hundred and sixty day-fines.

In said sentence, in a reasoned manner, the judge must determine the sum of money corresponding to each day-fine, according to the economic situation of the convicted person, taking into account their standard of living, all their daily income, and reasonable expenses to meet both their needs and those of their family. Each day-fine may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the sentenced person's daily income. The prosecutor or the judge, as the case may be, with the collaboration of the Social Work Office of the Judicial Branch, must conduct the necessary inquiries to determine the true economic situation of the accused and their ability to pay.

(Thus reformed by article 4 of the Law against Street Sexual Harassment, N° 9877 of August 10, 2020)

Money from the imposed fines (penas de multa), derived from the commission of crimes:

• a)Against the duties of public office, provided for in title XV of Law 4573, Penal Code, of May 4, 1970, chapter V of Law 8422, Law against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment in Public Service, of October 29, 2004; b) established in title I of Law 9699, Law on the Responsibility of Legal Persons for Domestic Bribery, Transnational Bribery, and other Crimes, of June 10, 2019.

Shall be deposited in a special account in the name of the Costa Rican Drug Institute for administration and transfer purposes, and shall be allocated as follows:

i. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the total collection shall be transferred to the Public Ministry, specifically for the investigation and fight against corruption.

ii. Twenty percent (20%) of the total collection shall be transferred to the Attorney General's Office of the Republic, Public Ethics Prosecutor's Office Area, to be invested in its Prevention, Detection, and Fight against Corruption program.

iii. Thirty percent (30%) of the total collection shall be transferred to the Judicial Investigation Agency, to be invested in equal parts in sections specialized in the investigation of corruption, economic, accounting, and cybercrime crimes, to exercise their functions.

iv. Fifteen percent (15%) of the total collection shall be transferred to the Costa Rican Drug Institute, distributed as eight percent (8%) for the Financial Intelligence Unit and seven percent (7%) for the securing and maintenance of assets confiscated for corruption crimes.

v. Ten percent (10%) of the total collection shall be transferred to the Judicial Center for the Intervention of Communications of the Judicial Branch.

The resources shall be deposited in a separate special bank account in the name of the department authorized by the Costa Rican Drug Institute, which shall be accounted for and settled annually separately to be transferred to the aforementioned institutions.

(Thus added by article 11 of the law "Reforms to laws on anti-corruption matters to address recommendations of the working group on bribery in international commercial transactions of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)", N° 10373 of September 20, 2023)

Execution of the fine (multa).

These benefits may be revoked for non-compliance in payment or when the economic condition of the convicted person significantly improves.

Amortization of the fine (multa).

For this purpose, one ordinary workday is equivalent to one day-fine, and every two ordinary workdays are equivalent to one day of imprisonment. Work of all kinds, carried out inside and outside the social adaptation center, shall count in the same way. The respective salary shall be credited in whole or in part to satisfy the imposed fine (multa). The inmate shall enjoy the benefits that the State and its institutions grant to workers, although no employment relationship shall exist between the employer and the inmate employee.

(Thus reformed by article 1 of law Nº 7398 of May 3, 1994)

(Through resolution of the Constitutional Chamber Nº 6829-93 of December 24, 1993, it indicated that article 55, which establishes a reduction of the sentence, is not unconstitutional, but the administrative practice of granting it in favor of indictees with the same breadth as to convicted persons is.)

Breach of payment of the fine (pena de multa) penalty

When the convicted person lacks the ability to pay, cannot cover the amount of the fine in installments, nor can procure it, the judge shall order that each day-fine be converted into one day of community service (prestación de servicios de utilidad) for the benefit of the State or public welfare institutions.

When fines and prison sentences are imposed jointly, the latter shall be supplemented by the term corresponding to the converted fine, as applicable.

(Thus amended by subsection c) of article 1 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002) Community Service (Prestación de servicios de utilidad pública)

Community service consists of unpaid service for community and socio-educational purposes that the convicted person must provide for the benefit of public institutions and the associations or foundations that make up the network created for the purposes of compliance with this article. It may be imposed as a principal penalty or, failing that, as a substitute penalty for imprisonment, when the requirements of this article are met.

The Ministry of Justice and Peace shall promote the articulation of institutional networks and networks with civil society to guarantee control, monitoring, and the availability of places where community service can be performed. Likewise, it shall maintain a registry of entities authorized for such purposes and shall periodically report this to the Judicial Branch. Should these entities favor non-compliance with the penalty or hinder the control of its execution, they shall be excluded from the network of beneficiaries of community service and from the registry.

In the event that a prison sentence has been imposed, and when the conditional execution of the sentence is not appropriate, the sentencing court may replace it with community service, when the following requirements are met:

• a)That the prison sentence imposed does not exceed five years.
• b)That weapons in the strict sense were not used in the commission of the crime, with the exception of the provisions of Law No. 7530, Ley de Armas y Explosivos, of July 10, 1995.
• c)That the commission of the crime was not carried out with serious physical violence against the victim.
• d)That the sentenced person has no criminal record for intentional crimes with a penalty exceeding six months.
• e)That it does not involve crimes processed under organized crime procedure, crimes against the duties of public office, sexual crimes, intentional homicide, or femicide.
• f)That the sentenced person has the willingness to restore the damage caused to the victim or community, through community service work for socio-educational or community purposes, the will to continue a life plan free from crime, and the commitment to abide by the conditions imposed by the judicial and penitentiary authority for compliance.

The service shall be provided for the number of hours and within the period determined by the sentencing judge, considering the damage caused and the personal circumstances of the convicted person. This penalty may not exceed one thousand hours per year.

It shall be the responsibility of the penitentiary authority, through the community program, to define the place, schedule, and compliance plan, without interfering with the work or educational schedule of the convicted person. Additionally, it must report quarterly to the sentence enforcement court on compliance with the sanction.

In the event of any non-compliance, the penitentiary authority shall immediately inform the sentence enforcement court, which shall grant a five-day hearing to the defense and the Public Ministry, and shall convene an oral hearing. An appeal with suspensive effect may be filed against the decision, within a period of five days, before the sentencing court. Unjustified non-compliance with the service shall empower the sentence enforcement court to revoke it, whereby the sentenced person must serve the prison sentence originally imposed. For these purposes, every eight hours of community service is equivalent to one day of imprisonment.

For cases processed under the restorative justice procedure, as well as the accreditation of entities and the monitoring of community service provision, the provisions of the Ley de Justicia Restaurativa shall govern.

(Thus the paragraph added by article 48 of the Ley de justicia restaurativa, No. 9582 of July 2, 2018)

(Thus added by subsection a) of article 3) of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Thus amended by the sole article of Law No. 9525 of March 7, 2018)

Drug treatment under restorative judicial supervision consists of applying, as an alternative penalty, a therapeutic approach for the biopsychosocial care of addictions to drugs and psychoactive substances, once it is determined that the crime committed by the accused is associated with problematic drug and/or alcohol consumption, through the application of the restorative procedure, the duration of which shall not exceed the amount of the principal penalty.

The competent jurisdictional authority must exercise control over the execution of this alternative penalty through verification hearings, monitoring according to the objectives established by the therapeutic team in charge, to evaluate progress, relapses, or recommendations for modifying the treatment.

In the event of serious and unjustified non-compliance, the jurisdictional authority shall revoke the alternative penalty and order compliance with the principal penalty. For this purpose, one day of inpatient treatment is equivalent to one day of imprisonment and two days of outpatient treatment is equivalent to one day of imprisonment.

(Thus added by article 49 of the Ley de justicia restaurativa, No. 9582 of July 2, 2018)

Absolute disqualification, which ranges from six months to twelve years, except as provided in subsection 6) of this article, which ranges from four years to fifty years, results in the following for the convicted person:

• 1)Loss of any public employment, office, or commission held, including popularly elected positions.
• 2)Incapacity to obtain the aforementioned public offices, employments, or commissions.
• 3)Deprivation of active and passive political rights.
• 4)Incapacity to exercise the profession, trade, art, or activity performed.
• 5)Incapacity to exercise the attributes of parental responsibility, guardianship, conservatorship (salvaguarda), or judicial administration of property.

(Thus the preceding subsection amended by article 2, point VI) of the law approving the Código Procesal de Familia, No. 9747 of October 23, 2019) 6) Incapacity to exercise or obtain employment, office, profession, trade, art, or activity that places the person in a position of power over one or more minors.

(Thus amended by article 1 of the law "Reforma el Código Penal, ley N° 4573, para promover la Protección de la Integridad Sexual y de los Derechos y las Libertades fundamentales de las personas menores de edad"; Law No. 8874 of September 24, 2010)

House arrest with electronic monitoring

To facilitate the social reintegration of the sentenced person, sentence enforcement authorities shall promote remote virtual education through the use of the internet.

When issuing a sentence, the judge shall have the authority to apply it, provided the following conditions are met:

• 1)That the imposed sentence does not exceed four years of imprisonment.

(Thus the preceding subsection amended by the sole article of the Law to regulate the benefit of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, No. 10517 of August 26, 2024)

• 2)That it is not for crimes classified as organized crime, nor sexual crimes against minors, nor crimes in which firearms, blunt weapons, or sharp-bladed weapons were used, nor for the crimes set forth in articles 59 and 74 of Law 7786, Ley sobre Estupefacientes, Sustancias Psicotrópicas, Drogas de Uso no Autorizado, Actividades Conexas, Legitimación de Capitales y Financiamiento al Terrorismo, of April 30, 1998.

(Thus the preceding subsection amended by article 1 of the Law to eliminate the benefit of an electronic bracelet in crimes with weapons, No. 10900 of May 12, 2026)

• 3)That the person is a first-time offender.
• 4)That, based on the personal circumstances of the convicted person, it can reasonably be inferred that they do not pose a danger and will not evade the execution of the sentence.

In this case, within twenty-four hours of the sentence becoming final, the convicted person must appear at the office defined for this purpose by the Dirección General de Adaptación Social, which will evaluate their case and determine their placement within the program, their obligations, their control, and technical compliance support.

(*) The competent judge may authorize restricted leaves for work, health, education, or family obligations, upon a prior report issued by the Instituto Nacional de Criminología, except in cases of urgency where the judge may assess whether or not to grant the leave. The competent judge may modify or revoke this modality of sentence execution and order entry into prison when the sentenced person:

• a)Fails to comply with the conditions imposed at the time the electronic monitoring was granted.
• b)Alters, damages, or removes the device.
• c)Fails to report any failure or alteration of the device to the respective authority.
• d)Is detained for committing a new criminal act in flagrante delicto.
• e)Has been brought to trial in a criminal proceeding different from the one for which they were convicted.
• f)Has been placed in pretrial detention in another criminal case.

(*) (Thus the preceding paragraph amended by the sole article of the Law to regulate the benefit of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, No. 10517 of August 26, 2024)

(Thus added by article 9 of Law No. 9271 of September 30, 2014, "Mecanismos electrónicos de seguimiento en materia penal")

Special disqualification (inhabilitación especial)

(Thus amended by article 3 of the Law to improve the budgetary control process, through the correction of normative and practical deficiencies in public administration, No. 10053 of October 25, 2021)

Conditional Execution of Sentence (Condena de Ejecución Condicional).

Cases of application.

Requirements.

It is an indispensable condition for its granting that the person is a first-time offender. The Court shall grant the benefit when, from the consideration of these elements, it can reasonably be assumed that the convicted person will behave correctly without the need to execute the sentence. The Judge's resolution shall be reasoned, and in any case, must require a report from the Institute of Criminology (Instituto de Criminología) determining, if applicable, the degree of possible rehabilitation of the offender.

(Corrected by Fe de Erratas published in La Gaceta No. 234 of November 24, 1971).

Conditions.

Term.

Revocation.

• 1)If the convicted person fails to comply with the imposed conditions; and 2) If they commit a new intentional crime punishable by more than six months of imprisonment, during the probation period.

Parole (Libertad Condicional) Who may request parole.

The Institute of Criminology may also request parole at any time, if the Judge had denied the benefit when the offender requested it, and for this purpose shall attach the documents referred to in this article.

In the case of persons convicted for the first time to imprisonment for the crimes set forth in articles 111, 112, 156, 157, 161, 162, 172, 212, subsection 3, 213, 215, 382, 384 bis, 384 ter, 385, and 386 of this Code, any person sentenced to imprisonment may request the competent judge, and the judge may optionally grant parole, when the person has effectively served two-thirds of the penalty imposed in a final, unappealable sentence.

(Thus the preceding paragraph added by the sole article of Law No. 10442 of February 7, 2024, "Reforma del cumplimiento de la pena para obtención del beneficio de libertad condicional")

Likewise, this benefit shall be subject to the limitation imposed herein in those crimes provided for in articles 21 and 21 bis of Law 8589, Penalización de la Violencia contra las Mujeres, of April 25, 2007; article 13 of Law 8754, Ley contra la Delincuencia Organizada, of July 22, 2009; and in Law 7786, Ley sobre Estupefacientes, Sustancias Psicotrópicas, Drogas de Uso no Autorizado, Actividades Conexas, Legitimación de Capitales y Financiamiento al Terrorismo, of April 30, 1998, when the criminalized conduct involves terrorist activities, terrorist financing, or money laundering, or has been committed with violence against persons or with the use of weapons, or by persons who exercise direction or authority or have a significant participatory role within a criminal organization.

(Thus the preceding paragraph added by the sole article of Law No. 10442 of February 7, 2024, "Reforma del cumplimiento de la pena para obtención del beneficio de libertad condicional")

Requirements.

• 1)That the applicant has not been previously convicted of a common crime punishable by more than six months; and 2) That the Institute of Criminology reports on the good conduct, services rendered, occupation, and trades acquired by the convicted person that allow them a regular life of lawful work; and attaches a study of their personality, their social environment, as well as a favorable opinion on the appropriateness of the measure.

Conditions.

Likewise, the judge, at the request of the convicted person, the defense, or the Public Ministry, may order permanent location with an electronic mechanism as one of the conditions.

(Thus amended by article 4 of Law No. 9271 of September 30, 2014, "Mecanismos electrónicos de seguimiento en materia penal")

Revocation.

• 1)If the parolee fails to comply with the conditions set by the Judge; and 2) If the parolee commits, during the probation period, which may not exceed the time remaining to serve the sentence, a new punishable act sanctioned with more than six months of imprisonment.
• 3)If the parolee is apprehended or detained by any administrative or judicial police authority in flagrante delicto or during the course of a judicial investigation, the police authority carrying out the apprehension or detention must immediately notify the Public Ministry and the competent Sentence Enforcement Authority that granted the benefit of the fact of the apprehension or detention. Upon the judge learning of this situation, they shall order the provisional suspension of parole and shall remand that person to the penitentiary center where they were confined, so that, within a period not exceeding one month, said person may be evaluated by the Instituto Nacional de Criminología to issue an opinion indicating whether there is any variation in the criteria under which the benefit was granted. Once this opinion is received, if a change in the conditions under which the benefit was granted is determined by the Instituto Nacional de Criminología, the sentence enforcement judge shall immediately and definitively revoke the parole benefit.

The Judicial Branch must have a database comprising a list of all convicted persons who enjoy the parole benefit, which must be updated daily. Said platform must guarantee that the competent administrative and judicial police authorities, both of the Judicial Branch and the Ministry of Justice and Peace, have immediate and updated access to it.

(Thus the preceding subsection added by the sole article of the Law to revoke or modify the parole benefit of the convicted person who is arrested while enjoying the benefit, No. 10450 of March 19, 2024)

Provisions Common to Conditional Execution of Sentence and Parole Effects of revocation and expiration of the term.

Once the term of the conditional execution of sentence or the portion to be served in the case of parole has elapsed without having been revoked, the sentence shall be fully extinguished.

Commutation Case in which it may be applied.

Rehabilitation When rehabilitation may or may not be granted.

The repeat offender, habitual offender, or professional offender may not be rehabilitated until six years after the penalty or security measure has been extinguished. For rehabilitation to be granted, it is necessary that the applicant has observed good conduct and satisfied civil liability, unless they justify the impossibility of doing so. In any case, the Judge shall request a report from the Institute of Criminology on the applicant's behavior. Rehabilitation shall be revoked by the commission of a new crime.

Setting of Penalties Method of Setting.

To assess these, the following shall be taken into account:

• a)The subjective and objective aspects of the punishable act.
• b)The significance of the harm or danger.
• c)The circumstances of manner, time, and place.
• d)The quality of the determining motives.
• e)The other personal conditions of the active subject or the victim, to the extent that they influenced the commission of the crime.
• f)The conduct of the agent subsequent to the crime.
• g)That the sentenced person is a woman in a state of vulnerability due to poverty, due to having under her responsibility the care and maintenance of dependent family members, due to disability, or due to being a victim of gender-based violence, when that state influenced the commission of the punishable act.

The psychological and social characteristics, as well as references to education and background, shall be requested from the Institute of Criminology, which may include in its report any other aspect that may be of interest for the better information of the judge.

In the case of intentional crimes where an adult person participates, regardless of their type of participation, and where, for the execution of the unlawful act, that adult involved minors and this aspect is known to the principal or participant, the court shall set the sanction for this person starting from the abstract minimum limit of the criminal type plus one third. In these cases, the sanction may not be reduced for complicity or attempt.

(Thus amended by the sole article of Law No. 10544 of October 9, 2024, Law to aggravate the penalty of the principal, instigator, and accomplice who involve minors in the commission of criminal acts)

Concurrence of mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

When any of the circumstances provided for in subsection g) of the preceding article occurs and the sentenced woman has no criminal record, the trial court may reduce the sanction, even below the minimum amount provided for in the criminal type.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 9628 of November 19, 2018)

Penalty for the consummated crime and attempt.

Attempt shall be punished with the penalty provided for the consummated crime, reduced or not at the Judge's discretion. Attempt is not punishable in the case of infractions.

Penalty for the principal, instigator, and accomplice.

The accomplice shall be imposed the penalty provided for the crime, but this may be reduced discretionally by the Judge, in accordance with the provisions of article 71 and the degree of participation.

Penalty for ideal concurrence.

Penalty for material concurrence.

The Judge may apply the penalty that corresponds to each punishable act, provided this is more favorable to the offender.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 7389 of April 22, 1994)

(Sinalevi Note: By resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 9877 of July 3, 2015, the continuance of the effects of the amendment to articles 51 and 76 of the Penal Code, effected through Law No. 7389 of April 22, 1994, is ordered, all subject to what the Constitutional Chamber ultimately resolves regarding the conformity of these norms with Constitutional Law.)

Penalty for the continued crime.

Penalty applicable to repeat offenders

Misdemeanors or infractions whose sanction consists of prison time shall be judged, like the rest of the crimes, respecting the guarantees and guiding principles of due process.

(Thus amended by subsection d) of article 1 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002) Unavoidable error of law and excess in grounds for justification.

SOLE SECTION Causes that extinguish criminal action and the penalty.

7728 of December 15, 1997, except for cases that must continue to be processed under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973. See observations on this law) Crimes of private action

7728 of December 15, 1997, except for cases that must continue to be processed under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973. See observations on this law)

5761 of August 7, 1975. Subsequently repealed by article 26 of the Ley de Reorganización Judicial No. 7728 of December 15, 1997, except for cases that must continue to be processed under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973.)

(Sinalevi Note: Article 51 of the Ley General sobre el Sida; No. 7771 of April 29, 1998 adds a subsection d) to this article, indicating that the crimes contemplated in said Law are of public action and prosecutable only at the instance of a private party. This matter is currently regulated in article 18 of the Code of Criminal Procedure No. 7594 of April 10, 1996. This affecting law No. 7771 was integrally amended by Law No. 9797 of December 2, 2019, leaving the original law with only fifty articles and without including the present amendment).

Prescription of criminal action

7728 of December 15, 1997, except for cases that must continue to be processed under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973. See observations on this law) General rules

7728 of December 15, 1997, except for cases that must continue to be processed under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973. See observations on this law) Prescription of the penalty.

• 1)For a period equal to the sentence, plus one third, without being able to exceed twenty-five years nor be less than three, if the penalty is imprisonment, banishment (extrañamiento), or interdiction of rights; 2) For three years, in the case of fine-days imposed as a consequence of crimes; and 3) For one year, in the case of misdemeanors (contravenciones).

Prescription of penalties of different classes.

Moment from which the prescription runs.

Interruption of the prescription in progress.

Declaration ex officio and separate prescription of the penalty in case of multiple crimes.

7728 of December 15, 1997, except for cases that must continue being processed under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973. See observations to this law) Amnesty.

Pardon.

Pardon may only be granted by the Government Council, which, prior to deciding, shall hear the opinion of the Institute of Criminology. It shall also consult the Supreme Court of Justice solely when the request for pardon is based on a criticism of the judicial sentence. Said bodies must issue their opinion within a term not exceeding thirty calendar days, and if they do not respond within that term, the Government Council may resolve as appropriate.

(Thus amended by article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Judicial recommendation for pardon.

Marriage of the accused or convicted person with the victim.

8590 of July 18, 2007).

Judicial Forgiveness.

• 1)To whoever, being responsible for false testimony, retracts his statement and tells the truth in time for it to be considered in the judgment; 2) To whoever, through a directed accusation or a statement made, incriminates himself for an intentional crime that he did not commit, in order to save his ascendant, descendant, spouse, sibling, benefactor, or his common-law partner (concubinario) or concubine (manceba) with whom he has had marital life for at least two continuous years immediately prior to the commission of the act; 3) To whoever has incurred in the crimes of concealment (encubrimiento), larceny (hurto), robbery with force against things, fraud (estafa), damages, or minor injuries (lesiones leves), when requested by the victim who has the same ties of kinship or relationship with the offender as referred to in the preceding subsection; 4) To whoever has caused an abortion to save their own honor or has produced it for that purpose upon an ascendant or descendant by consanguinity or a sister; 5) To the woman who has caused her own abortion if the pregnancy was the consequence of a rape; 6) To those who, in a case of mercy killing (homicidio piadoso), it is proven that they acceded to repeated requests from the victim and that the purpose, furthermore, was to accelerate an inevitable death; 7) (Repealed by article 3 of Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).
• 8)(Repealed by article 3 of Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).
• 9)To whoever, motivated by pity, has declared before the Civil Registry as his child a person who is not, or has usurped the civil status of another, or by any act has made it uncertain, altered, or suppressed it; 10) To the perpetrators of misdemeanors, following a warning by the judging authority; and 11) To whoever injures another, if the insult was provoked, or to whoever retracts his insulting statement before answering the complaint or at the moment of answering it. To those who injure each other reciprocally. Judicial forgiveness is not applicable when the insult involves an imputation against a public official by reason of their duties.
• 12)To whoever is accused by the Public Ministry as a perpetrator in the trafficking of substances or drugs regulated by the Psychotropic Substances, Unauthorized Use Drugs and Related Activities Law, No. 7093, who provided accurate information that allowed the discovery of the crime and its perpetrators beyond their own participation in it, or also when they spontaneously brought to the attention of the authority what they knew about the commission of the aforementioned crimes and did so with sufficient time to prevent their commission.

(Thus the preceding subsection was added by article 2 of Law No. 7233 of May 8, 1991).

Forgiveness cannot be conditional or for a term.

In all cases, for its granting, judges shall require a report from the Institute of Criminology.

The benefits indicated in this title do not affect civil liability or confiscation (comiso).

The extinction of the criminal action and the penalty shall not produce effects with respect to the obligation to repair the damage caused, nor shall it prevent the seizure (decomiso) of the instruments of the crime.

General Provisions Principles of legality.

Mandatory application.

• 1)When the perpetrator of a crime has been declared unimputable or has diminished imputability;

(This subsection was interpreted by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 322 of February 1992, in the sense that the imposition of a security measure by a Mayor (Alcalde), based on this subsection, is unconstitutional pursuant to the provisions of Article 39 of the Political Constitution.)

• 2)When, due to mental illness, the execution of the penalty imposed is interrupted; 3) (This subsection was annulled by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 88-92 of January 17, 1992.)
• 4)(This subsection was annulled by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 88-92 of January 17, 1992.)
• 5)(This subsection was annulled by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 1588-98 of March 10, 1998.)
• 6)When drug addiction or alcoholism is habitual and has determined the criminal conduct of the offender; and

(The Constitutional Chamber, by resolution No. 010404 of July 31, 2013, annulled from the preceding subsection "only insofar as they incorporate prostitution and homosexuality as assumptions for the imposition of security measures.", terms present in its previous wording)

• 7)In the other cases expressly indicated in this Code.

Application of security measures to those over 17 and under 21 years of age.

7383 of March 16, 1994) Duration, non-extinguishability by amnesty or pardon, nor suspension, but possibility that security measures may be resumed.

Every two years, the Court shall rule on the maintenance, modification, or cessation of the imposed security measure, without prejudice to doing so at any time, based on reports from the Institute of Criminology.

Security measures are not extinguished by amnesty or pardon.

Nor can they be conditionally suspended. Breach of a security measure implies the possibility that the treatment to which the subject was subjected may be resumed.

(Thus amended by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 88-92 of January 17, 1992).

Classes.

1.- Admission to a psychiatric hospital.

2.- Admission to a special educational treatment establishment.

3.- Submitting to psychiatric treatment.

(Thus amended by article 69 (now 82) of the Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Law No. 7600 of May 2, 1996)

Application.

• a)The mentally ill, habitual drug addicts, alcoholics, and subjects with diminished imputability who have attempted suicide shall be interned in suitable psychiatric services or special educational treatment establishments.

(Thus amended the preceding subsection by article 69 (now 82) of the Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Law; No. 7600 of May 2, 1996)

• b)Annulled.

(The Constitutional Chamber, by resolution No. 1588-98 of March 10, 1996, declared the preceding subsection of this article unconstitutional, which, according to the amendment made by resolution No. 88-92 of January 17, 1992, textually provided as follows: "Perpetrators of impossible crime shall be assigned to agricultural colonies or work establishments where they will be subject to a special regime;")

• c)Supervised release (libertad vigilada) shall be ordered in cases of conditional execution of sentence, as well as in cases where another security measure is suspended and the Judge orders its application for a prudential time.

The Institute of Criminology shall periodically inform the Judge about the conduct of persons subjected to supervised release;

(Thus amended the first paragraph of this subsection by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 88-92 of 11:00 a.m. on January 17, 1992)

• d)(This subsection was annulled by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 88-92 of January 17, 1992) e) The prohibition from frequenting certain places is a special prevention measure and shall be imposed on a person convicted of a crime committed under the influence of alcohol or enervating drugs.

(The Constitutional Chamber, by resolution No. 010404 of July 31, 2013, annulled from the preceding subsection "only insofar as they incorporate prostitution and homosexuality as assumptions for the imposition of security measures.", terms present in its previous wording)

SOLE SECTION What effects it encompasses.

• 1)The restitution of things or, failing that, payment of their respective value; 2) The repair of all damage; and the compensation for the losses and damages (perjuicios) caused both to the victim and to third parties; and 3) Confiscation.

a. For any of the acts typified in articles 58, 59, 60, and 61 of Law 7935, Comprehensive Law for the Older Adult Person, of October 25, 1999; b. one that convicts for the crime of abandonment of an older adult person in a state of vulnerability, pursuant to article 142 bis of this Code; and c. one that convicts for violence in any of its different manifestations, when the victim is an older adult person.

(Thus added by article 3 of the Law for the Application of Civil Sanctions of Unworthiness to Inherit and Ingratitude to Receive by Donation of Property, No. 10455 of March 19, 2024)

Civil liability of the unimputable.

The same rule shall apply in the case of the semi-unimputable.

Reparation reduced by fault of the victim.

Joint and several liability of the participants.

Equally jointly and severally liable with the perpetrators of the punishable act for the payment of damages and losses are:

• 1)Natural or juridical persons owning land, maritime, or air transport companies for persons or things; 2) Juridical persons whose managers, administrators, or legal representatives are found responsible for the punishable acts; 3) Natural or juridical persons owning establishments of any nature, in which a punishable act is committed by their administrators, employees, and other workers in their service; 4) Those who, for lucrative title, participate in the effects of the punishable act, up to the amount in which they benefited; and 5) Those indicated by special laws.
• 6)Community, sports, religious, and social organizations and associations, as well as juridical persons whose representatives, religious ministers, or other authorities commit a punishable sexual crime to the detriment of a minor or a person with a disability, understood as one who has long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, when the clerical status or power of the latter facilitated the preparation, attempt, consummation, or concealment of the illicit act and it is demonstrated that, having knowledge of the punishable act, they failed to comply with the obligation to report, provided for in subsection d) of article 281 of Law 7594, Code of Criminal Procedure, of April 10, 1996.

(Thus the preceding subsection was added by article 1 of the Law against silence in sexual crimes to the detriment of children and persons with disabilities, joint and several civil liability, duty to report, and guarantee of compliance with investigation protocols, No. 10813 of November 16, 2025)

The State, public, autonomous, or semi-autonomous institutions, and municipalities, shall be subsidiarily liable for the payment of damages and losses arising from punishable acts committed by their officials by reason of the performance of their duties.

Transmission of civil reparation.

Civil reparation in the event that a petition for review prospers in favor of the convicted person who has suffered prolonged pretrial detention and is declared innocent.

The State, in a subsidiary manner, and the private accusers or complainants shall be equally obligated when, by virtue of a petition for review, the innocence of the convicted person is declared or when they obtain an acquittal after having suffered pretrial detention.

(Text modified by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 5027-97 of August 27, 1997).

Judicial or administrative authorities, as applicable, shall also be civilly liable, without prejudice to criminal action, when, despite the claims of the convicted person, they prolong the prison sentence, if, after the calculation according to the established rules for its crediting, it has been served.

Extinction of civil reparation and civil effects of a foreign condemnatory sentence.

Except as provided in Article 9 of this Code, a condemnatory sentence issued by foreign Courts shall produce all its civil effects in Costa Rica, which shall be governed by national law.

Confiscation.

The crime produces the loss, in favor of the State, of the instruments with which it was committed and of the things or values derived from its realization, or that constitute a profit for the agent derived from the same crime, except for the rights that the victim or third parties may have over them.

Excluded from this provision are the vehicles involved in the commission of the acts typified in article 254 bis(*) of the Penal Code.

(Thus amended by article 246 of the Law of Transit on Public Land Routes and Road Safety, No. 9078 of October 4, 2012)

(*) (Note from Sinalevi: In accordance with the amendment made by the Law on Computer-Related Crimes, No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which renumbered the articles of the Penal Code, numeral 254 bis, which penalizes reckless driving, now corresponds to 261 bis)

Book Two Of Crimes

Homicide Simple homicide

(Thus amended by article 1 of Law No. 7398 of May 3, 1994)

Aggravated homicide

• 1)Their ascendant, descendant, or spouse, consanguineous siblings, their concubine or common-law partner, if they have procreated one or more children together and have led marital life for at least the two years prior to the perpetration of the act.
• 2)One of the members of the Supreme Powers and by reason of their functions.
• 3)A person under twelve years of age.
• 4)An internationally protected person, in accordance with the definition established in Law No. 6077, Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, of August 11, 1977, and other provisions of international law.
• 5)With treachery (alevosía) or cruelty (ensañamiento).
• 6)By means of poison administered insidiously.
• 7)By a means suitable for creating a common danger.
• 8)To prepare, facilitate, consummate, or conceal another crime, or to ensure its results, or to procure impunity for oneself or another, or for not having achieved the intended purpose when attempting another crime.
• 9)For a price or remunerative promise.
• 10)A member of the state police forces, municipal police, and other public police forces whose competence is established by law, provided it is in the exercise of, by cause of, or by reason of their functions.

(Thus the preceding subsection was added by article 1 of the Law "Classification of crimes committed against the integrity and life of police officers in the exercise of their functions"; Law No. 8977 of August 3, 2011)

• 11)A person motivated by hatred because of their belonging to an age, racial, ethnic, religious group, their nationality, political opinion, migration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or genetic characteristics.

(Thus the preceding subsection was added by the sole article of Law No. 10175 of April 25, 2022)

(Thus amended by article 1, point 1., subsection a) of the Law to Strengthen Legislation against Terrorism, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009)

Imprisonment of twenty to forty years shall be imposed on whoever, by reason of belonging to or participating in a criminal organization, causes the death of another person by order, agreement, economic remuneration, or remunerative promise.

(Thus added by the sole article of the Law against Contract Killing in Costa Rica, No. 10841 of January 22, 2026)

Especially mitigated homicides.

• 1)On whoever caused the death of a person while the agent was in a state of violent emotion that the circumstances made excusable. The maximum penalty may be increased by the Judge without being able to exceed ten years if the victim was one of those included in the first subsection of the preceding article; 2) On whoever, with the intention to injure, causes the death of another; and 3) On a mother of good repute who, to hide her dishonor, causes the death of her child within three days following its birth.

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of article 1 of Law No. 5061 of August 23, 1972, this article was interpreted in the sense that: "... the penalty indicated is imprisonment").

Attempted suicide

14192-2008 of September 24, 2008.)

Instigation or assistance to suicide

If suicide does not occur, but the attempt produces serious injuries, the penalty shall be six months to three years.

Mercy killing

Culpable homicide

Imprisonment of six months to eight years shall be imposed on whoever by fault kills another. In adjusting the penalty for the responsible party, the court must take into account the degree of fault and the number of victims, as well as the magnitude of the damages caused. In any case, the perpetrator of culpable homicide shall also be imposed disqualification (inhabilitación) of one to five years for the exercise of the profession, trade, art, or activity in which the act occurred.

A penalty of imprisonment of one to ten years and disqualification from driving all types of vehicles for a period of three to seven years shall be imposed on whoever, by fault and by means of a motor vehicle, causes the death of a person, while the perpetrator is under category A conduct according to the Law of Transit on Public Land Routes and Road Safety, or under the influence of alcoholic beverages, with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero point seventy-five grams (0.75 g) per liter of blood or with a breath alcohol concentration exceeding zero point thirty-eight milligrams (0.38 mg) per liter.

The same penalty shall apply in cases where the perpetrator of the act is a professional driver or a driver whose driver's license was issued for the first time within a period of less than three years, with respect to the day on which the presence of alcohol was detected, when the blood alcohol concentration exceeds zero point fifty grams (0.50 g) of alcohol per liter of blood or when the breath alcohol concentration exceeds zero point twenty-five milligrams (0.25 mg) per liter, or in cases where the perpetrator of the act is under the influence of toxic drugs, narcotics, psychotropic substances, or other substances that produce states of alteration and analogous enervating or depressive effects, in accordance with the definitions, scopes, and characteristics established by the Ministry of Health.

When dealing with a repeat offender of any of the conducts indicated in the preceding paragraphs, the minimum disqualification from driving all types of vehicles shall be five years and the maximum may be up to nine years.

When a prison sentence of three years or less is imposed, the court may substitute the custodial sentence with a pecuniary fine, which may not be less than one base salary nor more than three monthly base salaries corresponding to "Administrative Assistant One," which appears in the List of Positions of the Judiciary, in accordance with the ordinary budget law of the Republic approved in the month of November prior to the date on which the traffic infraction is committed, associated with an alternative measure of community service, which may be from three hundred eighty hours to one thousand eight hundred hours of service, in the places and manner determined by the competent jurisdictional authority.

(Thus amended by article 246 of the Law of Transit on Public Land Routes and Road Safety, No. 9078 of October 4, 2012)

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of article 6 of the Law to improve the effectiveness of legislation on alcohol and drug control in driving, No. 10860 of February 27, 2026, this numeral shall be amended. Pursuant to Transitory Provision III of the aforementioned law, it shall come into force twelve months after its publication, that is, on March 28, 2027, and therefore from that date the text of this numeral shall read as follows: "Culpable homicide

In adjusting the penalty for the responsible party, the Court must take into account the degree of fault and the number of victims, as well as the magnitude of the damages caused. In any case, the perpetrator of culpable homicide shall also be imposed disqualification of one to five years for the exercise of the profession, trade, art, or activity in which the act occurred.

A penalty of imprisonment of one to ten years and disqualification from driving all types of vehicles for a period of three to seven years shall be imposed on whoever, by fault and by means of a motor vehicle, causes the death of a person, while the perpetrator is under category A conduct according to Law 9078, Law of Transit on Public Land Routes and Road Safety, of October 4, 2012, or with the presence of alcohol, with a blood concentration exceeding zero point seventy-five grams (0.75 g) per liter of blood or with a breath alcohol concentration exceeding zero point thirty-eight milligrams (0.38 mg) per liter, within three hours after the moment the act is reported to the competent authority; or in cases where, under confirmatory testing, the perpetrator of the act is under the effects of illicit drugs or their psychoactive metabolites, within three hours after the moment the act is reported to the competent authority.

Substances used under medical prescription are excluded.") The same penalty shall apply in cases where the perpetrator is a professional driver or a driver whose driver's license was issued for the first time within a period of less than three years, with respect to the day on which the presence of alcohol was detected, when the blood concentration exceeds zero point fifty grams (0.50 g) of alcohol per liter of blood or when the alcohol concentration in air exceeds zero point twenty-five milligrams (0.25 mg) per liter, as well as in cases where, under a confirmatory test, the perpetrator is found to be under the influence of illicit drugs or their psychoactive metabolites, within three hours after the time the incident was reported to the competent authority. Substances used under medical prescription are excluded.

When dealing with a driver who is a repeat offender of any of the conducts indicated in the preceding paragraphs, the minimum penalty of disqualification from driving all types of vehicles shall be five years and the maximum may be up to nine years.

When a prison sentence of three years or less is imposed, the court may substitute the custodial sentence with a pecuniary fine. The pecuniary fine may not be less than one base salary, nor greater than three monthly base salaries, corresponding to the "auxiliar administrativo 1" that appears in the staffing table of the Judicial Branch, in accordance with the Republic's ordinary budget law approved in the month of November immediately preceding the date on which the traffic infraction was committed, associated with an alternative measure of public utility service, which may be from three hundred eighty hours to one thousand eight hundred hours of service, in the places and manner determined by the competent jurisdictional authority.

Abortion Abortion with or without consent.

• 1)With imprisonment of three to ten years, if acting without the woman's consent or if she is under fifteen years of age. This penalty shall be two to eight years, if the fetus(*) had reached six months of intrauterine life; (*) (Sinalevi Note: In the drafting of this subsection, the lack of the negation adverb "no" to give meaning to its objective is evident. The way it appears in the original text lacks logic, as the penalty is lesser for a more serious act. Note that the subsequent subsection does contain the indicated adverb).
• 2)With imprisonment of one to three years, if acting with the woman's consent. This penalty shall be six months to two years, if the fetus had not reached six months of intrauterine life. In the previous cases, the respective penalty shall be increased if the act results in the death of the woman.

Procured abortion.

This penalty shall be six months to two years, if the fetus had not reached six months of intrauterine life. Abortion honoris causa.

Unpunishable abortion.

(Sinalevi Note: By Executive Decree No. 42113 of December 12, 2019, the Technical Norm for the Medical Procedure Linked to Article 121 of the Penal Code is made official; it can be consulted in the database of the National System of Current Legislation or at the following link)

Negligent abortion

SECTION III INJURIES Very serious injuries.

(Thus reformed by Article 69 (currently 82) of the Law on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; No. 7600 of May 2, 1996)

Torture

10213 of May 5, 2022) (Thus added by the sole article of Law No. 8189 of December 18, 2001).

Serious injuries

Minor injuries

(Thus reformed by subsection e) of Article 1 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002) Aggravating circumstance.

(Thus reformed by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Attenuating circumstance.

(Thus reformed by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Negligent injuries

Imprisonment of up to one year, or up to one hundred days' fine, shall be imposed on anyone who negligently causes another injuries as defined in Articles 123, 124, and 125. For the adjustment of the penalty to the person responsible, the court must take into account the degree of negligence, the number of victims, and the magnitude of the damages caused.

In any case, the perpetrator of the negligent injuries shall also be imposed disqualification from six months to two years for the exercise of the profession, trade, art, or activity in which the act occurred.

A prison sentence of three months to three years and disqualification from driving vehicles of all types, from one year to three years, shall be imposed on anyone who, through negligence and by means of a vehicle, has caused injuries to a person, when the perpetrator was found under the conducts established in category A of the Law on Transit on Terrestrial Public Roads and Road Safety or under the influence of alcoholic beverages, with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero point seventy-five grams (0.75 g) per liter of blood or with an alcohol concentration in air exceeding zero point thirty-eight milligrams (0.38 mg) per liter.

The same penalty shall apply in cases where the perpetrator is a professional driver or a driver whose driver's license was issued for the first time within a period of less than three years, with respect to the day on which the presence of alcohol was detected, when the blood alcohol concentration exceeds zero point fifty grams (0.50 g) of alcohol per liter of blood or when the alcohol concentration in air exceeds zero point twenty-five milligrams (0.25 mg) per liter, or else, in cases where the perpetrator is found under the influence of toxic drugs, narcotics, psychotropic substances, or other substances that produce altered states and analogous enervating or depressing effects, according to the definitions, scopes, and characteristics established by the Ministry of Health.

When dealing with a driver who is a repeat offender of any of the conducts indicated in the preceding paragraphs, the minimum penalty of disqualification from driving all types of vehicles shall be three years and the maximum may be up to seven years.

When a prison sentence of three years or less is imposed, the court may substitute the custodial sentence with a pecuniary fine, which may not be less than one base salary nor greater than three monthly base salaries, corresponding to the "Auxiliar Administrativo Uno" that appears in the Staffing Table of the Judicial Branch, in accordance with the Republic's ordinary budget law approved in the month of November preceding the date on which the traffic infraction was committed, associated with an alternative measure of public utility service, which may be from two hundred hours to nine hundred fifty hours of service, in the places and manner determined by the competent jurisdictional authority.

(Thus reformed by Article 246 of the Law on Transit on Terrestrial Public Roads and Road Safety, No. 9078 of October 4, 2012)

(Sinalevi Note: By means of Article 6 of the Law to Improve the Effectiveness of Legislation on Alcohol and Drug Control in Driving, No. 10860 of February 27, 2026, this numeral shall be reformed. In accordance with Transitory Provision III of the aforementioned law, it shall enter into force twelve months after its publication, that is, March 28, 2027, therefore, as of that date the text of this numeral shall read as follows: "Negligent Injuries

For the adjustment of the penalty to the person responsible, the court must take into account the degree of negligence, the number of victims, and the magnitude of the damages caused.

In any case, the perpetrator of the negligent injuries shall also be imposed disqualification from six months to two years for the exercise of the profession, trade, art, or activity in which the act occurred.

A prison sentence of three months to three years and disqualification from driving vehicles of all types, from one year to three years, shall be imposed on anyone who, through negligence and by means of a vehicle, has caused injuries to a person, when the perpetrator was found under the conducts established in category A of Law 9078, Law on Transit on Terrestrial Public Roads and Road Safety, of October 4, 2012, or with the presence of alcohol in his or her system with a blood concentration exceeding zero point seventy-five grams (0.75 g) per liter of blood or with an alcohol concentration in air exceeding zero point thirty-eight milligrams (0.38 mg) per liter, within three hours after the time the incident was reported to the competent authority; or else, in cases where, under a confirmatory test, the perpetrator is found to be under the influence of illicit drugs or their psychoactive metabolites, also within three hours after the time the incident was reported to the competent authority, excluding those substances used under medical prescription.

The same penalty shall apply in cases where the perpetrator is a professional driver or a driver whose driver's license was issued for the first time within a period of less than three years, with respect to the day on which the presence of alcohol was detected, when the blood concentration exceeds zero point fifty grams (0.50 g) of alcohol per liter of blood or when the alcohol concentration in air exceeds zero point twenty-five milligrams (0.25 mg) per liter, within three hours after the time the incident was reported to the competent authority; or else, in cases where, under a confirmatory test, the perpetrator is found to be under the influence of illicit drugs or their psychoactive metabolites, also within three hours after the time the incident was reported to the competent authority, excluding those substances used under medical prescription.

When dealing with a driver who is a repeat offender of any of the conducts indicated in the preceding paragraphs, the minimum penalty of disqualification from driving all types of vehicles shall be three years and the maximum may be up to seven years.

When a prison sentence of three years or less is imposed, the court may substitute the custodial sentence with a pecuniary fine. The pecuniary fine may not be less than one base salary nor greater than three monthly base salaries, corresponding to the "auxiliar administrativo 1" that appears in the staffing table of the Judicial Branch, in accordance with the Republic's ordinary budget law approved in the month of November immediately preceding the date on which the traffic infraction was committed, associated with an alternative measure of public utility service, which may be from two hundred hours to nine hundred fifty hours of service, in the places and manner determined by the competent jurisdictional authority.

") Consented injuries.

Venereal contagion.

This act is only prosecutable upon private instance. Carelessness with animals

When physical harm is caused to another person as a consequence of this conduct, the penalty shall be six months to one year of imprisonment, provided the conduct does not constitute the crimes of injuries or homicide.

(Thus added by subsection b) of Article 3) of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Thus reformed by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 13852-08 of September 17, 2008.)

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Regular duel.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Irregular duel.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Vilification for chivalrous cause.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Provocation for immoral purposes.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Irregular combatant.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Duel with treachery.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Duel agreed to the death.

8250 of May 2, 2002).

Homicide or injuries in brawl(*)

(*) (By Article 2 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982, the title of this section was modified)

Brawl

(Thus reformed by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 03903-1994 of August 3, 1994, which declared unconstitutional the modification made by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982, and orders that the original version of this numeral return to its previous wording, but also declaring unconstitutional and eliminating the old second paragraph)

(*) (Sinalevi Note: By Article 2 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982, the position of this section was modified to the current one.)

Assault with weapons.

Anyone who assaults another with any weapon or blunt object, even if no wound is caused, or who threatens with a firearm, shall be punished with imprisonment of four months to two years.

If any of the circumstances foreseen in qualified homicide or in a state of violent emotion concur, the penalty shall increase or decrease by one third respectively, at the discretion of the judge.

(Thus reformed by the sole article of the Law to impose a proportional penalty for assault with a weapon, threats with a firearm against civilians and public officials in the exercise of their functions, No. 10677 of April 22, 2025)

Qualified assault.

If the assault consists of firing a firearm at a person without manifest homicidal intent, the penalty shall be one year to three years of imprisonment. This penalty shall be applied even if it causes a minor injury.

If some of the circumstances foreseen in qualified homicide or in a state of violent emotion concur, the respective penalty shall be increased or decreased at the discretion of the judge.

The penalty may be increased by up to one third when a prohibited firearm is used.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of the Law for the strengthening of the sanctioning framework for crimes committed with prohibited firearms, No. 10610 of November 15, 2024)

(*) (Sinalevi Note: By Article 2 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982, the position of this section was modified to the current one.)

Abandonment of incapacitated persons and cases of aggravation.

The penalty shall be imprisonment of three to six years if, as a consequence of the abandonment, serious harm to the body or health of the victim results. If death occurs, the penalty shall be six to ten years of imprisonment.

Abandonment of older adults and cases of aggravation

A penalty of one year to three years of imprisonment shall be applied to anyone who has the obligation to care for and abandons an older adult in a state of vulnerability.

If, as a consequence of the abandonment, the life or physical, mental, or social health of the older adult is endangered, the sanction shall be one year to four years of imprisonment, provided it is not more severely punished.

If, as a consequence of the abandonment, serious harm to the body or health of the older adult results, the penalty shall be three to six years of imprisonment.

If, as a consequence of the abandonment, the death of the older adult occurs, he shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of six to twelve years, provided the specific conduct does not fall within or conform to a more serious criminal category.

(Thus added by the sole article of the Law that penalizes the abandonment of older adults, No. 9857 of June 15, 2020)

(Thus reformed by the sole article of the Law to sanction abandonment against older adults, No. 10776 of October 29, 2025)

Abandonment for honor cause.

If as a consequence of the abandonment serious harm or death should supervene, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one to four years. Omission of assistance.

7337, of May 5, 1993. The judge may increase this sanction up to double, considering the personal conditions of the perpetrator, his economic possibilities, the effects and the gravity of the action.

(Thus reformed by Article 69 (currently 82) of the Law on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; No. 7600 of May 2, 1996)

SOLE SECTION INSULT, SLANDER, DEFAMATION Insults.

The penalty shall be fifteen to seventy-five days' fine if the offense was made in public.

Defamation.

Slander.

Offense to the memory of a deceased person.

The right to accuse for this crime includes the spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, and consanguineous siblings of the deceased. Proof of truth.

However, the accused may only prove the truth of the imputation:

• 1)If the imputation is linked to the defense of a current public interest; and 2) If the complainant requests proof of the imputation directed against him, provided that such proof does not affect rights or secrets of third persons.

The perpetrator of slander and defamatory slander may prove the truth of the act imputed, unless it concerns crimes of public action or private instance and these have not been promoted by their holder.

(Sinalevi Note: Regarding the incompatibility of this article with the first paragraph of Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, see Judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights of July 2, 2004. H.U. vs. C.R.)

Prejudiciality.

Exclusion from crime.

Publication of offenses.

(Sinalevi Note: Regarding the incompatibility of this article with the first paragraph of Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, see Judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights of July 2, 2004. H.U. vs. C.R.)

Defamation of a legal entity.

Offenses in court.

Reparatory publication.

This provision also applies in case of retraction. TITLE III SEXUAL CRIMES

Rape, Statutory Rape, and Dishonest Abuse Rape

Anyone who makes another person have or himself has carnal access by oral, anal, or vaginal route or through openings created in any part of the body, with a person of one or the other sex, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of ten to sixteen years, in the following cases:

1- When the victim is under thirteen years of age.

2- When the vulnerability of the victim is taken advantage of or the victim is incapacitated to resist.

3- When bodily violence or intimidation is used.

The same penalty shall be imposed if the action consists of introducing objects, animals, or any part of the body into the victim, by oral, anal, or vaginal route, or through openings created in any part of the body, or in forcing her to introduce them herself by said routes.

(Thus reformed by the sole article of Law No. 10557 of October 23, 2024)

Qualified Rape

• 1)The perpetrator is the spouse of the victim or a person linked to her in an analogous cohabitation relationship.
• 2)The perpetrator is an ascendant, descendant, sister or brother of the victim, up to the third degree by consanguinity or affinity.
• 3)The perpetrator is an uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, first cousin of the victim, up to the third degree by consanguinity or affinity.
• 4)The perpetrator is the guardian or the person in charge of the education, custody, or care of the victim.
• 5)Serious harm to the health of the victim is produced.
• 6)A pregnancy is produced.
• 7)The conduct is committed with the participation of one or more persons.
• 8)The perpetrator carries out the conduct by taking advantage of a power relationship resulting from the exercise of his position, and this is carried out by religious ministers, spiritual guides, members of the Public Force, or members of the Supreme Branches of Government.
• 9)The perpetrator carries out the conduct by annulling the victim's will, through the administration or supply of psychoactive substances that have as their main effect the alteration of her state of consciousness, modification of her behavior, or annulment of her physical or cognitive capacity, and said administration or supply is carried out with the intention of facilitating the commission of the rape.

(Thus the previous subsection was added by Article 1 of the Law for the express consideration of chemical submission as an aggravating factor of the crime of rape, No. 10880 of March 16, 2026)

(Thus reformed through Article 1 of the Law "Strengthening the Fight Against the Sexual Exploitation of Minors by reforming and adding several articles to the Penal Code, Law No. 4573, and reform of several articles of the Criminal Procedure Code, Law No. 7594"; Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).

Aggravated Rape.

4573, and reform of several articles of the Criminal Procedure Code, Law No. 7594"; Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).

Sexual relations with minors

Anyone who makes another person have or himself has carnal access by oral, anal, or vaginal route, with a minor, provided it does not constitute the crime of rape, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence, in the following cases:

• 1)With a prison sentence of three to six years, when the victim is over thirteen and under fifteen years of age, and the perpetrator is five or more years older than her in age.
• 2)With a prison sentence of two to three years, when the victim is over fifteen and under eighteen years of age, and the perpetrator is seven or more years older than her in age.
• 3)With a prison sentence of four to ten years, provided that the perpetrator, with respect to the victim, holds the status of ascendant, uncle, aunt, brother or sister, cousin by consanguinity or affinity, is a tutor or guardian, or is in a position of trust or authority with respect to the victim or their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.

The same circumstances shall apply if the action consists of the introduction of one or more fingers, objects, or animals through the vaginal or anal route.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9406 of November 30, 2016, "Strengthening of the legal protection of girls and adolescent women in situations of gender-based violence associated with abusive relationships.")

Remunerated sexual acts with minors

• 1)Imprisonment of four to ten years, if the offended party is under thirteen years of age.
• 2)Imprisonment of three to eight years, if the offended party is over thirteen years of age but under fifteen years of age.
• 3)Imprisonment of two to six years, if the offended party is over fifteen years of age but under eighteen years of age.

(Thus amended through Article 1 of the Law "Strengthening the Fight Against the Sexual Exploitation of Minors through the reform and addition of various articles to the Criminal Code, Law No. 4573, and reform of various articles of the Criminal Procedure Code, Law No. 7594"; Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).

Sexual abuse against minors and incapacitated persons

Whoever abusively performs acts for sexual purposes against a minor or an incapacitated person or forces them to perform them on the agent, on themselves, or on another person, provided it does not constitute the crime of rape, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of three to eight years.

The penalty shall be four to ten years of imprisonment when:

• 1)The offended party is under fifteen years of age.

(Thus amended the preceding subsection by Article 1 of Law No. 9406 of November 30, 2016, "Strengthening of the legal protection of girls and adolescent women in situations of gender-based violence associated with abusive relationships.")

• 2)The perpetrator takes advantage of the vulnerability of the offended party, or the latter is unable to resist, or bodily violence or intimidation is used.
• 3)The perpetrator is the ascendant, descendant, sister, or brother of the victim.
• 4)The perpetrator is the uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin of the victim.
• 5)The perpetrator is the stepmother, stepfather, stepsister, or stepbrother of the victim.
• 6)The perpetrator is the tutor or person in charge of the education, guardianship (guarda), or custody (custodia) of the victim.
• 7)The perpetrator performs the conduct against any of the relatives of their spouse or cohabitant, indicated in subsections 3) and 4) above.
• 8)The perpetrator takes advantage of their relationship of trust or authority with the victim or their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.

(Thus amended the preceding subsection by Article 1 of Law No. 9406 of November 30, 2016, "Strengthening of the legal protection of girls and adolescent women in situations of gender-based violence associated with abusive relationships.")

(Thus amended through Article 1 of the Law "Strengthening the Fight Against the Sexual Exploitation of Minors through the reform and addition of various articles to the Criminal Code, Law No. 4573, and reform of various articles of the Criminal Procedure Code, Law No. 7594"; Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).

When a sexual crime is committed whose victim is a minor, the judges are empowered to impose, in addition to the penalties stipulated in each case, absolute disqualification (inhabilitación absoluta) to the extent they deem pertinent, in accordance with the seriousness of the act and within the limits set for this penalty.

The disqualification shall be in effect for the entire term established in the conviction, without the possibility of being reduced by the benefits that, in accordance with the criminal procedural legislation, may be granted to the convicted person.

(Thus added by Article 2 of the law "Reforms the Criminal Code, Law No. 4573, to promote the Protection of the Sexual Integrity and the fundamental Rights and Freedoms of minors"; Law No. 8874 of September 24, 2010)

Sexual abuse against adults

Whoever abusively performs acts for sexual purposes against an adult, or forces them to perform them on the agent, on themselves, or on another person, provided it does not constitute the crime of rape, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of two to four years.

The penalty shall be three to six years of imprisonment when:

• 1)The perpetrator takes advantage of the vulnerability of the offended party, or the latter is unable to resist, or bodily violence or intimidation is used.
• 2)The perpetrator is the ascendant, descendant, sister, or brother of the victim.
• 3)The perpetrator is the uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin of the victim.
• 4)The perpetrator is the stepmother, stepfather, stepsister, or stepbrother of the victim.
• 5)The perpetrator is the tutor or the person in charge of the education, guardianship (guarda), or custody (custodia) of the victim.
• 6)The perpetrator performs the conduct against any of the relatives of their spouse or cohabitant, indicated in subsections 3) and 4) above.
• 7)The perpetrator takes advantage of their relationship of trust with the victim or their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.

(Thus amended by the sole article of the law to Restore the penalty for sexual abuse against adults, No. 9584 of July 4, 2018)

Whoever promotes or carries out programs, campaigns, or advertisements, using any means to project the country nationally and internationally as an accessible tourist destination for commercial sexual exploitation or the prostitution of persons of any sex or age, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of four to eight years.

(Thus added by Article 79 of the Law against Trafficking in Persons and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons (CONATT), No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

Abduction proper (Rapto propio).

10817 of November 16, 2025) Improper abduction (Rapto impropio).

10817 of November 16, 2025) Abduction for the purpose of marriage (Rapto con fin de matrimonio).

10817 of November 16, 2025) Abduction as a public-action crime (El rapto como delito de acción pública).

10817 of November 16, 2025)

Corruption (Corrupción), Pimping (Proxenetismo), Living off the earnings of prostitution (Rufianería) Corruption (Corrupción)

Whoever maintains or promotes the corruption of a minor or an incapacitated person, for erotic, pornographic, or obscene purposes, in public or private exhibitions or shows, even if the minor or incapacitated person consents, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of four to nine years.

The penalty shall be six to twelve years of imprisonment, if the actor, using social networks or any other computer or telematic means, or other means of communication, seeks sexual encounters for themselves, for another, or for groups, with a minor or incapacitated person; uses these persons to promote corruption, or forces or instigates them to perform premature sexual acts, even if the victim consents to participate in them or watch them being performed.

(Thus amended by Article 8 of the Law for the prevention of harassment of minors by electronic or virtual means (GROOMING), No. 10020 of September 9, 2021)

Whoever, by any means, establishes communications of a sexual or erotic content, whether or not they include images, videos, texts, or audios, with a minor or incapacitated person, shall be punished with imprisonment of two to four years.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever, by impersonating the identity of a third party or through the use of a false identity, by any means, seeks to establish communications of a sexual or erotic content, whether or not they include images, videos, texts, or audios, with a minor or incapacitated person.

The penalty shall be three to five years, for the conduct described in the two preceding paragraphs, when the actor seeks a personal encounter in some physical place with a minor or incapacitated person.

(Thus added by Article 2 of Law No. 9135 of April 24, 2013)

(Thus amended by Article 8 of the Law for the prevention of harassment of minors by electronic or virtual means (GROOMING), No. 10020 of September 9, 2021)

Aggravated corruption (Corrupción agravada)

In the case of the crime of corruption (corrupción), contained in Article 167 of this law, the penalty shall be six to twelve years of imprisonment when:

• 1)The victim is under thirteen years of age.
• 2)The act is carried out for profit-making purposes.
• 3)The act is carried out with deception, violence, abuse of authority, or any other means of intimidation or coercion.
• 4)The perpetrator is the ascendant, descendant, sister, or brother of the victim.
• 5)The perpetrator is the uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin of the victim.
• 6)The perpetrator is the stepmother, stepfather, stepsister, or stepbrother of the victim.
• 7)The perpetrator is the tutor or person in charge of the education, guardianship (guarda), or custody (custodia) of the victim.
• 8)The perpetrator performs the conduct against any of the relatives of their spouse or cohabitant, indicated in subsections 4), 5), and 6) above.
• 9)The perpetrator takes advantage of their relationship of trust with the victim or with their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.

(Thus amended by Article 8 of the Law for the prevention of harassment of minors by electronic or virtual means (GROOMING), No. 10020 of September 9, 2021)

(Thus added by Article 21 of the law Incentive for Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism, No. 8811 of May 12, 2010)

Pimping (Proxenetismo).

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever maintains another person in sexual servitude.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of the "Law against the Sexual Exploitation of Minors"; Law No. 7899 of August 3, 1999)

Aggravated pimping (Proxenetismo agravado)

The penalty shall be four to ten years of imprisonment, when one of the actions provided for in the preceding article is carried out and, in addition, any of the following circumstances occurs:

• 1)The victim is under eighteen years of age.
• 2)Deception, violence, abuse of authority, a situation of need on the part of the victim, or any means of intimidation or coercion is involved.
• 3)The perpetrator is the ascendant, descendant, sister, or brother of the victim.
• 4)The perpetrator is the uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or cousin of the victim.
• 5)The perpetrator is the stepmother, stepfather, stepsister, or stepbrother of the victim.
• 6)The perpetrator is the tutor, or person in charge of the education, guardianship (guarda), or custody (custodia) of the victim.
• 7)The perpetrator performs the conduct against any of the relatives of their spouse or cohabitant, indicated in subsections 3) and 4) above.
• 8)The perpetrator takes advantage of their relationship of trust with the victim or their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.

(Thus amended through Article 1 of Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).

Living off the earnings of prostitution (Rufianería)

Whoever coercively causes themselves to be maintained, even partially, by a person who engages in prostitution, exploiting the earnings derived from that activity, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of two to eight years.

The penalty shall be:

• 1)Imprisonment of four to ten years, if the offended party is under thirteen years of age.
• 2)Imprisonment of three to nine years, if the offended party is over thirteen years of age, but under eighteen years of age.

(Thus amended through Article 1 of Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007).

Whoever, through the use of technologies or any other means, resorting to threats, the use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, a situation of vulnerability, or the granting or receipt of payments or benefits to obtain the consent of a person having authority over another, promotes, facilitates, favors, or executes the recruitment, transfer, transport, lodging, concealment, retention, delivery, or reception of one or more persons within or outside the country, to subject them to forced labor or services and other forms of labor exploitation, servitude, slavery or practices analogous to slavery, servile or forced marriage, irregular adoption, illegal intermediation in prenatal foster care (acogimiento prenatal) processes, forced begging, forced pregnancy and forced abortion, and the execution of any form of sexual exploitation, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of six to ten years.

(Thus amended the preceding paragraph by Article 10 of the Prenatal Foster Care Law, No. 10506 of September 6, 2024)

The prison sentence shall be eight to sixteen years, if, in addition, any of the following circumstances exists:

(Thus amended the preceding paragraph by Article 10 of the Prenatal Foster Care Law, No. 10506 of September 6, 2024)

• a)The victim is under eighteen years of age, an older adult, or a person with a disability.
• b)The perpetrator is the spouse, cohabitant, or relative of the victim up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity.
• c)The perpetrator takes advantage of their relationship of authority or trust with the victim or their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.
• d)The perpetrator takes advantage of the exercise of their profession or the function they perform.
• e)The victim suffers serious damage to their health, death, or death by suicide as a consequence of the aforementioned action of trafficking in persons.
• f)The punishable act was committed by a criminal group made up of two or more members.
• g)The perpetrator acts by engaging in intermediation in requests for prenatal foster care (acogimiento prenatal). Intermediation consists of any approach or agreement, whether or not an economic retribution or promise of economic retribution is involved, and whose purpose or result is that the unborn being is placed in prenatal foster care (acogimiento prenatal) with a specific person or couple.

(Thus added the preceding subsection by Article 10 of the Prenatal Foster Care Law, No. 10506 of September 6, 2024)

Whoever promotes, facilitates, favors, or executes the recruitment, transfer, transport, lodging, concealment, retention, delivery, or reception of one or more persons within or outside the country, for the illicit removal or illicit transplant of human organs, tissues, cells, or fluids, shall be sanctioned with the penalty indicated in the first paragraph of this article.

In the case of minors, it shall not be necessary to resort to the modes of execution described in the first paragraph of this article for the configuration of the crime.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9545 of April 24, 2018)

Whoever manufactures, produces, or reproduces, disseminates, or uses images, the voice, or personal data, by any means, of child pornography material, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of five to nine years.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever instigates or obliges a minor or incapacitated person to send pornographic material of any type, by any electronic means.

Whoever transports or brings into the country, by any means, this type of material, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of four to seven years.

For the purposes of this Code, child pornography material shall be understood as any written, visual, or auditory representation produced by any means, of a minor, their image or their voice, altered or modified, dedicated to explicit sexual activities, real or simulated, or any representation of the genital parts of a minor for sexual purposes.

(Thus amended by Article 8 of the Law for the prevention of harassment of minors by electronic or virtual means (GROOMING), No. 10020 of September 9, 2021)

Whoever possesses pornographic material in which a minor or incapacitated person appears shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of two to five years.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever possesses child pornography material in local or remote storage of any electronic device.

(Thus added through Article 1 of Law No. 8590 of July 18, 2007)

(Thus amended by Article 8 of the Law for the prevention of harassment of minors by electronic or virtual means (GROOMING), No. 10020 of September 9, 2021)

Whoever delivers, trades, disseminates, distributes, or exhibits pornographic material to minors or incapacitated persons shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of four to eight years.

A penalty of five to nine years shall be imposed on whoever exhibits, disseminates, distributes, finances, or trades, by any means and under any title, pornographic material in which a minor or incapacitated person appears, or possesses it for these purposes.

(Thus amended by Article 8 of the Law for the prevention of harassment of minors by electronic or virtual means (GROOMING), No. 10020 of September 9, 2021)

A prison sentence of six months to two years shall be imposed on whoever possesses, produces, sells, distributes, exhibits, or facilitates, by any means, pornographic material in which, without having used minors:

• a)Employs an adult person who simulates being a minor performing sexual activities. b) Employs an image, caricature, drawing, or representation, of any kind, that appears to be or simulates a minor performing sexual activities.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9177 of November 1, 2013)

Participation of third parties related to the victim by kinship or who abuse their authority or position.

The owner, lessor, possessor, or administrator of an establishment or place who destines it for or benefits from trafficking in persons (trata de personas), illicit trafficking of migrants, or its related activities, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of three to five years.

(Thus added by Article 78 of the Law against Trafficking in Persons and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons (CONATT), No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

(Thus added the preceding section by Article 5 of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

Whoever, in a public space, a space with public access, or in a paid means of transport for persons, masturbates themselves, exhibits or shows their genitals with a sexual connotation to another person, without their consent, shall be punished with a prison sentence of six months to one year or a fine of thirty to forty-five days, provided the conduct does not constitute a crime with a greater penalty.

(Thus added by Article 5 of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

Whoever, in a public space, a space with public access, or in a paid means of transport for persons, pursues or corners another person with a sexual connotation, without their consent, shall be punished with a prison sentence of from eight months to one year or a fine of thirty to forty-five days, provided the conduct does not constitute a crime with a greater penalty.

(Thus added by Article 5 of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

Whoever, in a public space, a space with public access, or in a paid means of transport for persons, records, captures, or produces audio, visual, or audiovisual material with a sexual connotation of another person, without their consent, shall be punished with a prison sentence of from ten months to eighteen months or a fine of thirty to forty-five days, provided the conduct does not constitute a crime with a greater prison sentence.

The penalty shall be from eighteen months to three years of imprisonment or a fine of forty-five to sixty days, in the event that said material was sent, shown, or transmitted to a third party, for profit or not, provided the conduct does not constitute a crime with a greater prison sentence.

(Thus added by Article 5 of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

The extremes of the custodial sentences and fine days provided for in Articles 175 ter, 175 quater, and 175 quinquies of this section shall be increased by one third when one of the following circumstances occurs:

• a)The conduct is committed by two or more persons.
• b)To the detriment of a minor.
• c)To the detriment of a person over sixty-five years of age.
• d)To the detriment of a person with a disability.

(Thus added by Article 5 of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

(Note from Sinalevi: In accordance with the sole transitional provision of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020, the provisions in this article, which was added by Article 5 of the aforementioned law, shall enter into force within a period of one year from its publication, that is, on August 27, 2021. Within this non-extendable period, the Ministry of Justice and Peace, in coordination with the National Institute of Women (lnamu), must design and put into operation a specialized program for the execution of the accessory penalties applicable to the crimes provided for in Articles 175 ter Exhibitionism or masturbation in public spaces or spaces with public access or in a paid means of transport for persons; 175 quater Pursuit or cornering (Persecución o acorralamiento) and 175 quinquies Production of audiovisual material, of Section IV of Title III of Law 4573, Criminal Code, of May 4, 1970.)

The crimes provided for in this section shall be sanctioned, in addition, with accessory penalties that shall be applied together with the prison sentence or fine, and shall consist of:

• a)Subjecting the person to an addiction treatment program for the control of the consumption of alcohol, narcotic, psychotropic substances, or enervating drugs, when said addiction is related to the sanctioned conduct or its circumstances.
• b)Subjecting the person to a specialized program for offenders, oriented toward the control of violent behaviors, reeducation, and awareness about toxic masculinities, gender equity, and respect for the human rights of women.

For the purposes of executing these penalties, the National Institute of Women (lnamu) and the Ministry of Justice and Peace shall send each year, to the Supreme Court of Justice, the list of accredited institutions, public and private, to which the competent judicial authority may refer for the fulfillment of these penalties.

The expenses incurred for this treatment shall be borne by the State, unless the convicted person has sufficient resources to cover them.

(Thus added by Article 5 of the Law against street sexual harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

Illegal Marriages Illegal marriage.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982)

Concealment of impediment.

Simulation of marriage.

Responsibility of the official.

If acting out of negligence, the penalty shall be a fine of fifteen to sixty days.

Nonobservance of formalities.

Responsibility of the tutor

(Thus amended by Article 3 of Law "Reforms Articles 14 and 64 Family Code, Article 38 Civil Code, Article 181 Criminal Code and repeal of subsection 3) of Article 15, Article 19 and subsection c) of Article 65 Family Code to prevent Marriage of Minors under 15 years" No. 8571 of February 8, 2007)

Those persons who give their consent to marry, knowing that the marriage is not intended to fulfill the purposes provided for in the Family Code, or when one of the contracting parties grants to the other, for themselves or through an intermediary person, a patrimonial benefit in order for them to give their consent to marry, shall be sanctioned with imprisonment of two to five years. The same penalty shall be imposed on the witnesses and notaries public who fraudulently participate, in their capacity as such, in the celebration of simulated marriages.

When the marriage is celebrated to obtain migratory benefits of any type, in favor of one of the contracting parties, the prison sentence for both contracting parties, notaries public, and witnesses, who fraudulently participate in the celebration of simulated marriages, shall be three to six years.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 8781 of November 11, 2009)

Offenses Against Filiation and Civil Status Supposition, Suppression, and Alteration of Filiation or Status(*)

(*) (Title modified by Article 7 of the law "Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas"; Law No. 7538 of August 22, 1995)

Offenders in the Registration Process.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of three to eight years, whoever:

• a)Has an inexistent person registered in the Civil Registry.
• b)Has false facts inserted into a birth certificate that alter the civil data or the filiation of a newborn person.
• c)Through concealment, substitution, or exposure, leaves a newborn person without civil data, or without filiation, or renders uncertain or alters the filiation that corresponds to them.

(As amended by Article 7 of the law "Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas" No. 7538 of August 22, 1995)

Specific Mitigations.

In the case of subsection 2), if the act has been committed exclusively with the aim of protecting the minor, the penalty shall be from one month to two years of imprisonment.

Evasion of Adoption Procedures

Imprisonment of three to eight years shall be imposed:

• a)On whoever promotes or facilitates the departure from the country of minors, contravening the migratory provisions that regulate it and infringing Costa Rican provisions on adoption.
• b)On a pregnant woman who gives birth abroad, infringing Costa Rican provisions on adoption.

In the cases of subsections a) and b) above, if the offenses have been committed by a public official in the exercise of their function, the penalty shall be five to ten years of imprisonment, without prejudice to any applicable administrative sanctions.

(As added by Article 7 of the law "Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas"; Law No. 7538 of August 22, 1995)

Shall be punished with imprisonment of five to ten years, whoever abducts a minor or a person lacking volitional or cognitive capacity from the custody of their parents, guardians, curators, tutors, or persons in charge; the same penalty shall be applied against whoever retains one of these persons against the will of the latter.

When it is the parents, guardians, curators, tutors, or persons in charge who abduct or retain a minor or a person lacking volitional or cognitive capacity, they shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of six months to two years.

(As amended by Article 2 of the law "Reforma Código Penal para Endurecer las Penas por Sustracción y Homicidio de Niños, Niñas, Adolescentes y Personas con Discapacidad". Law No. 8387 of October 8, 2003).

Shall be punished with imprisonment of three to six years, whoever illegitimately has minors subject to adoption in their care.

(As added by Article 8 of the Law "Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas"; Law No. 7538 of August 22, 1995)

The penalties for the crime defined in Article 184 of this Law shall be twelve to twenty years of imprisonment, in any of the following circumstances: 1. If the abduction lasts more than three days. 2. If the act is committed by two or more persons. 3. If the act is committed for profit.

(As added by subsection b) of Article 1 of the law “Reforma Código Penal para Endurecer las Penas por Sustracción y Homicidio de Niños, Niñas, Adolescentes y Personas con Discapacidad”; Law No. 8387 of October 8, 2003).

Breach of the duty of support.

7337 of May 5, 1993, shall be imposed on the father, adoptive parent, tutor, or guardian of a minor under eighteen years of age or of a person who cannot fend for themselves, who deliberately, whether or not a civil judgment exists, fails to provide the indispensable means of subsistence to which they are obligated.

The judge may increase this penalty by up to double, considering the personal conditions of the perpetrator, their economic means, and the effects and gravity of the action.

The same penalty shall be imposed on those obligated to provide support.

The perpetrator's responsibility is not excluded by the fact that other persons have provided means of subsistence.

Equal penalty shall be imposed on a child with respect to destitute parents, on a spouse with respect to the other spouse, separated or not, or divorced when obligated, and on a sibling with respect to an incapacitated sibling.

(As amended by Article 69 (now 82) of the Law on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; Law No. 7600 of May 2, 1996)

Aggravated breach.

Breach of duties of assistance.

Whoever breaches or neglects the duties of protection, care, and education incumbent upon them with respect to a minor under eighteen years of age, such that the minor finds themselves in a situation of material or moral abandonment, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to one year or a fine of twenty to sixty days, and, in addition, with incapacity to exercise the attributes of parental responsibility for six months to two years.

The same penalty shall apply to the spouse who does not protect and keeps their other spouse in a state of material abandonment. In this case and in those provided for in Articles 185 and 186, the person who pays the support owed and provides reasonable assurance, in the judgment of the judge, of future compliance with their obligations, shall be exempt from penalty.

(As amended by Article 2, point VI) of the law that approved the Family Procedural Code, No. 9747 of October 23, 2019) Breach or abuse of Parental Authority.

Shall be penalized with imprisonment of six months to two years and, in addition, loss of and incapacity to exercise the respective rights or positions for six months to two years, whoever breaches or abuses the rights granted to them by the exercise of the attributes of parental responsibility, guardianship (tutela), or safeguard (salvaguarda), as applicable, with evident harm to the child, ward, or incapacitated person.

(As amended by Article 2, point VI) of the law that approved the Family Procedural Code, No. 9747 of October 23, 2019)

• 1)Whoever, as owner, manager, entrepreneur, or police authority, must prevent the entry of minors or incapacitated persons into places not authorized for them, tolerates or permits their entry. Sale of dangerous objects to minors or incapacitated persons 2) Whoever sells weapons, explosive material, or poisonous substances to a minor or incapacitated person. Procurement of weapons or dangerous substances 3) Whoever delivers, entrusts, permits to carry, or places weapons, explosive materials, or poisonous substances within the reach of a minor or incapacitated person or another person who does not know how or could not handle or use them. Sale or procurement of alcoholic beverages and tobacco to minors or incapacitated persons.
• 4)A penalty of six months to three years of imprisonment shall be imposed on the owner or manager of a commercial establishment who serves or sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to minors or incapacitated persons.

(The preceding subsection as amended by Article 28 of Law No. 9047 of June 25, 2012, "Ley de Regulación y Comercialización de bebidas con contenido alcohólico")

(As added by subsection c) of Article 3) of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

Crimes Against Individual Freedom Plagio.

Shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of six to ten years, whoever induces, maintains, or subjects one or more persons to perform work or services under force, deception, coercion, or threat.

The penalty of imprisonment shall be eight to sixteen years if the victim is a minor under eighteen years of age or is in a situation of vulnerability or disability.

In no case shall the consent granted by the victim exempt from criminal responsibility.

(As added by Article 80 of the Law against Human Trafficking and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking (CONATT), No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

(As amended by Article 2 of Law No. 9545 of April 24, 2018)

Concealment of detainees by authorities.

Deprivation of freedom without profit motive.

Aggravated forms.

The penalty of imprisonment shall be four to ten years when another is deprived of their personal freedom, if any of the following circumstances intervene:

• 1)When the victim is a minor under eighteen years of age or is in a situation of vulnerability or disability.
• 2)By means of coercion, deception, or violence.
• 3)Against a spouse, cohabitant, or relative up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity, or a public official.
• 4)When it lasts more than twenty-four hours.
• 5)When the perpetrator takes advantage of their relationship of authority or trust with the victim or their family, whether or not a kinship relationship exists.
• 6)When the perpetrator takes advantage of the exercise of their profession or the function they perform.
• 7)With serious harm to the victim's health.

(As amended by Article 74 of the Law against Human Trafficking and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking (CONATT), No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of Article 1 of Law No. 5061 of August 23, 1972, this article was interpreted in the sense that the indicated penalty is that of imprisonment).

Shall be punished with imprisonment of ten to fifteen years, whoever abducts a minor or a person with a cognitive or physical disability from the custody of their parents, guardians, curators, tutors, or persons in charge. The penalty shall be twenty to twenty-five years of imprisonment if serious or very serious injuries are inflicted on the victim, and thirty-five to fifty years of imprisonment if the victim dies.

When it is the parents, guardians, curators, tutors, or persons in charge who abduct or retain a minor, a person with a disability, or a person without the capacity to resist, they shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of twenty to twenty-five years.

(As added by Article 75 of the Law against Human Trafficking and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking (CONATT), No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

Crimes Against Freedom of Determination Coercion.

Shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of three to five years, whoever, by means of a serious threat or physical or moral violence, compels a person to do, not do, or tolerate something to which they are not obligated.

(As amended by Article 74 of the Law against Human Trafficking and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking (CONATT), No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

Predatory harassment

Shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of three to eighteen months or a fine of one hundred to two hundred days, whoever harasses or stalks a person, in a repeated and insistent manner, without the victim's consent, and affects their intimacy, integrity, private life, or daily activities, by carrying out one or more of the following conducts:

1- Monitors, loiters near, pursues, or seeks physical proximity to the person.

2- Establishes or attempts to establish contact with the victim, by physical or cybernetic means or through third parties.

3- Hacks, interferes with, intercepts, or controls a device or personal data of the person.

This crime is prosecutable by public action at the behest of a private party.

(As added by the single article of the Law Against Predatory Harassment, No. 10487 of May 16, 2024)

Aggravating circumstances

1- When the victim is a minor under eighteen years of age or is in a situation of vulnerability or disability.

2- When deception or violence is involved.

3- When contact is established through communication means that include manifest sexual content.

4- When the conduct is committed by two or more persons.

5- When the perpetrator carries out the conduct against a person with whom they maintain or have maintained a relationship or bond as a partner, whether marital, de facto union, courtship, cohabitation, non-cohabitation, casual, or another analogous relationship, even when there is divorce, separation, or breakup.

6- When the perpetrator takes advantage of a relationship or bond of trust, friendship, authority, or a power relationship they had with the victim, whether or not a kinship relationship exists, or it occurs within family relationships of consanguinity or affinity up to the third degree.

7- When the perpetrator takes advantage of the exercise of their profession or the function they perform.

8- When damage results to the physical or mental health of the victim.

9- When the predatory harassment is motivated by the sexual and gender identity of the victims.

10- When the perpetrator has a history of violence perpetrated against a victim, in the family, work, student, community, or religious sphere, even when the acts have not been previously reported.

11- When the perpetrator is a sexual exploiter client, trafficker, or pimp of the victim.

12- When the victim had refused to establish or re-establish, with the perpetrator, a permanent or casual partner relationship or bond, or to have any type of sexual contact.

13- When the perpetrator committed the act because of the victim's political participation, position, or activity.

14- When the perpetrator committed the act as an act of vengeance, reprisal, or debt collection in organized crimes of drug trafficking or other related crimes.

(As added by the single article of the Law Against Predatory Harassment, No. 10487 of May 16, 2024)

6726 of March 10, 1982).

Aggravated threats.

Shall be sanctioned with imprisonment of six months to two years, whoever uses unjust and grave threats to alarm or threaten a person.

If the threats were committed by two or more persons gathered together, or if the threats were anonymous or symbolic, the penalty of imprisonment shall be one year to three years, provided that the specific conduct does not fit a more serious criminal offense.

(As amended by the single article of the Law to Impose a Proportional Penalty for Assault with a Weapon, Threats with a Firearm against Civilians and Public Officials in the Exercise of their Functions, No. 10677 of April 22, 2025)

Violation of Secrets Violation of correspondence.

Shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of one to three years, whoever, with danger or damage to the intimacy or privacy of another, and without their authorization, seizes, accesses, modifies, alters, suppresses, intervenes, intercepts, opens, delivers, sells, forwards, or diverts from its destination documentation or communications directed to another person.

The same sanction indicated in the preceding paragraph shall be imposed on whoever, with danger or damage to the intimacy of another, uses or disseminates the content of private communications or documents that lack public interest.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever promotes, incites, instigates, promises, or pays a pecuniary benefit to a third party to execute the conducts described in the two preceding paragraphs.

The penalty shall be two to four years of imprisonment if the conducts described in the first paragraph of this article are carried out by:

• a)The persons responsible for the collection, delivery, or safeguarding of the documents or communications.
• b)The persons responsible for administering or providing support to the computer or telematic system or network, or who, by reason of their functions, have access to said system or network, or to the electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9135 of April 24, 2013)

Shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of one to three years, whoever, for their own benefit or that of a third party, with danger or damage to intimacy or privacy and without the authorization of the data owner, seizes, modifies, interferes with, accesses, copies, transmits, publishes, disseminates, collects, renders useless, intercepts, retains, sells, buys, diverts for a purpose different from that for which they were collected, or gives unauthorized processing to the images or data of a natural or legal person stored in computer or telematic systems or networks, or in electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.

The penalty shall be two to four years of imprisonment when the conducts described in this norm:

• a)Are carried out by persons responsible for administering or providing support to the computer or telematic system or network, or who, by reason of their functions, have access to said system or network, or to the electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.
• b)The information violated corresponds to a minor or an incapacitated person.
• c)The conducts affect data that reveal a person's ideology, religion, beliefs, health, racial origin, preference, or sexual life.

It does not constitute a crime to publish, disseminate, or transmit information of public interest, public documents, or data contained in public records or public databases of unrestricted access when access has been obtained in accordance with the procedures and limitations established by law.

Nor does it constitute a crime for financial entities supervised by Sugef to collect, copy, and use information and data contained in databases of legitimate origin, in accordance with the procedures and limitations established by law."

(As added by Law No. 8148 of October 24, 2001, and subsequently amended as indicated by Article 1 of Law No. 9135 of April 24, 2013)

Abstraction, diversion, or suppression of correspondence.

(As amended by Article 31 of the "Ley de Registro de Documentos Privados e Intervención de Comunicaciones"; Law No. 7425 of August 9, 1994)

Improper capture of verbal expressions.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever installs devices, instruments, or their parts, with the purpose of intercepting or impeding oral or written communications, whether or not they achieve their purpose.

(As amended by Article 31 of the "Ley de Registro de Documentos Privados e Intervención de Comunicaciones"; Law No. 7425 of August 9, 1994)

Abuse of function or office.

7425 of August 9, 1994) Aggravations

• a)By public officials, in connection with the exercise of their functions. b) By whoever executes the act, taking advantage of their connection with a public or private company or institution responsible for communications.
• c)When the perpetrator publishes the information obtained, or even if they do not, it is of a private nature, all at the discretion of the Judge.

(As amended by Article 31 of the "Ley de Registro de Documentos Privados e Intervención de Comunicaciones"; Law No. 7425 of August 9, 1994)

Improper use of correspondence.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to one year, whoever improperly uses in any form, letters, papers, recordings, telegraphic, telephonic, cablegraphic dispatches, or dispatches of another nature that have been abstracted or reproduced.

Disclosure.

The penalty shall be a fine of thirty to one hundred days, if the disclosed information is of a private nature, even if it does not cause harm.

Disclosure of secrets.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of one month to one year or a fine of thirty to one hundred days, whoever, having knowledge, by reason of their state, office, employment, profession, or art, of a secret whose disclosure may cause harm, reveals it without just cause. If concerning a public official or a professional, disqualification from exercising public positions and offices, or professional degrees, for six months to two years shall also be imposed.

The penalty shall be four to six years of imprisonment when it involves information from entities or companies supervised by the superintendencies of the National Financial System, or from clients of such entities or companies, when such information is protected by secrecy, confidentiality, or prohibition of disclosure. If the disclosure is made by a public official or professional, in addition to the penalty indicated in this paragraph, disqualification from exercising public positions and offices or professional degrees for one to three years shall also be imposed.

(Thus the preceding paragraph was added by Article 6 of Law No. 9746 of October 16, 2019)

Violation of domicile.

The penalty shall be one to three years if the act was committed with force against objects, with scaling of walls, with violence against persons, with display of weapons, or by more than one person.

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Illegal trespass.

Imprisonment of six months to three years and disqualification from exercising public positions and offices for one to four years shall be imposed on an agent of authority or a public official who trespasses on a domicile without the formalities prescribed by law or outside the cases it determines.

(As amended in accordance with the partial annulment ordered by resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 4368 of April 29, 2009.)

Disturbance of Religious Acts and Profanations Disturbance of acts of worship.

Profanation of cemeteries and corpses.

• 1)Whoever violates or vilifies the place where a deceased person or their ashes are buried; 2) Whoever desecrates, outrages, or conceals a corpse or its ashes; and 3) Whoever mutilates or destroys a corpse or scatters its ashes, unless it is a dissection performed for educational or scientific purposes authorized by the relatives of the deceased, or of a corpse that was not claimed within a period of seven days.

Simple theft.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of one month to three years, whoever illegitimately seizes a movable object, totally or partially belonging to another.

(As amended by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in the Criminal Process; Law No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

Aggravated theft.

Imprisonment of one year to three years shall be applied, if the value of what was stolen does not exceed five times the base salary(*), and from one to ten years if it exceeds that sum, in the following cases:

• 1)When the theft is of heads of large or small livestock, poultry, products, or elements that are in use for agricultural exploitation.
• 2)If it is committed taking advantage of the facilities arising from a disaster, a public commotion, or a particular misfortune of the victim.
• 3)If a picklock, false key, or other similar instrument is used, or the true key that has been stolen, found, or retained.
• 4)If it is of travelers' luggage, in any class of vehicles or in the parking lots or terminals of transportation companies.
• 5)If it is of vehicles left on public roads or in places of public access.
• 6)If it is of objects linked to the provision of a public service, or of scientific, artistic, cultural, security, or religious value, when, by reason of the place in which they are found, they are intended for the service, utility, or reverence of an indeterminate number of persons, or entrusted to public confidence.

(Thus amended the previous paragraph by Article 1 of the Law against the theft and receiving of cable, aqueduct security devices, traffic signs, and railway lines, Law No. 10336 of March 3, 2023)

• 7)If it is committed by two or more persons.

(Thus amended by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings, No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

(*) Regarding the interpretation of the term "base salary," see the observations to the law).

Attenuated Thefts.

Theft of use.

If the thing stolen for said purpose is a motor vehicle, the penalty shall be six months to three years. The penalty shall be a prison term of one to three years when the theft of a vehicle is to commit another crime, without prejudice to the prosecution of the act perpetrated.

Robbery Simple Robbery.

• 1)A prison term of six months to three years, when the removal is committed with force against property and its amount does not exceed three times the base salary (*).
• 2)A prison term of one to six years, if the circumstance provided in the preceding paragraph is present and the amount of what was removed exceeds three times the base salary.
• 3)A prison term of three to nine years, when the act is committed with violence or intimidation against persons.

(*) Regarding the interpretation of the term "base salary," see the observations.

(Thus amended by the sole article of the Law on the penalization of weapons and objects in the commission of crimes, No. 10519 of September 9, 2024)

Aggravated Robbery.

• 1)If the robbery is perpetrated by perforating or breaking a wall, a fence, a roof, a floor, a door, or a window, of an inhabited place or its dependencies.
• 2)If it is committed with a bladed weapon, a firearm, or a toy weapon that simulates or imitates one, for the purpose of intimidation to dispossess the victim of goods or movable property.
• 3)If any of the circumstances of subsections 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), and 7) of Article 209 are present.
• 4)The act of simulating carrying a bladed weapon or a firearm, without displaying it to intimidate the victim.

The cases of aggravation and attenuation for the crime of theft shall also be aggravating and attenuating circumstances for robbery, and the penalty shall be set by the judge, in accordance with Article 71.

(Thus amended by the sole article of the Law on the penalization of weapons and objects in the commission of crimes, No. 10519 of September 9, 2024)

Extortions Simple Extortion.

Anyone who, in order to procure a profit, compels another, through intimidation or serious threats, to make a patrimonial disposition harmful to themselves or to a third party, shall be sanctioned with a prison term of four to eight years.

The penalty shall be a prison term of five to ten years when the conduct is carried out using any computer, telematic, electronic, or technological manipulation.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Anyone who uses threats and intimidation personally, through third parties, or by any means of communication, in order to compel a debtor or their family members to pay a debt or credit obligation that has been granted to them, shall be sanctioned with a prison term of four to eight years.

The preceding penalty shall be five to ten years when:

• a)The threat or intimidation is directed at a minor, an elderly person, or a person in a vulnerable situation or condition.
• b)If the act is committed by two or more persons.
• c)If they physically or psychologically assault the victim.
• d)If the act is committed with weapons or involves property damage.

The preceding penalty shall be a prison term of eight to fifteen years when the acts qualify as organized crime in accordance with current international standards and Law 8754, Law against Organized Crime, of July 22, 2009.

(Thus added by Article 1 of the Law that sanctions the crime of "Gota a Gota" money lending, No. 10471 of April 22, 2024)

Extortive Kidnapping.

If the passive subject is voluntarily released within three days following the commission of the act, without any harm occurring to them and without the kidnappers having achieved their purpose, the penalty shall be a prison term of six to ten years.

The penalty shall be a prison term of fifteen to twenty years:

1. If the perpetrator achieves their purpose.

2. If the act is committed by two or more persons.

3. If the kidnapping lasts more than three days.

4. If the kidnapped person is a minor, a pregnant woman, an incapacitated, sick, or elderly person.

5. If the kidnapped person suffers physical, moral, psychological, or economic harm due to the manner in which the kidnapping was carried out or the means used in its consummation.

6. If violence has been used against third parties who have tried to assist the kidnapped person at the time of the act or subsequently, when attempting to free them.

• 7)When the kidnapped person is a public official, diplomat, or consul accredited in Costa Rica or passing through national territory, or any other internationally protected person in accordance with the definition established in Law No. 6077, Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, of August 11, 1977, and other provisions of international law, and political or political-social conditions are demanded for their release.

(Thus amended the preceding paragraph by Article 1, point 1., subparagraph b) of the Law for the Strengthening of Legislation against Terrorism, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

• 8)When the kidnapping is carried out to demand a measure or concession from national public authorities, from another country, or from an international organization.

(Thus amended the preceding paragraph by Article 1, point 1., subparagraph b) of the Law for the Strengthening of Legislation against Terrorism, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

The penalty shall be a prison term of twenty to twenty-five years if serious or very serious injuries are inflicted on the kidnapped person, and a prison term of thirty-five to fifty years if they die.

(Thus amended by the sole article of Law No. 8127 of August 29, 2001)

Kidnapping of a Minor under Twelve Years of Age or a Person with a Disability in a State of Helplessness.

The penalty shall be a prison term of twenty to twenty-five years if serious or very serious injuries are inflicted on the kidnapped person, and a prison term of thirty-five to fifty years if they die.

(Thus added by the sole article of the Law Adding a new Article 215 BIS to the Criminal Code to Create the Crime of Kidnapping of Minors and Disabled Persons, in Order to Do Justice for Costa Rican Childhood; Law No. 8389 of October 9, 2003).

Fraud.

1.- With a prison term of two months to three years, if the amount defrauded does not exceed ten times the base salary(*).

2.- With a prison term of six months to ten years, if the amount defrauded exceeds ten times the base salary.

The preceding penalties shall be increased by one third when the indicated acts are carried out by an agent or administrator of a company that obtains, totally or partially, its resources from public savings, or by someone who, personally or through a registered or unregistered entity of any nature, has obtained its resources, totally or partially, from public savings.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 7337 of May 5, 1993.)

(*) Regarding the interpretation of the term "base salary," see the observations to the law).

Stellionate.

• 1)On one who, receiving a consideration, sells or encumbers litigious property, or attached or encumbered property, by concealing or hiding such a circumstance; 2) On one who makes impossible, uncertain, or litigious the right over a property or the fulfillment of an obligation referring to it, agreed upon with another for a price or as a guarantee, whether through any legal act relating to the same property, even if it does not involve alienation, or by removing, hiding, or damaging it; 3) On the owner of a movable thing who deprives of it the person who lawfully has it in their possession, or damages or renders it useless, thus frustrating, in whole or in part, the right of another. The same penalty shall be applicable to the third party who acts with the consent and for the benefit of the owner; and 4) On the debtor, depositary, or owner of a seized or pledged property who abandons, deteriorates, or destroys it, with the intent of harming the seizing party or creditor, or who, after being warned, does not present it before the judge.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

A prison term of three to six years shall be imposed on anyone who, to the detriment of a natural or legal person, manipulates or influences the input, processing, or result of data in an automated information system, whether through the use of false or incomplete data, the misuse of data, programming, by means of some computer operation or technological artifice, or by any other action that affects the processing of the system's data or that results in false, incomplete, or fraudulent information, with which they seek or obtain a patrimonial or undue benefit for themselves or for another.

The penalty shall be a prison term of five to ten years if the acts are committed against public information systems, banking and financial entity information systems, or when the perpetrator is an employee responsible for administering or supporting the computer or telematic system or network, or who, by reason of their functions, has access to said system or network, or to electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.

(Thus added by Law "Addition of Articles 196 BIS, 217 BIS, and 229 BIS to the Criminal Code, Law No. 4573 to Repress and Sanction Computer Crimes"; Law No. 8148 of October 24, 2001. Subsequently amended in the manner indicated by Article 1 of Law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code"; Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012,)

Simulated Fraud.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Fraud in the Delivery of Things.

The penalty indicated in Article 216 shall be imposed, in accordance with the amount of the harm, on anyone who defrauds in the substance, quality, or quantity of the things they must deliver or the materials they must employ, when dealing with precious stones or metals, archaeological or artistic objects, or objects subject to official control.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Insurance Fraud.

If they achieve their purpose, the penalty shall be that contemplated in Article 223. The same penalties shall apply to the insured who, with the same purpose, inflicts an injury upon themselves or aggravates the consequences of injuries caused by an accident.

Check Fraud.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Fraudulent Administration.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Misappropriation and Improper Retention.

If there is no appropriation but rather improper use of the thing, to the detriment of another, the penalty shall be reduced at the judge's discretion.

In any case, the accused shall first be warned by the authority hearing the matter that within five days they must return or deliver the property, and if they do so, there shall be no crime, without prejudice to any civil actions the owner may have.

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

Irregular Appropriation.

• 1)Anyone who appropriates a lost item belonging to another without fulfilling the requirements prescribed by law; 2) Anyone who appropriates an item belonging to another into whose possession they came as a result of an error or a fortuitous event; and 3) Anyone who appropriates in whole or in part a discovered treasure, without delivering the portion that corresponds to the owner of the real estate, according to the law.

Usurpation

A prison term of six months to four years shall be imposed on:

• 1)Anyone who, through violence, threats, deceit, abuse of trust, or clandestinely, dispossesses another, totally or partially, of the possession or tenure of a real estate property or of the exercise of a real right constituted over it, whether the dispossession occurs by invading the property, remaining in it, or expelling the occupants.
• 2)Anyone who, in order to seize all or part of a real estate property, alters its boundaries or limits.
• 3)Anyone who, with violence or threats, disturbs the possession or tenure of a real estate property.

(Thus amended by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings, No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

Water Usurpation.

• 1)Diverts public or private waters to their benefit that do not correspond to them, or takes them in a greater quantity than that to which they are entitled; and 2) Anyone who in any way obstructs or impedes the exercise of the rights that a third party has over said waters.

Public Domain.

Anyone shall be sanctioned with a prison term of six months to four years or a fine of fifteen to one hundred days:

• 1)Who, without a title of acquisition or a right to possess, occupies land or space corresponding to streets, roads, gardens, parks, promenades, or other places of public domain, or vacant land, or any other real property of the State or of the municipalities.
• 2)Who, without legal authorization, exploits a national forest.
• 3)Who, without title, exploits veins, deposits, seams, and other mineral deposits.
• 4)Who, making use of free concessions granted by law for the benefit of agriculture, has entered into possession of a vacant land by virtue of a claim and, after exploiting the respective forest, abandons said claim.

(*) If the usurpations provided for in this article have been perpetrated in the name of or under the instructions of a society or company, criminal liability shall be attributed to its manager or administrator, without prejudice to the fact that civil compensation also falls upon the society or company.

(Thus amended by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings, No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

(*) (This paragraph, which also formed part of the text of the article before the amendment made by Law No. 8720, was interpreted by Resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 6361-93 of 3:03 p.m. on December 1, 1993, in the sense that it is not unconstitutional in itself, provided it is interpreted that for its application to a specific case, the judge must establish whether there is sufficient evidence to prove the culpable participation of the administrator or manager of the society or company in the act under investigation, so that only in those cases where a direct, personally blameworthy relationship to this individual is found may their criminal culpability be determined.)

Damages

Anyone who destroys, renders useless, causes to disappear, or damages in any way a thing, totally or partially belonging to another, shall be sanctioned with a prison term of fifteen days to one year, or a fine of ten to one hundred days.

(Thus amended by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings, No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

Aggravated Damage.

A prison term of six months to four years shall be imposed:

(Thus amended the preceding paragraph by Article 8 of the Law for the compliance, control, and penalization of burns on land suitable for agricultural and livestock use, No. 10942 of May 12, 2026)

• 1)If the damage is executed on objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or religious value, when, due to the place where they are located, they are entrusted to public trust, or are intended for the service, utility, or reverence of an indeterminate number of persons.
• 2)When the damage falls upon means or routes of communication or transit, upon bridges or canals, upon production plants or conduits for water, electricity, or energy substances.
• 3)When the act is executed with violence against persons or with threats.
• 4)When the act is executed by three or more persons.
• 5)When the damage is against equipment, electronic or technological devices used by any police authority.

(Thus amended the preceding paragraph by the sole article of Law No. 10732 of June 4, 2025)

• 6)When the damage falls upon computer, telematic, or electronic networks, systems, or equipment, or their physical, logical, or peripheral components.

(Thus added the preceding subsection 6) by Article 2 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code") 7) When the damage falls upon land dedicated to agricultural or livestock activity.

(Thus added the preceding paragraph by Article 8 of the Law for the compliance, control, and penalization of burns on land suitable for agricultural and livestock use, No. 10942 of May 12, 2026)

(Thus amended by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings, No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

A prison term of one to three years shall be imposed on anyone who, without authorization from the owner or exceeding that which was granted and to the detriment of a third party, deletes, modifies, or destroys information contained in a computer or telematic system or network, or in electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.

The penalty shall be a prison term of three to six years if the deleted, modified, or destroyed information is irreplaceable or irrecoverable.

(Thus added by the sole article of the Law "Addition of Articles 196 BIS, 217 BIS, and 229 BIS to the Criminal Code, Law No. 4573 to Repress and Sanction Computer Crimes"; No. 8148 of October 24, 2001. Subsequently amended in the manner indicated by Article 1 of the Law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012,)

A prison term of three to six years shall be imposed on anyone who, for their own benefit or that of a third party, destroys, alters, hinders, or renders useless the information contained in a database, or prevents, alters, obstructs, or modifies without authorization the functioning of an information processing system, its physical or logical parts or components, or a computer system.

The penalty shall be a prison term of four to eight years when:

• a)As a consequence of the perpetrator's conduct, there arises a collective danger or social harm.
• b)The conduct is carried out by an employee responsible for administering or supporting the computer or telematic system or network, or who, by reason of their functions, has access to said system or network, or to electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.
• c)The computer system is public in nature or the information is contained in public databases.
• d)Without being authorized, they employ technological means that prevent authorized persons from lawful access to telecommunications systems or networks.

(Thus added by Article 2 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Computer and Related Crimes

(Thus added Section VIII "Computer and Related Crimes," above by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Anyone who impersonates the identity of a natural or legal person or a trademark on any social network, Internet site, or electronic or technological information medium shall be sanctioned with a prison term of one to three years.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

(Thus amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9135 of April 24, 2013)

A prison term of three to six years shall be imposed on anyone who, without authorization from the owner or responsible party, and using any computer or technological manipulation, seizes, transmits, copies, modifies, destroys, uses, blocks, or recycles information of value for the economic traffic of industry and commerce.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Anyone who, without authorization and by any means, installs malicious computer programs on a computer or telematic system or network, or on electronic, optical, or magnetic containers, shall be sanctioned with a prison term of one to six years.

The same penalty shall be imposed in the following cases:

• a)On anyone who induces a person into error so that they install a malicious computer program on a computer or telematic system or network, or on electronic, optical, or magnetic containers, without due authorization.
• b)On anyone who, without authorization, installs harmful computer programs or applications on legitimate Internet sites, with the aim of turning them into suitable means for propagating malicious computer programs, known as attacking Internet sites.
• c)On anyone who, to propagate malicious computer programs, invites other persons to download files or visit Internet sites that allow the installation of malicious computer programs.
• d)On anyone who distributes computer programs designed for the creation of malicious computer programs.
• e)On anyone who offers, contracts, or provides denial-of-service services, sending of massive unsolicited communications, or propagation of malicious computer programs.

The penalty shall be a prison term of three to nine years when the malicious computer program:

• i)Affects a banking, financial, savings and credit cooperative, solidarity association, or state entity.
• ii)Affects the functioning of public services.
• iii)Obtains remote control of a computer system or network to form part of a zombie computer network.
• iv)Is designed to carry out actions aimed at procuring a patrimonial benefit for oneself or a third party.
• v)Affects health computer systems and the impact on them may endanger people's health or lives.
• vi)Has the ability to reproduce without the need for additional intervention by the legitimate user of the computer system.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

A prison term of one to three years shall be imposed on anyone who, to the detriment of a third party, impersonates legitimate sites on the Internet.

The penalty shall be a prison term of three to six years when, as a consequence of the impersonation of the legitimate Internet site and through deceit or causing someone to incur an error, confidential information from a natural or legal person is captured for one's own benefit or that of a third party.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012,"Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

A prison term of one to four years shall be imposed on anyone who facilitates the means for the achievement of a crime carried out through a computer or telematic system or network, or electronic, optical, or magnetic containers.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012,"Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

The penalty shall be doubled when any of the crimes committed by means of a computer or telematic system or network, or electronic, optical, or magnetic containers, affects the fight against drug trafficking or organized crime.

(Thus added by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Shall be sanctioned with a penalty of three to six years of imprisonment anyone who, through electronic or computer means, or through a telecommunications system, propagates or disseminates false news or facts capable of distorting or causing harm to the security and stability of the financial system or its users.

(Thus added by article 3 of Law N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(Thus the numbering of the previous Section was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from Section VIII to Section IX)

General Provision Possession and manufacture of lock picks and other instruments.

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of Law N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 230 to 237, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

Fraudulent insolvency

• 1)Simulating debts, alienations, expenses, losses, or credits.
• 2)Abstracting or concealing assets belonging to the estate or failing to justify their withdrawal or alienation.
• 3)Granting undue advantages to any creditor.
• 4)Having abstracted, destroyed, or falsified, in whole or in part, the books or other accounting documents, or having kept them in a manner that makes the reconstruction of the patrimony or the movement of business impossible, when obligated to keep them.

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of Law N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 231 to 238, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(Thus reformed by article 74 of Law N° 9957 of April 14, 2021, "Costa Rica Insolvency Law")

Negligent insolvency

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of Law N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 232 to 239, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(Thus reformed by article 74 of Law N° 9957 of April 14, 2021, "Costa Rica Insolvency Law")

Liability of legal representatives

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of Law N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 233 to 240, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(Thus reformed by article 74 of Law N° 9957 of April 14, 2021, "Costa Rica Insolvency Law")

Fraudulent insolvency administration

• 1)Altering their accounts, the prices or conditions of contracts, the terms and clauses of acts of disposition of assets and payments made.
• 2)Simulating operations or contract expenses, totally or partially.
• 3)Concealing or retaining securities or other types of assets of the insolvency estate.
• 4)Using the insolvency patrimony abusively or improperly.
• 5)Granting undue benefits to any creditor.
• 6)Failing to inform the insolvency court of any conduct contemplated in the five preceding subsections, carried out by those who administer the active estate, when they have the function of supervising the administration of the insolvent's assets.

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 234 to 241)

(Thus reformed by article 74 of Law N° 9957 of April 14, 2021, "Costa Rica Insolvency Law")

Malicious connivance

The same penalty shall be applied to the debtor or to the persons referred to in article 240, who concluded an agreement of this kind.

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 235 to 242)

(Thus reformed by article 74 of Law N° 9957 of April 14, 2021, "Costa Rica Insolvency Law")

Usury.

The same penalty is applicable to whoever knowingly acquires or enforces a usurious credit.

The penalty shall be nine months to three years or a fine of thirty to one hundred days, when the crime is committed by someone who, being habitually engaged in the business of lending money on personal security or pledge, on salaries or wages, does not keep accounting books in accordance with legal requirements or does not file for registration in the Pledge Registry, in cases where these are constituted in a public document or where the creditor does not waive the pledge privilege, the document recording the operation within a period no longer than sixty days following the date on which the contract was constituted.

(Corrected by Errata published in La Gaceta N° 234 of November 24, 1971).

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of article 60 of the Law for the Promotion of Competition; Nº 7472 of December 20, 1994, this criminal offense is broadened by doubling its penalties when the action is committed to the detriment of consumers, under the terms of article 2 of said law. Additionally, it indicates two further scenarios in which such penalties shall apply, depending on the amount of damage caused or the number of products or services transacted)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 236 to 243)

(Thus reformed by article 69 of the Law on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Nº 7600; of May 2, 1996)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 237 to 244)

Agiotage.

The penalty shall be increased by one third if the alteration of prices is achieved, and doubled if it involves foodstuffs of primary necessity, whether or not the alteration of their prices is achieved. A security measure consisting of the closure of the establishment, for a term of five to thirty days, shall be imposed on the legal entity responsible for any of the crimes included in this section.

The intermediary in said crimes shall be considered an accomplice.

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of article 60 of the Law for the Promotion of Competition Nº 7472 of December 20, 1994, this criminal offense is broadened by doubling its penalties when the action is committed to the detriment of consumers, under the terms of article 2 of said law. Additionally, it indicates two further scenarios in which such penalties shall apply, depending on the amount of damage caused or the number of products or services transacted)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 238 to 245)

Fraudulent offering of credit instruments.

The penalty may be increased up to double, when it concerns a public offering of securities.

(Thus reformed by article 184 of the Securities Market Regulatory Law; N° 7732 of December 17, 1997)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 239 to 246)

Publication and authorization of false balance sheets.

The penalty may be increased up to double, when it concerns an entity that makes a public offering of securities.

(Thus reformed by subsection b) of article 184 of the Securities Market Regulatory Law; N° 7732 of December 17, 1997)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 240 to 247)

Authorization of improper acts.

The penalty may be increased up to double, when it concerns a subject that makes a public offering of securities.

(Thus reformed by subsection c) of article 184 of the Securities Market Regulatory Law; N° 7732 of December 17, 1997)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 241 to 248)

Unfair advertising.

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of article 60 of the Law for the Promotion of Competition Nº 7472 of December 20, 1994, this criminal offense is broadened by doubling its penalties when the action is committed to the detriment of consumers, under the terms of article 2 of said law. Additionally, it indicates two further scenarios in which such penalties shall apply, depending on the amount of damage caused or the number of products or services transacted)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 242 to 249)

Issuance of dishonored checks.

• 1)If drawn without having sufficient funds or express authorization from the bank, and if issued to be drawn against insufficient funds; (The previous subsection was corrected by Errata published in La Gaceta N° 102 of May 27, 1982. It was subsequently annuled by Resolution of the Constitutional Chamber Nº 2994-92 of 14:55 hours on October 6, 1992, meaning said subsection retains the wording given by the reform made by Law N° 6726 of March 10, 1982).
• 2)If a stop-payment order is given, outside of the cases in which the law authorizes it; 3) If done knowingly that at the time of its presentation it cannot be legally paid.

In all cases, the drawer must be personally informed of the non-payment, by notarial certificate, or through the authority hearing the process. They shall be exempt from penalty, if they pay the amount of the check within the five days following the notification.

(Thus reformed by article 1 of Law Nº 6726 of March 10, 1982).

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 243 to 250)

(Thus added by article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 243 bis to 250 bis)

Securities Crimes (Thus this Section was added by article 185, subsection a), of the Securities Market Regulatory Law; No. 7732 of December 17, 1997. Additionally, it orders the numbering of the subsequent articles to be moved, with former article 244 becoming 246 and so on successively up to 419, which became 421) Market price manipulation

(Thus added by subsection a) of article 185, of the Securities Market Regulatory Law; No. 7732 of December 17, 1997.

(Former article 244 is now 246)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 244 to 251)

Use of privileged information

For the effects of this article, information that by its nature can influence the prices of the issued securities and that has not yet been made public knowledge is considered privileged information.

(Thus added by subsection b) of article 185, of the Securities Market Regulatory Law; No. 7732 of December 17, 1997.

(Former article 245 is now 247)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 245 to 252)

Arson or explosion

The penalty shall be:

• 1)From six to fifteen years of imprisonment, if there was danger of death for any person, if there existed danger of destruction of property of scientific, artistic, historical, or religious value, if public safety was endangered, or if there were terrorist purposes.
• 2)From ten to twenty years of imprisonment, if the act caused the death or extremely serious injuries to one or more persons, or if the destruction of the property referred to in the preceding subsection actually occurred.
• 3)From five to ten years of imprisonment, if as a result of the act other types of injuries were produced, or property other than that listed in the preceding paragraphs was destroyed.

For the purposes of this article and of articles 281(*) and 381(*), the following are considered acts of terrorism:

(*)(Thus the numbering of these articles was moved by the indicated Law No. 7732, which respectively transferred them from 272 to 274, and from 372 to 374. Subsequently, by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, the numbering was modified, with numeral 274 now being article 281 and numeral 374 being 381)

• a)The acts provided for in subsection 4) of article 112, subsections 7) and 8) of article 215, and in articles 253 bis(*), 257(*), 258(*), 265(*), 266(*), 267(*), 281 bis(*), and 291 bis(*) of the Penal Code, as well as in article 69 bis of Law N.º 8204, Integral Reform of the Law on Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, Drugs of Unauthorized Use, and Connected Activities, of December 26, 2001, and its reforms.

(Thus the preceding subsection was reformed by point 1., subpart c) of article 1°, of the Law for Strengthening Legislation against Terrorism, N° 8719 of March 4, 2009). (*) (Subsequently, by means of article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, the numbering was modified, with numeral 246 bis now being article 253 bis, 250 being 257, 251 being 258, 258 being 265, 259 being 266, 260 being 267, 274 bis being 281 bis, and 284 bis being 291 bis) b) Attacks against the life or physical integrity of public officials or of diplomats or consuls accredited in Costa Rica or passing through the national territory.

• c)Attacks against vessels, aircraft on the ground, installations of a maritime or river port or an airport, collective transport vehicles, public buildings, or buildings accessible to the public, committed through the use of firearms or explosives, or through causing arson or explosion.

(Thus the preceding subsection was reformed by point 1., subpart c) of article 1°, of the Law for Strengthening Legislation against Terrorism, N° 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(Thus reformed by article 1 of Law No. 6989 of July 16, 1985).

(Thus the numbering was moved by subsection a) of article 185, of Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 244 to 246)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 246 to 253,)

Shall incur the penalties provided for in article 253 whoever creates a common danger to persons or property, through the emission, propagation, or impact of chemical, toxic, or hazardous substances or products, biological agents or toxins or similar substances, or radiation from radioactive material.

(Thus added by point 2., subpart c) of article 1° of the Law for Strengthening Legislation against Terrorism, N° 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 246 bis to 253 bis)

(Thus reformed by article 1° of the Law to provide clarity in the criminal offenses contained in Title IX, Crimes against Public Safety, N° 10609 of November 15, 2024)

Shall be punished with imprisonment of five to ten years whoever carries out a vandali-inspired burning, understood as a burning that is carried out without a permit or in contravention of the regulations on burning in force, and that with said action creates a common danger to persons, property, or the environment. The penalty shall be two to five years of imprisonment, when the common danger to persons, property, or the environment was caused by negligence.

(Thus added by article 9° of the Law for the fulfillment, control, and penalization of burnings on lands of agricultural and livestock aptitude, N° 10942 of May 12, 2026)

Shall incur, according to the cases, the penalties indicated in article 253, whoever causes disaster by means of flooding, landslide, collapse of a building, or by any other powerful means of destruction.

(Thus its numbering was moved by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law; No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 245 to 247)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 247 to 254)

(Thus reformed by article 2° of the Law to provide clarity in the criminal offenses contained in Title IX, Crimes against Public Safety, N° 10609 of November 15, 2024)

Rendering defenses against disasters useless.

If the disaster occurs, the penalty shall be aggravated at the discretion of the Judge.

The same penalty shall be applied to whoever, to impede or hinder the tasks of defense against a disaster, abstracts, conceals, or renders useless materials, instruments, or other means destined for the referred defense.

(Thus its numbering was moved by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 246 to 248)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 248 to 255,)

Shall be punished with imprisonment of one month to two years, whoever by negligence causes a disaster as defined in articles 253 and 254. The penalty shall be from six months to three years when the circumstance of subsection 1) of article 253 concurs, and from one year to four years when the circumstance of subsection 2) of the same article concurs.

(Thus its numbering was moved by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 247 to 249)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 249 to 256)

(Thus reformed by article 3° of the Law to provide clarity in the criminal offenses contained in Title IX, Crimes against Public Safety, N° 10609 of November 15, 2024)

Manufacture or possession of explosive materials.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever, knowing or having reason to presume that it contributes to the commission of crimes, gives instructions for the preparation of the substances or materials referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Imprisonment of two to four years shall be imposed on whoever possesses, for purposes other than those indicated, without authorization from the corresponding authorities, the materials indicated in the first paragraph of this article.

(Thus reformed by article 1 of Law No. 6989 of July 16, 1985)

(Thus its numbering was moved by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 248 to 250)

(Thus its numbering was moved by article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; N° 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 250 to 257)

Discharge of a weapon

A penalty of six months to two years of imprisonment shall be imposed on whoever discharges any firearm in a populated or frequented place, except in the case of target shooting sportspeople who are practicing their sport in shooting ranges duly authorized by the Ministry of Public Security.

The penalty may be increased by up to one half when a prohibited firearm is used.

(As added by subsection e) of Article 3 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 250 bis to 257 bis, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(As amended by Article 2 of the Law for the strengthening of the sanctioning framework for crimes committed with prohibited firearms, No. 10610 of November 15, 2024)

Nuclear materials

• 1)Receives, brings in, possesses, uses, transfers, alters, releases, or disperses nuclear materials without legal authorization, if such act is likely to cause death or minor, serious, or very serious injury to a person or substantial damage to property or the environment.
• 2)Robs or steals nuclear materials.
• 3)Obtains nuclear materials through fraud.
• 4)Manufactures or possesses a nuclear explosive device or a radiation dispersal or radiation emission device which, due to its radiological properties, may cause death, minor, serious, or very serious bodily injury, or considerable damage to property or the environment.
• 5)Uses nuclear materials or devices to cause death or serious injury to a person or substantial material damage.
• 6)Threatens to use nuclear materials or devices to cause death or minor, serious, or very serious injury to a person or substantial material damage, or to commit some of the acts described in subsection 2), in order to compel a natural or legal person, an international organization, or a State to do something or to refrain from doing something.
• 7)Uses or damages a nuclear facility in such a way as to cause the emission or risk of causing the emission of radioactive material.

(As added by point 2, subsection d) of Article 1, of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 250 ter to 257 ter)

A penalty of two to four years' imprisonment shall be imposed on anyone who, without being legally or administratively authorized to do so, possesses, introduces, facilitates, or procures, by any means, the entry into a closed-modality penitentiary establishment of cellular telephones, satellite telephones, or other communication devices, their technological components, as well as sim cards, that enable communication.

The penalty shall be increased by one-third when the previously described acts are committed by a public official, providers of goods or services in closed-regime penitentiary establishments, lawyers in the exercise of their professional activity, or any other person who possesses a special entry authorization, acting without the proper qualification or authorization according to current regulations.

(As added by the sole article of the Law to criminally sanction persons who illegally introduce cellular, satellite telephones or other means of communication or electronic devices into penitentiary centers, No. 10716 of April 30, 2025)

COMMUNICATIONS Danger of shipwreck and air disaster.

If the act causes a shipwreck, stranding, or air disaster, the penalty shall be six to twelve years' imprisonment.

If the accident causes injury to any person, the penalty shall be six to fifteen years' imprisonment, and if it causes death, it shall be imprisonment of eight to eighteen years.

The preceding provisions shall apply even if the action is upon one's own property, the facilities of a sea or river port, or an airport, if the act constitutes a danger to public safety.

(As amended by point 1, subsection d) of Article 1, of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 249 to 251)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 251 to 258)

Creating danger for land transport.

If the act causes a derailment, collision, or other serious accident, the penalty shall be six to fifteen years' imprisonment, and if it causes death, imprisonment of eight to eighteen years.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 250 to 252)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 252 to 259)

Excluded from the application of this law is what is provided for in Article 49 of Law 8642, General Telecommunications Law, of June 4, 2008.

If the crime is committed by public servants, the penalty shall be aggravated by one-third.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 10415 of November 29, 2023)

Attack against power plants, energy and communication lines.

• 1)Attack against plants, works, and installations intended for the production or transmission of electric power or energetic substances; 2) Attack against the safety of any means of telecommunication; and 3) Obstructing the repair of damage to the plants, works, or installations referred to in subsection 1), or the reestablishment of interrupted communications.

If a disaster results from these acts, the penalty shall be imprisonment of three to eight years.

The acts provided for in this article shall be punishable with the penalty established by Article 246, when they are executed to prevent or hinder defense or rescue operations against a disaster that has occurred.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 251 to 253)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 253 to 260)

Disaster by negligence.

If a person is injured or killed as a result of the act, imprisonment of one to six years shall be imposed.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 252 to 254)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 254 to 261)

Reckless driving

A prison penalty of one to three years shall be imposed in the following cases:

• a)On anyone who drives a motor vehicle in speed competitions on public roads.
• b)On anyone who drives a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding one hundred fifty kilometers per hour (150 km/h).
• c)On anyone who drives a motor vehicle on public roads under the influence of alcoholic beverages, with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero point seventy-five grams (0.75 g) per liter of blood or with a breath alcohol concentration exceeding zero point thirty-eight milligrams (0.38 mg) per liter, in both cases for any type of driver, or with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero point fifty grams (0.50 g) of alcohol per liter of blood or with a breath alcohol concentration exceeding zero point twenty-five milligrams (0.25 mg) per liter, in both cases, if the person is a professional driver or a driver who has been issued a driver's license for the first time within a period of less than three years, relative to the day on which the presence of alcohol was detected.

The same penalty shall apply to anyone who drives under the influence of toxic drugs, narcotics, psychotropic substances, or other substances that produce states of alteration and analogous enervating or depressive effects, in accordance with the definitions, scopes, and characteristics established by the Ministry of Health.

In all the previous circumstances, the person shall also be disqualified from driving all types of vehicles, for two to four years, and in the case provided for in subsection a), the sanction of disqualification shall be a minimum of three years.

A repeat offender shall have the prison penalty increased by one-third.

When a prison sentence of two years or less is imposed, the court may commute the custodial sentence for a pecuniary fine, which may not be less than one base salary, nor more than three monthly base salaries, corresponding to "Administrative Assistant One" that appears in the List of Positions of the Judicial Branch, in accordance with the ordinary budget law of the Republic approved in the month of November prior to the date on which the traffic infraction is committed, or the imposition of an alternative measure of community service, which may be from one hundred hours to three hundred hours of service, in the places and manner ordered by the competent jurisdictional authority.

The disqualification penalty shall be communicated to the competent body of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), for its effective application.

(As added by subsection b) of Article 4 of Law No. 8696 of December 17, 2008. Said Article 4 was subsequently repealed by Article 251 of the Traffic Law for Terrestrial Public Roads and Road Safety No. 9078 of October 4, 2012)

(Note from Sinalevi: The Constitutional Chamber, through resolution No. 7783 of June 15, 2011, ordered that: "the automatic application of Article 110 of the Penal Code regarding forfeiture, to the crime of reckless driving is unconstitutional." established in this article.)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 254 bis to 261 bis)

(As amended by Article 3 of the Law to regulate the loss of license as a traffic infraction for participation in motor vehicle races on public roads, No. 10402 of November 14, 2023)

(Note from Sinalevi: By means of Article 6 of the Law to improve the effectiveness of legislation regarding alcohol and drug control in driving, No. 10860 of February 27, 2026, this article will be reformed. In accordance with Transitory Provision III of the aforementioned law, it shall come into force twelve months after its publication, that is, on March 28, 2027. Therefore, as of that date, the text of this article shall read as follows: "Reckless driving

• a)On anyone who drives a motor vehicle in speed competitions on public roads.
• b)On anyone who drives a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding one hundred fifty kilometers per hour (150 km/h).
• c)On anyone who drives a motor vehicle on public roads with the presence of alcohol in their body, with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero point seventy-five grams (0.75 g) per liter of blood or with a breath alcohol concentration exceeding zero point thirty-eight milligrams (0.38 mg) per liter, in both cases for any type of driver, or with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero point fifty grams (0.50 g) of alcohol per liter of blood or with a concentration of alcohol in exhaled air exceeding zero point twenty-five milligrams (0.25 mg) per liter, in both cases, if the person is a professional driver or a driver who has been issued a driver's license for the first time within a period of less than three years, relative to the day on which the presence of alcohol was detected.

The same penalty shall apply to anyone who drives under the influence of illicit drugs or their psychoactive metabolites in their body, excluding those substances used under medical prescription.

Tests for detection of alcohol or illicit drugs or their psychoactive metabolites must be carried out within three hours after the time the act is reported to the competent authority.

In all the previous circumstances, the person shall also be disqualified from driving all types of vehicles for two to four years, and in the case provided for in subsection a), the sanction of disqualification shall be a minimum of three years.

A repeat offender shall have the prison penalty increased by one-third.

When a prison sentence of two years or less is imposed, the court may commute the custodial sentence for a pecuniary fine. The pecuniary fine may not be less than one base salary, nor more than three monthly base salaries, corresponding to "administrative assistant one" that appears in the list of positions of the Judicial Branch, in accordance with the ordinary budget law of the Republic approved in the immediately preceding month of November prior to the date on which the traffic infraction is committed; or the imposition of an alternative measure of community service, which may be from one hundred hours to three hundred hours of service, in the places and manner ordered by the competent jurisdictional authority.

The disqualification penalty shall be communicated to the competent body of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), for its effective application.") Danger of negligent accident.

8298 of May 5, 2010.)

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 253 to 255.)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 255 to 262,)

Disruption of public services.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 254 to 256)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code"; No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 256 to 263)

Obstruction of public road

(As added by subsection f) of Article 3 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 256 bis to 263 bis)

(Note from Sinalevi: By resolution of the Constitutional Chamber No. 20763 of August 23, 2023, this article was interpreted as long as it does not criminalize or penalize the exercise of the right of assembly in public places.)

Abandonment of transport service.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 255 to 257)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 257 to 264)

(*)Piracy and unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation (*) (As amended the denomination of the title of this Section by point 1, subsection e) of Article 1 of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(*) Piracy and unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation (*) (As amended by point 1, subsection f) of Article 1 of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

• 1)Who engages, in navigable rivers, in the territorial sea, or on the continental shelf, in the unauthorized exploitation of the nation's fishery resources, or who practices in such places any act of depredation or violence against a vessel, a fixed platform, or against persons or things found on them, without the vessel by means of which the act is executed belonging to the navy of a recognized power or without being authorized by a belligerent power or exceeding the limits of a legitimately granted authorization.

(As amended the previous subsection by point 1, subsection f) of Article 1 of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

• 2)Who seizes any vessel or what belongs to its equipment through fraud or violence committed against its commander; 3) Who, in collusion with pirates, delivers a vessel, its cargo, or what belongs to its crew to them; 4) Who, with threats or violence, opposes the commander or the crew defending the vessel attacked by pirates; 5) Who, on their own account or for another, equips a vessel destined for piracy; and 6) Who, from the territory of the Republic, knowingly traffics with pirates or provides them with assistance.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 256 to 258)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 258 to 265)

(*)Aggravating factors of piracy and unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation (*)(As amended its denomination by point 1. subsection g) of Article 1 of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 257 to 259)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 259 to 266)

Unlawful seizure or destruction of aircraft

• a)Seizes, by means of violence against persons or property, or by using serious threats, an aircraft in flight.
• b)Destroys, by using weapons, explosives, or by causing an explosion or fire, an aircraft in flight or the cargo transported therein.
• c)Causes damage that incapacitates the aircraft for flight.

(As added the previous subsection by point 2. subsection e) of Article 1 of the Law for the Strengthening of Anti-Terrorism Legislation, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

The penalty shall be fifteen to twenty-five years' imprisonment when the acts described in the previous subsections cause the death of persons or cause them serious or very serious injuries.

If the perpetrator voluntarily desists from the mentioned acts and in the attempt or the seizure no damage is caused to the aircraft nor to its cargo, nor injury or death to any person, the penalty may be reduced at the judge's discretion, without being able to be less than three years' imprisonment.

For the purposes of this article, an aircraft shall be considered in flight from the moment all its external doors are closed after embarkation, until the moment any of said doors is opened for disembarkation.

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 6989 of July 16, 1985).

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 258 to 260)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 260 to 267)

Corruption of food or medicinal substances.

If the act is followed by the death of any person, the penalty shall be eight to eighteen years' imprisonment.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 259 to 261)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 261 to 268)

Adulteration of other substances.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 260 to 262)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 262 to 269)

Circulation of poisoned or adulterated substances.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 261 to 263)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 263 to 270)

Spread of disease.

Imprisonment of three to sixteen years shall be imposed on anyone who, knowing they are infected with an infectious-contagious disease that implies a serious risk to life, physical integrity, or health, infects another person, under the following circumstances:

• a)Donating blood or its derivatives, semen, breast milk, tissues, or organs.
• b)Maintaining sexual relations with another person without informing them of the infected condition.
• c)Using an invasive, cutting, or puncture object that they have previously used on themselves.

(As amended by Article 51 of the "General HIV-AIDS Law", No. 7771 of April 29, 1998.)

(Note from Sinalevi: The affecting law No. 7771 was wholly amended by law No. 9797 of December 2, 2019, leaving the original law with only fifty articles and without including the present reform).

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 262 to 264)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 264 to 271)

Liability for negligence

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 263 to 265)

(As its numbering was corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer and Related Crimes of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 265 to 272)

Unfaithful supply of medications.

(As its numbering was corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law, No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former Article 264 to 266)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 266 to 273)

Improper Supply of Narcotics.

7093 of April 22, 1988, and subsequently repealed again by Article 5 of Law No. 7233 of May 8, 1991).

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 265 to 267)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 267 to 274)

Aggravated Forms.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 266 to 268)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 268 to 275)

Facilitation of the Consumption of Narcotics or Enervating Agents.

7093 of April 22, 1988, and subsequently repealed again by Article 5 of Law No. 7233 of May 8, 1991).

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 267 to 269)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 269 to 276)

Violation of Sanitary Measures and Violation of Measures for the Prevention of Epizootics or Plant Plagues.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 268 to 270)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 270 to 277)

Illegal Practice of Medicine.

5395 of October 30, 1973).

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 269 to 271)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 271 to 278)

Culpable Case.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 270 to 272)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 272 to 279)

Cruelty to Animals

(As added as Section V above by Article 2 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017. Previously, this section had been added by Article 2 of Law No. 7883 of June 9, 1999, under the name: "Section V: Crimes against the Environment.")

Whoever, directly or through an intermediary, engages in any of the following conduct shall be punished with imprisonment of three months to one year:

• a)Causes harm to a domesticated animal or tamed animal, resulting in a persistent weakening of its health or involving the loss of a sense, an organ, or a limb, or rendering it unable to use an organ or a limb, or causing it intense suffering or pain or prolonged agony.
• b)Performs sexual acts with animals. A sexual act shall be understood as a sexual relationship between a person and an animal, that is, acts of penetration by oral, anal, or vaginal means.
• c)Practices vivisection on animals for purposes other than research.

A domesticated animal (animal doméstico) shall be understood as any animal that, due to its evolutionary and behavioral characteristics, coexists with human beings. A tamed animal (animal domesticado) shall be understood as any animal that, through human effort, has changed its wild condition.

The maximum penalty may be increased by one third when the perpetrator of these acts commits them by using a power relationship to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or subdue one or more persons, as well as when the conduct is committed between two or more persons, or when it involves persons in management or administrative positions, or who are authorized representatives, workers, or owners of an establishment dedicated to the breeding, reproduction, and sale of companion animals.

Organizations duly registered in the Judicial Registry may represent the diffuse interests of animals affected by the conduct described in this norm.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017. Previously, this article number had been added by Article 2 of Law No. 7883 of June 9, 1999.)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 272 bis to 279 bis)

(As amended by the sole article of the Law to Penalize Animal Cruelty in Domestic Animal Breeders, No. 10532 of September 18, 2024)

Whoever willfully, directly or through an intermediary, causes the death of a domesticated animal or tamed animal shall be punished with a prison sentence of three months to two years; the same penalty shall apply when the death of the animal is a consequence of the conduct described in Articles 279 bis and 279 quinquies of this law.

A domesticated animal (animal doméstico) shall be understood as any animal that, due to its evolutionary and behavioral characteristics, coexists with human beings. A tamed animal (animal domesticado) shall be understood as any animal that, through human effort, has changed its wild condition.

Organizations duly registered in the Judicial Registry may represent the diffuse interests of animals affected by the conduct described in this norm.

The application of the penalty provided for in this article shall be considered excepted when the death of the animal is caused exclusively for personal or family self-consumption.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017)

• a)Fishing and aquaculture activities regulated by Law No. 7384, Creation of the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Incopesca), of March 16, 1994, and Law No. 8436, Law of Fishing and Aquaculture, of March 1, 2005.
• b)Agricultural or zootechnical or livestock or veterinary activities regulated in accordance with Law No. 8495, General Law of the National Animal Health Service, of April 6, 2006.
• c)Those carried out for the purposes of improving sanitary or phytosanitary control, marking, reproductive control, or hygiene of the respective animal species.
• d)Those carried out for reasons of mercy.
• e)Those carried out for reasons of safeguarding crops or productive lands.
• f)Those carried out for research purposes, in accordance with what is regulated in Chapter III of Law No. 7451, Animal Welfare, of November 16, 1994.
• g)Those carried out for the purpose of safeguarding public health and public veterinary health.
• h)Public or private shows with animals, in accordance with current legislation.
• i)Breeding or transport activities, in accordance with current legislation.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017)

Whoever, directly or through an intermediary, organizes, promotes, or executes fights between animals of any species, without any exception, in the national territory shall be punished with imprisonment of three months to one year.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017)

When a prison sentence is imposed for the commission of an animal cruelty crime, the court may substitute the custodial sentence, in accordance with what is indicated in Book I, Title IV of this law, as appropriate.

(As added by Article 2 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017)

SINGLE SECTION Public Instigation.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 271 to 273)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 273 to 280)

Whoever publicly solicits, offers, or promotes homicide services by commission, agreement, or remunerative promise shall be punished with a prison sentence of three to five years.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever publicly offers preparation or training services to carry out a homicide by contract killing.

(As added by the sole article of the Law against Contract Killing in Costa Rica, No. 10841 of January 22, 2026)

Whoever takes part in an association of two or more persons to commit crimes shall be punished with imprisonment of one to six years, for the mere fact of being a member of the association.

The penalty shall be six to ten years of imprisonment if the purpose of the association is to commit acts of terrorism or extortive kidnapping.

(As amended by the sole article of Law No. 8127 of August 29, 2001)

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 272 to 274)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 274 to 281)

Support and Services for Terrorism

• 1)Whoever recruits another to participate in the commission of any terrorist act, or whoever, in any way, incites others to commit any terrorist act, regardless of the execution phase in which they participate, shall be punished with imprisonment of six to ten years.
• 2)Whoever voluntarily provides any form of support or service, other than financing, including weapons, with the intention or knowledge that such service will be used for the planning or commission of any of the acts referred to in the preceding paragraph shall incur the same penalty.

(As added by point 2, subsection f) of Article 1 of the "Law for the Strengthening of Legislation against Terrorism", No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 274 bis to 281 bis)

A person of legal age who, knowing the minority of age of a person, recruits them to involve them as a perpetrator, co-perpetrator, or participant in the commission of willful crimes shall be punished with imprisonment of four to six years.

The penalty shall be four to eight years of imprisonment if the perpetrator of the act assaults, intimidates, or threatens the minor, their family nucleus, or takes advantage of conditions of poverty, exclusion from the educational system, or irregular migratory status, to coerce them into participating in the commission of criminal acts.

(As added by the sole article of the Law to Sanction the Unlawful Recruitment of Minors, No. 10685 of April 9, 2025)

Public Intimidation.

If as a result of the provoked uproar, serious harm or the death of a person occurs, the penalty shall be increased to six years of imprisonment.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 273 to 275)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 275 to 282)

Glorification of Crime.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 274 to 276)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 276 to 283)

Treason.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 275 to 277)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 277 to 284)

Aggravated Treason.

• 1)When it is directed at totally or partially subjecting the nation to foreign domination or impairing its independence or integrity; and 2) When the perpetrator has induced or decided a foreign power to wage war against the nation.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 276 to 278)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 278 to 285)

Acts Against an Allied Power.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 277 to 279)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 279 to 286)

Treason Committed by Foreigners

The respective penalties may, in any case, be prudentially reduced by the Judge.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 278 to 280)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 280 to 287)

Conspiracy for Treason.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 279 to 281)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 281 to 288)

Hostile Acts.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 280 to 282)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 282 to 289)

Violation of Truce.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 281 to 283)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 283 to 290)

Violation of Immunities.

• 1)On whoever violates the immunity of the head of a State or the representative of a foreign Nation; and 2) On whoever offends the dignity or decorum of any of such persons, while they are in Costa Rican territory.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 282 to 284)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 284 to 291)

Attack Against Internationally Protected Premises

(As added by point 2, subsection g) of Article 1 of the Law for the Strengthening of Legislation against Terrorism, No. 8719 of March 4, 2009).

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 284 bis to 291 bis)

Contempt of the Symbols of a Foreign Nation.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 283 to 285)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 285 to 292)

Revelation of Secrets.

Whoever reveals duly decreed State secrets relating to the internal or external security of the nation, the defense of national sovereignty, or the foreign relations of the Republic shall be punished with imprisonment of one to six years.

(As the numbering of this article was modified by numeral 185, subsection a), of Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from 284 to 286)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 286 to 293, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9135 of April 24, 2013)

Revelation by Negligence.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 285 to 287)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 287 to 294)

Espionage.

Whoever improperly procures or obtains duly decreed State secrets relating to the internal or external security of the nation, the defense of national sovereignty, and the foreign relations of Costa Rica shall be punished with imprisonment of one to six years.

The penalty shall be two to eight years of imprisonment when the conduct is carried out through computer manipulation, malicious computer programs, or the use of information and communication technologies.

(As the numbering of this article was modified by numeral 185, subsection a), of Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from 286 to 288)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 288 to 295, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code")

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 9135 of April 24, 2013)

Intrusion.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 287 to 289)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 289 to 296)

Diplomatic Disloyalty.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 288 to 290)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 290 to 297)

Improper Exploitation of National Wealth by Foreigners.

If the act is carried out by more than five persons, the penalty shall be six months to three years and a fine of thirty to sixty days.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 289 to 291)

(As renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 291 to 298)

Violation of Contracts Relating to the Security of the Nation.

If the non-fulfillment is through negligence, the penalty shall be six months to two years.

(As renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997", which transferred it from former Article 290 to 292)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 292 al 299)

Damage to an object of military interest.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 291 al 293)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 293 al 300)

AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER

Rebellion.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 292 al 294)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 294 al 301)

Violation of the principle of alternation.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores,No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 293 al 295)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 295 al 302)

Propaganda against the constitutional order.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 294 al 296)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 296 al 303)

Riot.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 295 al 297)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 297 al 304)

Contempt for national symbols

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 296 al 298)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 298 al 305)

(Así reformado por el artículo 22 de la Ley que regula el uso del pabellón, la bandera y el escudo nacionales, N° 10178 del 25 de abril de 2022)

Responsibility of the promoters or directors.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 297 al 299)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 299 al 306)

Conspiracy.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 298 al 300)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 300 al 307)

Seduction of security forces.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 299 al 301)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 301 al 308)

Breach of the duty to resist.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 300 al 302)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 302 al 309)

Special aggravation.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 301 al 303)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 303 al 310)

SINGLE

Attack.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 302 al 304)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 304 al 311)

Imprisonment of one month to three years shall be imposed on whoever employs intimidation or violence against a public official or against the person providing assistance to them at their request or by virtue of a legal duty, to impede or obstruct the execution of an act proper to the legitimate exercise of their functions. The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever employs force against the police equipment used by the police authority to carry out their work.

(Así reformado por el artículo 19 de la "Ley de Protección a Víctimas, Testigos y demás intervinientes en el Proceso Penal", N° 8720 de 4 de marzo de 2009.)

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 303 al 305)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 305 al 312)

Aggravating circumstances.

• 1)If the act was committed while armed; 2) If the act was committed by two or more persons; 3) If the perpetrator was a public official; and 4) If the perpetrator assaulted the authority.

For the purposes of this article and the two preceding ones, a private individual who attempts to apprehend or has apprehended an offender in flagrante delicto shall be deemed a public official.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 1º de la ley Nº 5061 de 23 de agosto de 1972, interpretó auténticamente esta disposición en el sentido de que:"...la pena en ellos señalada es la de prisión")

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 304 al 306)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 306 al 313)

Disobedience.

Imprisonment of six months to three years shall be imposed on whoever does not comply with or does not enforce, in all its aspects, an order issued by a judicial body or by a public official in the exercise of their functions, provided that it has been communicated personally, except if it concerns their own detention.

(Así reformado por el artículo 19 de la "Ley de Protección a Víctimas, Testigos y demás intervinientes en el Proceso Penal", N° 8720 de 4 de marzo de 2009.)

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 305 al 307)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 307 al 314)

Disturbance or obstruction to the authority.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 306 al 308)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 308 al 315)

Shall be punished with imprisonment of one month to two years, whoever threatens a public official because of their functions, addressing them personally or publicly, or through written, telegraphic, or telephone communication, or through hierarchical channels. If the action was carried out using a firearm, the penalty shall be two to three years of imprisonment, provided that the specific conduct does not fit a more serious criminal offense.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 307 al 309)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 309 al 316)

(Así reformado por el artículo único de la Ley para imponer una pena proporcional a la agresión con arma, las amenazas con arma de fuego a civiles y a funcionarios públicos en el ejercicio de sus funciones, N° 10677 del 22 de abril de 2025)

Shall be punished with imprisonment of one month to two years, whoever threatens personnel of the Cruz Roja Costarricense, whether volunteers or salaried employees providing their services in attending emergencies formally declared by the Executive Branch, or even not yet declared but which meet the elements established in Law 8488, Ley Nacional de Emergencias y Prevención del Riesgo, of 22 November 2005.

(Así adicionado por el artículo 22 de la Ley de la Cruz Roja Costarricense, N° 10632 del 28 de enero del 2025)

Usurpation of authority.

• 1)Whoever assumes or exercises public functions, without an appointment issued by the competent authority, or without having been invested with the position; 2) Whoever, after having ceased by operation of law in the performance of a public office or after having received from the competent authority official communication of the resolution that ordered the cessation or suspension of their functions, continues exercising them; and 3) The public official who usurps functions corresponding to another position.

If the responsible party usurps functions performed by state, municipal, and other public police corps whose jurisdiction is provided for by law, the maximum penalty shall be increased to two years.

(Así adicionado el párrafo anterior por el artículo 2° de la ley "Calificación de los delitos cometidos contra la integridad y vida de los policías en el ejercicio de sus funciones", N° 8977 del 3 de agosto del 2011)

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 308 al 310)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 310 al 317)

• 1)Shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of six months to one year, whoever, without being a police authority, uses uniforms, garments, or insignia of any of the country's police corps, the Fire Department, the Cruz Roja, or the Public Ministry.
• 2)Shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of three to five years, whoever, with the purpose of committing an offense, uses, displays, carries, or identifies themselves with garments, uniforms, insignia, or distinctive items identical or similar to those used by any of the country's Police corps, the Fire Department, the Cruz Roja, or the Public Ministry.
• 3)The conduct described in subsections 1) and 2) above shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of five to eight years, when the purpose is to commit a serious offense.

(Así adicionado por el artículo 59 de la ley "Contra la Delincuencia Organizada", N° 8754 del 22 de julio de 2009)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 310 bis al 317 bis)

Perjury.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 309 al 311)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 311 al 318)

Violation of seals.

If the responsible party is a public official and has committed the act with abuse of their position, the maximum penalty shall be increased to three years.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 310 al 312)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 312 al 319)

Violation of the custody of things.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 311 al 313)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 313 al 320)

Culpable facilitation.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 312 al 314)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 314 al 321)

Illegal practice of a profession.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 313 al 315)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 315 al 322)

False testimony.

truth, in whole or in part, in their deposition, report, interpretation, or translation, made before the competent authority.

If the false testimony was committed in a criminal case, to the detriment of the accused, the penalty shall be two to eight years of imprisonment.

The preceding penalties shall be increased by one-third when the false testimony is committed through bribery.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 314 al 316)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 316 al 323)

Bribery.

Otherwise, the penalties corresponding to the false witness are applicable to the briber.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 315 al 317)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 317 al 324)

Shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment of three to five years, whoever, by any means, threatens or intimidates another person to prevent the complaint, testimony, investigation, promotion, and exercise of criminal action, or the prosecution of criminal activities against the duties of public office.

(Así adicionado por el artículo 11 de la ley "Reformas a leyes en materia de anticorrupción para atender recomendaciones del grupo de trabajo sobre el soborno en las transacciones comerciales internacionales de la Organización para la Cooperación y Desarrollo Económico (OCDE)", N° 10373 del 20 de setiembre del 2023)

Offerings of false witnesses.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 316 al 318)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 318 al 325)

Slanderous complaint and accusation, and real slander.

The penalty shall be three to eight years of imprisonment if the conviction of the innocent person results.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 33 de la "Ley de Justicia Tributaria", Nº 7535 de 1º de agosto de 1995 se amplía el presente artículo al disponer que la pena será de tres a diez años cuando el sujeto que incurra en este delito sea funcionario público de la Administración Tributaria)

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo pasó del antiguo artículo 317 al 319)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 319 al 326)

Simulation of an offense.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 318 al 320)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 320 al 327)

Self-slander.

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 319 al 321)

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 321 al 328)

(*)Concealment and disclosure of confidential information

(*) (Así modificada su denominación por el artículo 20 de la Ley de Protección a Víctimas, Testigos y demás intervinientes en el Proceso Penal, N° 8720 de 4 de marzo de 2009.)

Personal favoring.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to four years, whoever, without a prior promise to the offense, helps someone evade the investigations of the authority or abscond from the action thereof, or omits to report the act when obligated to do so.

(Así reformado por el artículo 19 de la "Ley de Protección a Víctimas, Testigos y demás intervinientes en el Proceso Penal", N° 8720 de 4 de marzo de 2009.)

(Así corrida su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores" No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del antiguo artículo 320 al 322).

(Así corrida su numeración por el artículo 3° de la ley "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, que lo traspaso del antiguo artículo 322 al 329)

Shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to five years, and with a fine of twenty to sixty days, whoever acquires, receives, and conceals money, things, or assets originating from an offense in which they did not participate, or intervenes in their acquisition, reception, or concealment.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of three to five years, when the conduct described in the preceding paragraph concerns the things referred to in subsection 6) of Article 209.

Shall be punished with imprisonment of four to six years, when the conduct described in the first paragraph concerns things or assets whose value exceeds five base salaries.

The respective security measure shall be applied, when the perpetrator makes receiving a practice that implies professionalism(*).

(Así modificada su numeración por el inciso a) del artículo 185, de la "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores" No.7732 de 17 de diciembre de 1997, que lo traspasó del artículo 321 al 323)

(Thus amended its numbering by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from Article 323 to 330)

(*) (Sinalevi Note: For reference to this provision, see the judgments of the Constitutional Chamber No.1992-0088 of January 17, 1992, and No. 1052 of January 8, 2009. In these rulings, it was considered that security measures as a sanction for habitual offenders must be deemed unconstitutional)

(Thus amended by the sole article of Law No. 10736, "Ley para sancionar la receptación de mercancías de alto valor," of July 3, 2025)

Receiving stolen goods.

Anyone who, without a prior promise to the crime, receives things or goods that, according to the circumstances, they should have presumed came from a crime, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to four years.

Anyone whose conduct described in the preceding paragraph involves the things referred to in subsection 6) of Article 209 shall be punished with imprisonment of four to six years.

(Thus the preceding paragraph was added by Article 3 of Law No. 10336, "Ley contra el Robo y la Receptación de Cable, Dispositivos de Seguridad de Acueductos, Señales de Tránsito y Líneas Férreas," of March 3, 2023, the same law that transcribes the article in its entirety)

If the perpetrator makes a regular traffic of this, the corresponding security measure shall be imposed on them.(*) (Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 322 to 324)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 324 to 331)

(*) (Sinalevi Note: For reference to this provision, see the judgments of the Constitutional Chamber No.1992-0088 of January 17, 1992, and No. 1052 of January 8, 2009. In these rulings, it was considered that security measures as a sanction for habitual offenders must be deemed unconstitutional)

Real favor.

Anyone who, without a prior promise to the crime, but after its commission, procures or helps someone to achieve the disappearance, concealment, or alteration of the traces, evidence, or instruments of the crime, or to secure its product or profit, shall be punished with imprisonment of three months to four years.

This provision does not apply to anyone who, in any way, has participated in the crime; nor to anyone who incurs the act of negligent evasion.

(Thus amended by Article 19 of Law No. 8720, "Ley de Protección a Víctimas, Testigos y demás intervinientes en el Proceso Penal," of March 4, 2009.)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 323 to 325)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 325 to 332)

A prison sentence of two to eight years shall be imposed on anyone who, by themselves or by any means, disseminates confidential information related to persons subject to protection measures in the victim and witness program.

The sentence shall be six to twelve years of imprisonment, if any of the following circumstances are present:

• a)The perpetrator receives an economic benefit or one of another nature.
• b)The victim suffers serious harm to their health or death.
• c)The protection measures were requested based on the investigation of an organized crime offense.
• d)The perpetrator's actions cause irreparable harm to the investigation, prosecution, or punishment of the crime that gave rise to the protection measures.

(Thus added by Article 21 of Law No. 8720, "Ley de Protección a Víctimas, Testigos y demás intervinientes en el Proceso Penal," of March 4, 2009.)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 325 bis to 332 bis)

Evasion.

The penalty shall be six months to two years if the evasion was carried out by means of intimidation or violence against persons or force against things.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 324 to 326)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 326 to 333)

Favoring evasion.

If the perpetrator is a public official, the penalty shall be increased by one third.

If the perpetrator is an ascendant, descendant, spouse, sibling, concubine, or consort of the escapee, the penalty shall be decreased by a third.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 325 to 327)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 327 to 334)

Negligent evasion.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 326 to 328)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 328 to 335)

Breach of inhabitation.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 327 to 329)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 329 to 336)

Abandonment of the accident scene.

525 of February 3, 1993).

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 328 to 330)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 330 to 337)

(Sinalevi Note: Regarding the statute of limitations for crimes against public office, see subsection d) of Article 62 of the "Ley contra la Corrupción y el Enriquecimiento Ilícito en la Función Pública." Similarly, see also Article 31 subsection d) of the Código Procesal Penal. Currently, the statute of limitations is thirty years from the commission of the crime)

Abuse of Authority.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 329 to 331)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 331 to 338)

Breach of duties

The same penalty shall be imposed on the public official who illicitly does not abstain, recuse themselves, or excuse themselves from carrying out a procedure, matter, or process, when they are obliged to do so."

(Thus amended by Article 11 of Law No. 8056, "Ley para las Negociones Comerciales y la Administración de los Tratados de Libre Comercio, Acuerdos e Instrumentos de Comercio Exterior," of December 21, 2000)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 330 to 332)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 332 to 339)

Denial of assistance.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 331 to 333)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 333 to 340)

Requisition of force against lawful acts.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 332 to 334)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 334 to 341)

Abandonment of post.

7348 of June 22, 1993) (Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 333 to 335)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 335 to 342)

Incitement to collective abandonment of public duties.

7348 of June 22, 1993) (Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 334 to 336)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 336 to 343)

Illegal appointments.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 335 to 337)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 337 to 344)

Violation of privileges.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 336 to 338)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 338 to 345)

Divulgence of secrets.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 337 to 339)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 339 to 346)

Improper bribery

In addition, a fine of up to fifteen times the amount equivalent to the patrimonial benefit obtained or promised shall be imposed.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of 17 December 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 338 to 340)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 340 to 347)

(Thus amended by Article 38 of Law No. 9699, "Ley sobre la Responsabilidad de las personas jurídicas sobre cohechos domésticos, soborno transnacional y otros delitos," of June 10, 2019)

Proper bribery

In addition, a fine of up to thirty times the amount equivalent to the patrimonial benefit obtained or promised shall be imposed.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of 17 December 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 339 to 341)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 341 to 348)

(Thus amended by Article 38 of Law No. 9699, "Ley sobre la Responsabilidad de las personas jurídicas sobre cohechos domésticos, soborno transnacional y otros delitos," of June 10, 2019)

Aggravated corruption

• 1)Such acts are intended to grant public positions, retirement benefits, pensions, the setting or collection of public rates or prices, the collection of taxes or social security contributions, or the conclusion of contracts or concessions in which the Public Administration is interested.
• 2)As a consequence of the perpetrator's conduct, serious patrimonial harm is caused to the Public Treasury, the provision of public services is deteriorated, or harm is caused to the users of these services.

(*) (Thus the numbering of these articles was shifted by the indicated Law No. 7732, which transferred them from 338 to 340, and from 339 to 341, respectively. Subsequently, by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, the numbering was modified, numeral 340 now being Article 347 and numeral 341 now being 348)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 340 to 342)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 342 to 349)

(Thus amended by Article 38 of Law No. 9699, "Ley sobre la Responsabilidad de las personas jurídicas sobre cohechos domésticos, soborno transnacional y otros delitos," of June 10, 2019)

Acceptance of gifts for a fulfilled act

In addition, a fine of up to ten times the amount equivalent to the patrimonial benefit obtained shall be imposed.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 341 to 343)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 343 to 350)

(Thus amended by Article 38 of Law No. 9699, "Ley sobre la Responsabilidad de las personas jurídicas sobre cohechos domésticos, soborno transnacional y otros delitos," of June 10, 2019)

Offering or granting of a gift or remuneration

8630 of January 17, 2008)

(Thus added by the sole article of Law No. 8185 of December 18, 2001)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 343 bis to 350 bis)

Corruption of Judges

If the unjust resolution is a criminal sentence of more than eight years of imprisonment, the penalty shall be imprisonment of four to eight years.

(*)(Thus the numbering of these articles was shifted by the indicated Law No. 7732, which transferred them from 339 to 341. Subsequently, by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, the numbering was modified, numeral 341 now being 348)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 342 to 344)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 344 to 351)

Penalty of the corrupter.

The penalties established in the five preceding articles shall be applicable to anyone who gives, offers, or promises a public official a gift or undue advantage.

(Thus amended by Article 1 subsection b) of Law No. 8630 of January 17, 2008) (Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 343 to 345).

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 345 to 352)

The penalties provided for in Articles 340 to 345 shall also apply in the following scenarios:

• a)When the gift, undue advantage, or promise is solicited or accepted by the official, for themselves or for a third party.
• b)When the official uses their position as such, even if the act is outside their authorized competence.

(Thus added by subsection c) of Article 1 of Law No. 8630 of January 17, 2008)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 345 bis to 352 bis)

Illicit enrichment.

• 1)Accepts any gift or the promise of a gift to exert the influence derived from their position before another official, so that the latter does or refrains from doing something related to their functions; 2) Uses, for profit for themselves or for a third party, information or data of a confidential nature of which they have become aware by reason of their position; 3) Receives gifts that are presented or offered to them in consideration of their office, while they remain in the exercise of their position; and 4) (Repealed by Article 69 of Law No. 8422, "Ley contra la Corrupción y el Enriquecimiento Ilícito en la Función Pública," of October 6, 2004).

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 344 to 346)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 346 to 353)

Incompatible dealings.

This provision is applicable to arbitrators, amicable compounders, performed in such capacity. In the same manner, the commercial negotiator appointed by the Executive Branch for a specific matter who, during the first year after the date on which they left their position, represents a client in a matter that was the subject of their direct intervention in an international commercial negotiation shall be punished. The commercial negotiator who proves that they have habitually engaged in the business or professional activity subject to the negotiation, at least one year before assuming their position, does not commit this crime."

(Thus amended by Article 11 of Law No. 8056, "Ley para las Negociones Comerciales y la Administración de los Tratados de Libre Comercio, Acuerdos e Instrumentos de Comercio Exterior," of December 21, 2000)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 345 to 347)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 347 to 354)

Compulsion.

(Corrected by Errata published in La Gaceta No. 234 of November 24, 1971).

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 346 to 348)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 348 to 355)

Illegal exaction.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 347 to 349)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 349 to 356)

Prevarication.

If it concerns a conviction in a criminal case, the penalty shall be three to fifteen years of imprisonment.

The provisions in the first paragraph of this article shall be applicable in their case, to arbitrators and arbitrators at law.

(Thus its numbering was shifted by subsection a) of Article 185 of Law No. 7732, "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores," of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the old Article 348 to 350)

(Thus its numbering was shifted by Article 3 of Law No. 9048, "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the old Article 350 to 357)

Unfaithful representation.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 349 to 351)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 351 to 358)

Double representation.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 350 to 352)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 352 to 359)

Equated subjects.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 351 to 353)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 353 to 360)

Embezzlement.

A public official who misappropriates or diverts money or goods, the administration, receipt, or custody of which has been entrusted to him by reason of his office, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to twelve years; likewise, a public official who uses, for his own benefit or for the benefit of third parties, works or services paid for by the Public Administration or property owned by it, shall be punished with imprisonment of three months to two years.

This provision shall also be applicable to private individuals and to the managers, administrators, or agents of private organizations, beneficiaries, subsidized entities, donees, or concessionaires, regarding the public goods, services, and funds that they exploit, have custody of, administer, or possess by any title or form of management.

(Thus amended by Article 64 of the Ley Contra la Corrupción y el Enriquecimiento Ilícito en la Función Pública, No. 8422, of October 6, 2004).

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 352 to 354).

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 354 to 361)

Culpable facilitation of misappropriations.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 353 to 355)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 355 to 362)

Misappropriation

A public official, private individuals, and the managers, administrators, or agents of private legal entities, beneficiaries, subsidized entities, donees, or concessionaires who give to the funds, goods, services, or monies that they administer, have custody of, or exploit by any title or form of management, an application different from that for which they are intended, shall be punished with imprisonment of one to eight years. If this results in damage to or disruption of the service, the penalty shall be increased by one third.

(Thus amended by Article 64 of the Ley Contra la Corrupción y el Enriquecimiento Ilícito en la Función Pública, No. 8422, of October 6, 2004).

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 354 to 356)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 356 to 363)

Embezzlement and misappropriation of private funds

(Thus added by Article 1 of Law No. 6726 of March 10, 1982).

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 354 bis to 356 bis)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 356 bis to 363 bis)

Unjustified delay of payments

The same penalty shall be incurred by a public official who, required by a competent authority, refuses to hand over an amount or item deposited or placed under his custody or administration.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 355 to 357)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 357 to 364)

IN THE THREE PRECEDING TITLES Crimes committed by public officials.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 356 to 358)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 358 to 365)

Forgery of public and authentic documents.

If the act was committed by a public official in the exercise of his functions, the penalty shall be two to eight years.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 357 to 359)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 359 to 366)

Ideological falsehood.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 358 to 360)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 360 to 367)

Forgery of private documents.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 359 to 361)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 361 to 368)

Falsification of accounting records

The same penalty shall apply to a natural person who, with the same purpose, keeps double accounting or accounts not entered in the accounting books.

(Thus added by Article 39 of the law on the Responsabilidad de las personas jurídicas sobre cohechos domésticos, soborno transnacional y otros delitos, No. 9699 of June 10, 2019)

Suppression, concealment, and destruction of documents.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 360 to 362)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 362 to 369)

Whoever commercializes or distributes a public or private document, whether false or genuine, by any illicit means and in a way that results in harm, shall be punished with a prison sentence of three to six years. The penalty shall be four to eight years of imprisonment if the person commercializing or distributing the document is a public official.

(Thus added by Article 76 of the Ley contra la Trata de Personas y Creación de la Coalición Nacional contra el Tráfico Ilícito de Migrantes (CONATT) No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

(Note from Sinalevi: Pursuant to the amendment made by the law of reform of computer and related crimes No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, the numbering of the Criminal Code was modified, whereby the article number to be added is 369 bis and not 362 bis as indicated in the affecting norm)

Equated documents.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 361 to 363)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 363 to 370)

Ideological falsehood in medical certificates.

The penalty shall be one to three years of imprisonment if the false certificate was intended to cause a healthy person to be confined in a psychiatric hospital or other health establishment.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 362 to 364)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 364 to 371)

Use of a false document.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 363 to 365)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 365 to 372)

Counterfeiting of currency.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 364 to 366)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 366 to 373)

Circulation of counterfeit currency received in good faith.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 365 to 367)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 367 to 374)

Valuables equated to currency.

1.- National or foreign paper money and legal tender; 2.- Credit or debit cards; 3.- National or municipal debt titles and their coupons; 4.- Bonds or bills of national or municipal treasuries; 5.- Titles, certificates, and bearer shares, their coupons, and bonds and bills issued by a foreign government; 6.- Clipped or altered currency; and 7.- Electronic account entries.

(Thus amended by Article 184 of the Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores, No.7732 of December 17, 1997)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 366 to 368)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 368 to 375)

Counterfeiting of seals.

The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever knowingly introduces, expends, or uses them.

In these cases, as well as in those of the following articles, the fraudulent printing of the genuine seal shall be considered counterfeiting.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 367 to 369)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 369 to 376)

Counterfeiting of signs and marks.

• 1)Who counterfeits marks, countersigns, or signatures officially used to verify weights or measures, identify any object, or certify its quality, quantity, or content, and who applies them to objects different from those to which they should have been applied. 2) Who counterfeits tickets of public transport companies; and 3) Who counterfeits, alters, or removes the individualizing numbering of an object, registered in accordance with the law for security or tax reasons.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 368 to 370)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 370 to 377)

Fraudulent restoration of seals.

The same penalty shall be incurred by whoever knowingly uses, causes to be used, or offers for sale the cancelled effects referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 369 to 371)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 371 to 378)

Possession of counterfeiting instruments.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 370 to 372)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 372 to 379)

SINGLE SECTION Racial discrimination.

For repeat offenders, the judge may also impose, as an accessory penalty, the suspension of public offices or duties for a period of not less than fifteen nor more than sixty days.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 371 to 373)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 373 to 380)

(Thus amended by Article 2 of Law No. 10156 of March 18, 2022)

Crimes of an international nature.

Imprisonment of ten to fifteen years shall be imposed on those who direct international organizations dedicated to trafficking in slaves, women, or children, drugs and narcotics, or who form part thereof, commit acts of extortive kidnapping or terrorism, and infringe provisions established in treaties signed by Costa Rica to protect human rights.

(Thus amended by the sole article of Law No. 8127 of August 29, 2001)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 372 to 374)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 374 to 381)

Whoever uses methods of torture directed at the serious impairment of the physical, mental, or emotional integrity of the victim, carried out to affect human dignity, the physical development, or the mental capacity of the victim, on the occasion of any type of discrimination or for reasons based on belonging to a racial, ethnic, nationality, or religious group, or defined by their age, sex, sexual orientation, political opinion, migratory status, disability or genetic characteristics, and any other condition, shall be punished with a prison sentence of three to fifteen years.

The same penalty shall be imposed on those who incur the following grounds:

• 1)Intentionally causing, by commission or omission, severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, to a person whom the accused has under their custody or control, whether by habitual care or by mandate of the courts. 2) The public official who, in seeking or obtaining to investigate or obtain information, uses coercive or intimidating methods. 3) The person who threatens or uses violence as punishment or as a method to intimidate, control, or exploit the victim, as a preventive measure or due to belonging to a racial, ethnic, national, or religious group, or defined by their age, sex, sexual orientation, political opinion, migratory status, disability, or genetic characteristics. 4) The physician or any health personnel who participates or collaborates in the perpetration or concealment of the crime of torture. 5) The public official who, acting in that capacity, orders, instigates, or induces its commission, or who, being able to prevent it, does not do so. 6) If committed against minors, in which case the penalties established in this article shall be increased by one third. 7) Through acts of a sexual nature.

(Thus added by Article 1 of Law No. 10213 of May 5, 2022)

The document for article 215675(215675) is not available

A prison sentence of fifteen to twenty-five years and disqualification from holding public office and private security tasks shall be imposed on a public official, person, or group of persons who, acting with the authorization, support, or acquiescence of the State, carries out the arrest, detention, kidnapping, or any other form of deprivation of liberty of one or more persons, when these actions are followed by a refusal to acknowledge said deprivation of liberty or by the concealment of the whereabouts or status of the person, removing them from the protection of the law.

The prison sentence shall be thirty to thirty-five years if the victim is a person under eighteen years of age, a person over sixty-five years of age, a person with a disability, or a person in a state of pregnancy. The same penalty shall be imposed in cases where the victim is a person born during the enforced disappearance of their mother.

The penalties provided in this article may be reduced by one third of the maximum and by half of the minimum when the perpetrators or participants contribute to the appearance alive of the victim or provide information that allows their effective appearance alive.

(Thus added by Article 1 of the Ley contra la desaparición forzada de personas, No. 10534 of September 18, 2024)

Genocide.

With an identical penalty, whoever:

• 1)Causes serious bodily or psychic harm to the members of such groups; 2) Places such groups in living conditions so precarious as to make possible the disappearance of all or part of the individuals who constitute them; 3) Takes measures intended to prevent births within such groups; and 4) Transfers, by means of force or intimidation, children from one of these groups to other different groups.

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores No.7732 of December 17, 1997," which transferred it from former Article 373 to 375)

(Thus renumbered by Article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former Article 375 to 382)

Penalty for trafficking of minors for adoption.

Whoever promotes, facilitates, or favors the sale, for any purpose, of a minor and receives any type of payment, gratuity, economic reward, or reward of another nature for this, shall be punished with a prison sentence of fifteen to twenty-five years. The same penalty shall be imposed on whoever pays, gratifies, or rewards with the purpose of buying the minor.

The imprisonment shall be twenty to thirty years when the perpetrator is an ascendant or relative up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity, the person in charge of guardianship, custody, or any person who exercises the representation of the minor. The same penalty shall be imposed on a professional or public official who, availing themselves of their position or not, sells, promotes, facilitates, or legitimizes, through any act, the sale of the minor. The professional and the public official shall also have imposed the penalty of disqualification for the duration of the maximum of the penalty for the exercise of the profession or trade in which the act occurred.

(Added originally by Article 9 of the Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons, No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, and reformed in the manner indicated by Article 74 of the Law against Trafficking in Persons and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Migrant Smuggling (CONATT) No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 185 of Law No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 374 to 376. Subsequently, Article 3 of the Law Reforming Computer Crimes and Related Offenses No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, transferred it from Article 376 to 383)

(Sinalevi Note: In accordance with the reform effected by the Law Reforming Computer Crimes and Related Offenses No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, the numbering of the Criminal Code was modified, therefore the article number to be reformed by Law No. 9095 is 383 and not 376 as indicated in the affecting norm)

(Thus reformed by Article 11 of Law No. 10886 of March 18, 2026)

(Thus added by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995).

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 375 to 377)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 377 to 384)

Anyone who sells or buys organs, tissues, and/or human fluids or possesses or transports them illicitly shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of eight to sixteen years. The same penalty shall be imposed on anyone who:

• a)Gives, offers, requests, or receives any form of consideration, gratuity, remuneration, or gift in cash or in kind for the donation of organs, tissues, and/or human fluids or the extraction thereof for donation purposes.
• b)Performs acts of coercion or imposes economic, social, psychological, or any other type of conditioning, so that a person consents to the donation or extraction for donation purposes of organs, tissues, and/or human fluids.
• c)Publicly requests or advertises, by any means, about the need for a human organ, tissue, or fluid, or about its availability, offering or requesting some type of gratuity, remuneration, or gift in cash or in kind, or imposing economic, social, psychological, or any other type of conditioning.

A prison sentence of twelve to twenty-five years shall be imposed when the perpetrator is a health professional or a public official who, whether taking advantage of their position or not, commits any of the acts indicated in the preceding subsections a), b), and c). The professional and the public official shall also be imposed a disqualification for the duration of the maximum of the penalty, for the exercise of the profession or trade in which the act occurred.

(Thus added by Article 77 of the Law against Trafficking in Persons and Creation of the National Coalition against Illicit Migrant Smuggling (CONATT) No. 9095 of October 26, 2012)

(Sinalevi Note: In accordance with the reform effected by the Law Reforming Computer Crimes and Related Offenses No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, the numbering of the Criminal Code was modified, therefore the article number to be added is 384 bis and not 377 bis as indicated in the affecting norm)

(Thus reformed by Article 12 of Law No. 10886 of March 18, 2026)

Anyone who performs the extraction of organs, tissues, and/or human fluids without the prior informed consent of the living donor person, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 15 and 16 of Law 9222, Law on Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, of March 13, 2014, or by inducing them into error through the concealment of information or the use of false information, or any other form of deceit or manipulation, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of five to twelve years. The same penalty shall be imposed on anyone who performs an extraction without first submitting the case to the clinical bioethics committee of the respective hospital, as established in Article 21 of the aforementioned law.

The penalty shall be eight to sixteen years of imprisonment for anyone who violates the prohibitions established in Articles 17 and 26 of Law 9222, Law on Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, of March 13, 2014.

Anyone who extracts organs and/or human fluids from a deceased person without that person having expressed their consent in life or without the authorization of their relatives or representatives, in accordance with Article 24 of Law 9222, Law on Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, of March 13, 2014, shall be sanctioned with a prison sentence of three to ten years.

The same penalty shall apply to anyone who extracts human tissues from a deceased person who expressed in life their refusal to donate, in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of the same law.

(Thus added by Article 60 of the Law on Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, No. 9222 of March 13, 2014)

(Thus reformed by Article 3 of Law No. 9916 of April 14, 2021)

War Crimes.

(Thus added by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 378 to 385, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Crimes against Humanity

(Thus added by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 379 to 386)

BOOK THREE OF CONTRAVENTIONS

Very Slight Injuries

The penalty shall be a fine of fifteen to sixty days if the harm caused equates to an incapacity of five days or fewer for the performance of the victim's habitual occupations.

In case of recidivism in any of these conducts, the penalty shall be ten to thirty days of imprisonment.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 374 to 376)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 376 to 378) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 378 to the current 380).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of Law No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 380 to 387, "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code")

Dual Fight 1) Intervenes in a dual fight.

Participation in a Brawl 2) Takes part in a brawl involving two or more persons.

Assault on a Pregnant Woman 3) Assaults or produces a violent emotion in a pregnant woman, when the pregnancy of the offended party is known or evident to them.

Commerce or Advertisement of Abortive Substances 4) Trades or advertises procedures, instruments, medications, or substances intended to cause abortion.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 375 to 377).

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market", No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 377 to 379).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 379 to 381).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 381 to 388)

Sexual Harassment in Public Spaces or Spaces Open to the Public

A penalty of a fine of fifteen to thirty days shall be imposed on anyone who, in a public space, a space open to the public, or in a paid means of transport for persons, utters, directs, or executes, with sexual connotation, words, noises, whistles, pants, moans, gestures, or expressions towards another person, without their consent.

The penalty shall be a fine of twenty-five to thirty-five days if the conducts described in the preceding paragraph are committed by two or more persons, or through the use of electronic means of communication.

(Thus added by Article 6 of the Law against Street Sexual Harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020)

Immoderate Punishment of Children 1) Parents, guardians, or custodians of minors who punish them in an immoderate manner or attempt to deliver them to another person or public establishment, in order to evade the responsibilities inherent to their legal duty, or expose them to corruption.

• 2)Anyone who has a minor under their care and exposes them to any foreseeable or avoidable danger.

(*)Dissemination, disclosure, or use of image, voice, and personal data without consent 3) Anyone who disseminates, discloses, or uses images, the voice, or the personal data of a minor, in any manner whatsoever that allows the identification of the minor, without the express consent of the legal guardians. The foregoing without prejudice to any civil liabilities that may be claimed.

(*) (The preceding subsection thus added by the sole article of the Law for the protection of the image, voice, and personal data of minors, No. 10238 of July 11, 2022)

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 376 to 378)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market", No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 378 to 380) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 380 to 382).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 382 to 389)

Begging

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 377 to 379)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market", No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 379 to 381) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 381 to 383).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 383 to 390)

Provocation to Brawl 1) Provokes another to a brawl or fight.

Personal Threats 2) Threatens another or their family.

Throwing Objects 3) Throws dirty things or any kind of objects at another person, without causing them harm.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 378 to 380)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market", No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 380 to 382) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 382 to 384).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 384 to 391)

Drunkenness 1) On anyone who appears drunk in a public place and causes a scandal, disturbs the tranquility of persons, or endangers their own or another's safety. In case of recidivism, the penalty shall be a fine of ten to fifty days.

Animal Abuse 2) (Repealed by Article 4 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017) Obscene Words or Acts 3) On anyone who, in a public site or a private place exposed to the gaze of others, utters obscene words or performs indecorous, dishonest acts, gestures, attitudes, or exhibitions.

Disrespectful Proposals 4) On anyone who expresses disrespectful phrases or proposals to another, directs gross or mortifying gestures at them, or harasses them with factual, oral, or written impertinences.

Touchings 5) (Repealed by Article 7 of the Law against Street Sexual Harassment, No. 9877 of August 10, 2020) Exhibitionism 6) On anyone who, in a public place, appears naked or exhibits their genital organs.

Usurpation of Name 7) On anyone who usurps the name of another.

Indiscreet Glances 8) On anyone who looks, in any manner, into the interior of an inhabited house, with the purpose of violating the privacy of its inhabitants.

Mortifying Calls 9) On anyone who makes mortifying calls by telephone or other analogous means.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 379 to 381)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market", No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 381 to 383) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 383 to 385).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 385 to 392)

LANDS, PROPERTIES, OR BUSINESSES

Violent Entry into Businesses 1) Enters a public or private establishment, using violence.

Resistance to Order to Leave a Public Establishment 2) Being in a public or private establishment, does not leave after receiving the order to do so.

Hunting and Fishing on Forbidden Grounds 3) Enters to hunt or fish on a fenced property or forbidden grounds without permission from the owner or the authority, in the case of public lands.

Entry without Permission onto Another's Land 4) Enters onto another's enclosed land, without permission from the owner or possessor.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 380 to 382)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 382 to 384) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 384 to 386).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 386 to 393)

PATRIMONY

Drawing on Walls 1) On anyone who writes, exhibits, or draws pictures or emblems, or affixes papers or posters on the exterior part of a construction, a public or private building, a dwelling house, a wall, a movable good, a traffic sign, or any other visibly located object, without permission from the owner or possessor or the respective authority, as the case may be. In case of recidivism, the penalty shall be five to twenty days of imprisonment.

False Weights or Measures 2) On anyone who, when engaging in trade, uses false weights or measures, or exact measures that are not verified or different from those authorized by law.

(Thus reformed by Article 19 of the Law for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings, No. 8720 of March 4, 2009.)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 381 to 383)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 383 to 385) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 385 to 387).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 387 to 394)

Disturbances 1) On anyone who, in any way, causes a disturbance that disrupts the tranquility of persons.

False Calls to Emergency Entities 2) On anyone who falsely alarms or calls the police, firefighters, ambulance, or another entity dedicated to attending emergencies.

Disorders 3) On anyone who, in a public place or a place open to the public, promotes disorder or participates in it, when the act is not subject to a more serious sanction.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 382 to 384)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 384 to 386) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 386 to 388).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 388 to 395)

Destruction of Official Seals 1) On anyone who tears off, destroys, or otherwise renders unusable the seals affixed by the authority for judicial or fiscal purposes.

Failure to Aid the Authority 2) On anyone who does not provide the help requested by the authority in the event of an earthquake, fire, flood, shipwreck, or other calamity or misfortune, even though they could do so without serious detriment to themselves, or does not supply the information requested or provides false information.

Failure to Appear as a Witness 3) On the person who, having been legally summoned as a witness, refrains from appearing or refuses to give the corresponding statement.

Refusal to Perform Expert Acts 4) On the physician, surgeon, pharmacist, or obstetrician who, called as an expert witness to a judicial proceeding, refuses to carry out the examination and give the report required by the judicial authority.

Refusal of the Obligation to Fulfill Duty as Expert Witnesses 5) On the expert or interpreter who, having accepted the role in a judicial matter, refuses without just cause to fulfill it or delays fulfilling it to the detriment of any of the parties in the matter.

Refusal to Identify Oneself 6) On anyone who, required or questioned by the competent authority in the exercise of their functions, refuses to present their identity card, passport, or residence permit, refuses to give their name, profession, marital status, nationality, place of birth, domicile, and other personal identification data, or provides false ones.

Obstructing Authority Action 7) On anyone who, without assaulting a public official or the person providing them aid at the request of the former or by virtue of a legal obligation, obstructs or hinders them, in any way, in the performance of an act proper to their functions, offers them resistance, or incurs other contempt that does not constitute a crime.

False Wearing of Insignia 8) On anyone who publicly wears insignia or badges of an office they do not hold, or pretends to be vested with a public function, office, or authority, or authorized to exercise it.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 9 of the "Law Reforming the Family Code, the Organic Law of the National Child Welfare Agency, the General Migration and Foreigners Law, the Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and the Criminal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from the former Article 383 to 385)

(Its numbering thus corrected by subsection a) of Article 185, of the "Regulatory Law of the Securities Market; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from the former Article 385 to 387) (Its numbering thus corrected by Article 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as punishment for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from the former Article 387 to 389).

(Its numbering thus corrected by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer Crimes and Related Offenses, of Title VII of the Criminal Code", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from the former Article 389 to 396)

Spectacles, Entertainments, and Public Establishments

Blackouts 1) On anyone who, unduly, totally or partially turns off public lighting or that of a public place or a place open to the public.

• 2)On anyone who, with shouts, noisy demonstrations, or otherwise, disrupts a meeting, popular festival, or public spectacle.

(Thus reformed by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 384 to 386)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 386 to 388) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 388 to 390).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 390 to 397)

Refusal to receive currency in circulation 1) Anyone who refuses to receive national currency that is legal tender in payment for its value.

Manufacture or circulation of photographs resembling securities 2) Anyone who manufactures, sells, or causes to be circulated printed matter or photographs, photoengravings, and objects resembling bank bills, bonds, interest coupons, stamps, postage stamps, or other security, in such a way as to facilitate confusion.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 385 to 387)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 387 to 389) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 389 to 391).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 391 to 398)

Irregularities with public transportation users

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 386 to 388)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 388 to 390) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 390 to 392).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 392 to 399)

Unauthorized use of public roads a) Anyone who installs notices or signs that, due to similarity, shape, color, and placement, may hinder the reading of official traffic signs, the circulation of vehicles, or the visibility of the roads.

• b)Anyone who places advertisements, signs, or structures with advertising within the right-of-way that affect visibility or road safety and lack the respective permits.
• c)Anyone who uses public roads to conduct sales or lucrative activities, permanent vehicle repair, juggling acts, circus acts, begging, or other activities that obstruct free transit.
• d)Anyone who occupies, without due authorization, urban and suburban public roads to build stages or booths for popular, patron saint, or other festivities.
• e)Anyone who throws objects or substances onto a public road that endanger road safety.

Alteration of official traffic devices and signs a) Anyone who alters, damages, removes without authorization, or makes unauthorized use of official traffic devices and signs.

Omission to place or remove signs a) Anyone who fails to place or removes without authorization the signs or notices ordered by law, regulations, or the authority, to indicate houses or places where there is a risk of collapse or other threat, or to warn persons in a public transit area, or who extinguishes a light placed as a signal.

Nuisances to passersby or drivers a) Anyone who obstructs or, in any way, hinders transit on public roads or their sidewalks with materials, debris, or objects, or crosses them with vehicles, beams, wires, or similar objects, without using the means required by the circumstance to prevent damage or nuisance to passersby or drivers, if they were placed without a license from the competent authority.

Infringement of regulations concerning public roads a) Anyone who infringes the laws or regulations on the opening, conservation, or repair of public transit roads, when the act does not carry a more serious penalty.

(Thus amended by article 246 of the Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, No. 9078 of October 4, 2012)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 387 to 389)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 389 to 391).

(Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 391 to 393).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 393 to 400)

Safety of constructions and buildings

Delay in the repair or demolition of a construction 1) Anyone who omits or delays the repair or demolition of a construction or part thereof that threatens ruin, when obligated to repair or demolish it.

Omission of safety measures in defense of persons 2) The director of the construction or demolition of a work who omits taking adequate safety measures in defense of persons or properties.

Opening of wells posing danger to constructions or neighboring properties 3) Anyone who, with or without authorization, opens wells, excavations, or performs works involving danger to persons or property, without adopting the necessary prevention measures, provided no damage is caused.

Obligation to keep lands clean 4) Anyone who omits fulfilling the obligation to keep lands and buildings of their property in the necessary conditions of safety, ornamentation, and health and, thereby, causes danger to the health, property, and integrity of neighbors or passersby or causes detriment to public ornamentation.

Violation of construction regulations 5) Anyone who violates the construction regulations on public ornamentation and accessibility for all persons.

In the cases provided for in this article, the judge shall order all necessary repairs to be carried out, at the expense of the convicted person.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 388 to 390)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 390 to 392) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 392 to 394).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 394 to 401)

PREVENT DANGERS ARISING FROM MACHINERY AND OTHER OBJECTS

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 389 to 391)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 391 to 393) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 393 to 395).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 395 to 402)

Contravention of fire prevention provisions 1) Anyone who contravenes provisions aimed at preventing fires or preventing their spread.

Violation of pest control rules 2) Anyone who violates the law on the control and extermination of all pests harmful to agriculture, livestock, and poultry farming.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 390 to 392)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 392 to 394) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 378 to 380 394 to 396).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 396 to 403)

Illegal custody of the mentally ill

The same penalty shall be imposed on anyone who, having such persons under their custody, allows them to circulate in public without supervision.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 391 to 393)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 393 to 395) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 395 to 397).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 397 to 404)

Abandonment of animals

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 392 to 394)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 394 to 396) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 396 to 398).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 398 to 405)

Shall be sanctioned with a fine of twenty to fifty days anyone who:

• a)Commits acts of animal mistreatment. Animal mistreatment shall be understood as any conduct that causes unjustified injury to a domestic or domesticated animal.
• b)Abandons domestic animals to fend for themselves.

A domestic animal shall be understood as any animal that, due to its evolutionary and behavioral characteristics, lives with human beings. A domesticated animal shall be understood as any animal that, through human effort, has changed its wild condition.

Organizations duly registered in the Judicial Registry may represent the diffuse interests of the animals affected by the conduct described in this rule.

(Thus added by article 3 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017)

The following activities are excepted from the application of the penalties provided for in article 405 bis of this law:

• a)Fishing and aquaculture activities, regulated by Law No. 7384, Creación del Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura (Incopesca), of March 16, 1994, and Law No. 8436, Ley de Pesca y Acuicultura, of March 1, 2005.
• b)Agricultural or zootechnical or livestock or veterinary activities regulated in accordance with Law No. 8495, Ley General del Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal, of April 6, 2006.
• c)Those for the purposes of improving sanitary or phytosanitary control, marking, reproductive control, or hygiene of the respective animal species.
• d)Those carried out for reasons of mercy.
• e)Those carried out for reasons of protecting crops or productive lands.
• f)Those for research purposes, in accordance with what is regulated in Chapter III of Law No. 7451, Bienestar de los Animales, of November 16, 1994.
• g)Those carried out for the purpose of safeguarding public health and public veterinary health.
• h)Public or private shows with animals, in accordance with current legislation.
• i)Duly accredited professional training of assistance animals for persons with disabilities and that of animals usable for human safety or for combating crime.
• j)Breeding or transport activities, in accordance with current legislation.

(Thus added by article 3 of Law No. 9458 of June 11, 2017)

Environment

Violation of regulations on burning 1) Anyone who violates regulations relating to the cutting or burning of forests, trees, weeds, stubble, or other products of the land, when no other express penalty exists.

Obstruction of irrigation ditches or canals 2) Anyone who throws objects into irrigation ditches or canals that obstruct the course of the water.

Opening or closing of pipe valves 3) Anyone who unduly opens or closes pipe valves, or in any other way not expressly penalized, contravenes existing regulations on waters.

Infringement of hunting and fishing regulations 4) Anyone who, in any way, infringes the laws or regulations on hunting and fishing, provided the infringement is not expressly penalized in another legal provision.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 393 to 395)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 395 to 397).

(Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 397 to 399).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 399 to 406)

Use of illegal substances for fishing

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 394 to 396)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 396 to 398) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 398 to 400).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 400 to 407)

Concealment or removal of unsanitary objects

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 395 to 397).

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 397 to 399).

(Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 399 to 401).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 401 to 408)

Noxious escapes of smoke, steam, or gas

The same sanction shall be imposed on the owners or lessees of all motor vehicles who do not adopt the necessary measures to prevent escapes of carbon monoxide, smoke, and other sources of atmospheric pollution that cause nuisance to the public or harm their health.

(Thus amended by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002).

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 396 to 398)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 398 to 400) (Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 400 to 402).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 402 to 409)

BOOK FOUR Final Provisions

All laws referring to the acts provided for and penalized in this Code are likewise repealed, but only in their punitive provisions, with the exception of those relating to offenses that have a military character by referring to the service and discipline of the army, when the Republic is in a state of war, and also excluding the punishments that the Código Fiscal and its annex laws establish to sanction infractions against the Public Treasury. Any legal or regulatory provision that contradicts or opposes what is prescribed in this Code is also repealed.

Likewise, the Ley de Protección Agrícola number 23 of July 2, 1943, and the provisions of the Código Sanitario that contradict what is prescribed in this Code are repealed.

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 414 to 416)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 416 to 418) (Note from Sinalevi: The numbering of this article was modified by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reforms Book Three of Contraventions, ordering the numbering of the remaining articles to be adjusted, making former article 418 the current article 401).

(Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 401 to 402).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 403 to 410)

(Thus renumbered by Article 9 of the "Ley Reforma Código Familia, Ley Orgánica del Patronato Nacional Infancia, Ley General Migración y Extranjería, Ley Orgánica del TSE y Registro Civil y Código Penal, para regular la adopción de personas", No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which transferred it from former article 415 to 417)

(Thus renumbered by subsection a) of article 185, of the "Ley Reguladora del Mercado de Valores; No.7732 of December 17, 1997, which transferred it from former article 417 to 419) (Note from Sinalevi: The numbering of this article was modified by article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reforms Book Three of Contraventions, ordering the numbering of the remaining articles to be adjusted, making former article 419 article 402).

(Thus renumbered by Article 2 of the "Ley Represión Penal como castigo por los Crímenes de Guerra y de Lesa Humanidad", No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which transferred it from former article 402 to 404).

(Thus renumbered by article 3 of the law "Reforma de la Sección VIII, Delitos Informáticos y Conexos, del Título VII del Código Penal", No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which transferred it from former article 404 to 411)

Payment shall be verified with the corresponding receipt issued by the respective Tesorería Cantonal Escolar.

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 5386 of October 19, 1973)

(Sinalevi Note: Law 5386 of October 19, 1973, provided in its transitional provision that "The sums collected for fine-days and not yet distributed to the Boards of Education must be remitted to the Board for Construction, Installation, and Acquisition of Social Adaptation Assets, to effect the transfer to the corresponding Boards of Education.")

(As its numbering was run by Article No. 9 of "Law Reforming the Family Code, Organic Law of the National Children's Trust, General Migration and Foreigners Law, Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and Penal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons," No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which moved it from former Article 416 to 418)

(As its numbering was run by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law; No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which moved it from former Article 418 to 420) (Sinalevi Note: The numbering of this article was modified by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reforms Book Three on Contraventions, ordering the numbering of the remaining articles to be adjusted, moving Article 420 to become Article 403).

(As its numbering was run by Article No. 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as Punishment for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity," No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which moved it from former Article 403 to 405).

(As its numbering was run by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which moved it from former Article 405 to 412)

(As amended by Article 1 of Law No. 4589 of January 6, 1971)

(As its numbering was run by Article No. 9 of "Law Reforming the Family Code, Organic Law of the National Children's Trust, General Migration and Foreigners Law, Organic Law of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Civil Registry, and Penal Code, to regulate the adoption of persons," No. 7538 of August 22, 1995, which moved it from former Article 417 to 419)

(As its numbering was run by subsection a) of Article 185 of the "Securities Market Regulatory Law; No. 7732 of December 17, 1997, which moved it from former Article 419 to 421)

(Sinalevi Note: The numbering of this article was modified by Article 2 of Law No. 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reforms Book Three on Contraventions, ordering the numbering of the remaining articles to be adjusted, moving Article 421 to become the current Article 404.)

(As its numbering was run by Article No. 2 of the "Law of Criminal Repression as Punishment for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity," No. 8272 of May 2, 2002, which moved it from former Article 404 to the current Article 406).

(As its numbering was run by Article 3 of the law "Reform of Section VIII, Computer-Related and Connected Crimes, of Title VII of the Penal Code," No. 9048 of July 10, 2012, which moved it from former Article 406 to 413)

TRANSITIONAL PROVISION I.- As long as the Criminology Institute is not provided with the necessary economic means to render the reports referred to in Article 17 of the Penal Code, responding to them shall be optional for said Institute. Should it fail to do so within the mandatory 15-day period from the request for the report, the judges shall proceed with the proceedings according to the legal course.

(As added by Article 1 of Law No. 5054 of August 11, 1972)

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, which comprehensively reformed Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, by comprehensively reforming Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, by comprehensively reforming Book Three on Contraventions).

(NOTE: This article was eliminated by Law N° 8250 of May 2, 2002, by comprehensively reforming Book Three on Contraventions).

BOOK FOUR NOTE: See current Article 403.

NOTE: See current Article 404.

See current Article 405.

See current Article 406.

Prohibición de analogía.

No podrá imponerse sanción alguna, mediante aplicación analógica de la ley penal.

Valor supletorio de este Código.

Aplicación en el Espacio Territorialidad.

Para los efectos de esta disposición se entenderá por territorio de la República, además del natural o geográfico, el mar territorial, el espacio aéreo que los cubre y la plataforma continental. Se considerará también territorio nacional las naves y aeronaves costarricenses.

Extraterritorialidad.

Se aplicará también la ley penal costarricense a los hechos punibles cometidos en el extranjero, cuando:

• 1)Atentaren contra la seguridad interior o exterior del Estado, lo mismo contra su economía; y 2) Sean cometidos contra la administración pública, por funcionarios al servicio de ella, sean o no costarricenses.

Posibilidad de incoar proceso por hechos punibles cometidos en el extranjero.

Podrá incoarse proceso por hechos punibles cometidos en el extranjero y en ese caso aplicarse la ley costarricense, cuando:

• 1)Produzcan o puedan producir sus resultados en todo o en parte, en el territorio nacional; 2) Hayan sido cometidos por personas al servicio de Costa Rica y no hubieren sido juzgadas en el lugar de comisión del hecho, en virtud de inmunidad diplomática o funcional; y 3) Se perpetraren contra algún costarricense o sus derechos.
• 4)Hayan sido cometidos por algún costarricense.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo 1°, punto 2., aparte a) de la Ley de Fortalecimiento de la Legislación contra el Terrorismo, N° 8719 de 4 de marzo de 2009).

Aplicación de la Ley penal para actos de terrorismo

En los casos de los delitos tipificados en el inciso 4) del artículo 112, los incisos 7) y 8) del artículo 215, y en los artículos 246, 246 bis, 250 ter, 251, 258, 259, 260, 274, 274 bis, 374, 284 bis de este Código, así como en el artículo 69 bis de la Ley N.º 8204, Reforma integral de la Ley sobre estupefacientes, sustancias psicotrópicas, drogas de uso no autorizado, y actividades conexas, de 26 de diciembre de 2001, y sus reformas, se aplicará la ley penal costarricense con ocasión de esos delitos, a las personas respecto de las cuales no proceda la extradición, de conformidad con las normas vigentes.

Para efectos de extradición, estos delitos no serán considerados delitos políticos ni delitos conexos con un delito político; tampoco, delitos inspirados en motivos políticos.

(Así adicionado por el artículo 1°, punto 2., aparte b) de la Ley de Fortalecimiento de la Legislación contra el Terrorismo, N° 8719 de 4 de marzo de 2009).

Independientemente de las disposiciones vigentes en el lugar de la comisión del hecho punible y la nacionalidad del autor, se penará, conforme a la ley costarricense, a quienes cometan actos de piratería, terrorismo o su financiamiento, o actos de genocidio; falsifiquen monedas, títulos de crédito, billetes de banco y otros efectos al portador; trafiquen, ilícitamente, armas, municiones, explosivos o materiales relacionados; tomen parte en la trata de esclavos, mujeres o niños; cometan delitos sexuales contra personas menores de edad, o se ocupen del tráfico de estupefacientes o de publicaciones obscenas. Asimismo, se penará a quienes cometan los delitos de enriquecimiento ilícito; receptación, legalización o encubrimiento de bienes; legislación o administración en provecho propio; sobreprecio irregular; falsedad en la recepción de bienes y servicios contratados; pago irregular de contratos administrativos; tráfico de influencias; soborno transnacional, e influencia en contra de la Hacienda Pública, contemplados en la Ley N.° 8422, Ley contra la Corrupción y el Enriquecimiento Ilícito en la Función Pública, de 6 de octubre de 2004, y los delitos de cohecho impropio; cohecho propio; corrupción agravada; aceptación de dádivas por un acto cumplido; corrupción de jueces; penalidad del corruptor; negociaciones incompatibles; peculado; malversación; y peculado y malversación de fondos privados contemplados en el presente Código, así como otros hechos punibles contra los derechos humanos y el derecho internacional humanitario, previstos en los tratados suscritos por Costa Rica, en este Código y otras leyes especiales.

(Así reformado por el artículo 38 de la ley sobre la Responsabilidad de las personas jurídicas sobre cohechos domésticos, soborno transnacional y otros delitos, N° 9699 del 10 de junio del 2019)

Cuando pueden ser perseguidos los delitos mencionados anteriormente.

En los contemplados en los artículos 6º y 7º, es necesario que el delincuente esté en el territorio nacional. Además en los casos del artículo 6º, se precederá con la simple querella del ofendido y en los del artículo 7º sólo podrá iniciarse la acción penal, mediante instancia de los órganos competentes.

Sin valor de cosa juzgada la sentencia extranjera en los delitos mencionados anteriormente.

Sentencias extranjeras con valor de cosa juzgada.

La condenatoria en todos los casos la tendrá para determinar los fenómenos de la reincidencia y la habitualidad.

Aplicación en el Tiempo Epoca de vigencia de la ley penal.

Ley posterior a la comisión de un hecho punible.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante circular N° 178-2017 y publicada en el Boletín Judicial N° 45 del 9 de marzo de 2018, se publicó la tabla de conductas por accidentes de tránsito. Ajuste a multas por aplicación de sanción más favorable, artículo 12 Código Penal, misma que se transcribe a continuación:

”) Ley emitida antes del cumplimiento de la condena.

Ley temporal.

Los hechos realizados durante la vigencia de una ley destinada a regir temporalmente, se juzgarán siempre de conformidad con los términos de ésta.

En cuanto a medidas de seguridad.

Aplicación a las Personas Obligatoriedad de la ley penal y excepciones.

• 1)Los jefes de Estado extranjeros que se encuentren en el territorio nacional y los agentes diplomáticos de otros Estados y demás personas que gocen de inmunidad penal, según las convenciones internacionales aceptadas por Costa Rica; y 2) Los funcionarios públicos que conforme a la Constitución Política gocen de inmunidad.

Ley especial para menores.

(Así reformado por el artículo 2° de la ley "Reforma Integral de Ley Orgánica de la Jurisdicción Tutelar de Menores" ley 7383 del 16 de marzo de 1994)

Forma, Tiempo y Lugar del Hecho Punible Forma del hecho punible.

Cuando la ley reprime el hecho en consideración al resultado producido, responderá quien no lo impida si podía hacerlo, de acuerdo con las circunstancias, y si debía jurídicamente evitarlo.

Tiempo del hecho punible.

Lugar del hecho punible.

• a)En el lugar en que se desarrolló, en todo o en parte, la actividad delictuosa de autores o partícipes; y b) En el lugar en que se produjo o debió producirse el resultado.

En los delitos omisivos, el hecho se considera realizado donde hubiere debido tener lugar la acción omitida.

Concurso de Delitos y Concurso Aparente de Normas Concurso ideal.

Concurso material.

Concurso aparente de normas.

Cuándo existe.

No se aplicará la pena correspondiente a la tentativa cuando fuere absolutamente imposible la consumación del delito.

(Texto modificado por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 1588-98 de las 16:27 horas del 10 de marzo de 1998).

Causas de Justificación Cumplimiento de la ley.

(Corregido mediante Fe de Erratas publicada en La Gaceta N° 234 de 24 de noviembre de 1971).

Consentimiento del derechohabiente.

Estado de necesidad.

• a)Que el peligro sea actual o inminente; b) Que no lo haya provocado voluntariamente; y c) Que no sea evitable de otra manera.

Si el titular del bien que se trata de salvar, tiene el deber jurídico de afrontar el riesgo, no se aplicará lo dispuesto en este artículo.

Legítima defensa.

• a)Agresión ilegítima; y b) Necesidad razonable de la defensa empleada para repeler o impedir la agresión.

Se entenderá que concurre esta causal de justificación para aquel que ejecutare actos violentos contra el individuo extraño que, sin derecho alguno y con peligro para los habitantes u ocupantes de la edificación o sus dependencias, se hallare dentro de ellas, cualquiera que sea el daño causado al intruso.

(Así reformado por el artículo 1º de la ley Nº 5743 de 4 de agosto de 1975).

Exceso en la defensa.

No es punible el exceso proveniente de un excitación o turbación que las circunstancias hicieren excusable.

Culpabilidad No hay pena sin culpa.

Significado del dolo.

Preterintención.

Caso fortuito o fuerza mayor.

Error de hecho.

No obstante, si el error proviene de culpa, el hecho se sancionará sólo cuando la ley señale pena para su realización a tal título. Las mismas reglas se aplicarán respecto de quien supone erróneamente la concurrencia de circunstancias que justificarían el hecho realizado.

Error de derecho.

Si el error no fuere invencible, la pena prevista para el hecho podrá ser atenuada, de acuerdo con lo que establece el artículo 79.

Obediencia debida.

• a)Que la orden dimane de autoridad competente para b) Que el agente esté jerárquicamente subordinado a quien c) Que la orden no revista el carácter de una evidente infracción punible.

Pena más grave por consecuencia especial del hecho.

Coacción o amenaza.

Reincidencia Reincidencia y su apreciación.

Tampoco se tomará en cuenta el delito cometido en el extranjero si por su naturaleza no procediere la extradición.

Habitualidad.

No se tomará en cuenta para la declaración de habitualidad los delitos políticos o fiscales.

(Así reformado este artículo mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 796-92 del 24 de marzo de 1992, que aclara resolución No. 88-92 de las 11 horas del 17 de enero de 1992.)

Profesionalidad.

(Así reformado este artículo mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 796-92 del 24 de marzo de 1992, que aclara resolución No. 88-92 de las 11 horas del 17 de enero de 1992.)

Imputabilidad y sus Formas Inimputabilidad.

(Corregido mediante Fe de Erratas publicada en La Gaceta N° 234 de 24 de noviembre de 1971).

Imputabilidad disminuida.

Perturbación provocada.

Autores y Cómplices Autor y coautores.

Instigadores.

Cómplices.

Comienzo y alcance de la responsabilidad de los partícipes.

Si el hecho, fuere más grave del que quisieron realizar, responderán por aquél, quienes lo hubieren aceptado como una consecuencia probable de la acción emprendida.

Comunicabilidad de las circunstancias.

Las relaciones, circunstancias y calidades personales cuyo efecto sea disminuir o excluir la penalidad, no tendrán influencia sino respecto a los partícipes en quienes concurran. Las circunstancias materiales, que agraven o atenúen el hecho solo se tendrán en cuenta respecto de quien, conociéndolas, prestó su concurso.

Clases de penas

Las penas que este Código establece son:

• 1)Principales: prisión, extrañamiento, multa e inhabilitación.
• 2)Accesorias: inhabilitación especial.
• 3)Prestación de servicios de utilidad pública.
• 4)Arresto domiciliario con monitoreo electrónico.
• 5)Tratamiento de drogas bajo supervisión judicial restaurativa.

(Así reformado por el artículo 48 de la Ley de justicia restaurativa, N° 9582 del 2 de julio del 2018)

Prisión y medidas de seguridad.

Su límite máximo es de cincuenta años.

(Así reformado por el artículo 1 de la ley Nº 7389 de 22 de abril de 1994)

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional N° 9877 del 3 de julio de 2015, se dispone la continuidad de los efectos de la reforma a los artículos 51 y 76 del Código Penal, efectuada mediante la Ley N° 7389 de 22 de abril de 1994, todo supeditado a lo que en definitiva resuelva la Sala Constitucional acerca de la conformidad con el Derecho de la Constitución de esas normas.)

Extrañamiento.

Se extiende de seis meses a diez años.

Multa.

La pena de multa obliga a la persona condenada a pagar una suma de dinero a la institución que la ley designe, dentro de los quince días posteriores a la firmeza de la sentencia.

Cuando se imponga la pena de días multa, el juez, en sentencia motivada, fijará en primer término el número de días multa que deberá cubrir la persona condenada, dentro de los límites señalados para cada delito y contravenciones, según la gravedad del hecho, las circunstancias de modo, tiempo y lugar, así como las características propias del autor, directamente relacionadas con la conducta delictiva o contravencional. Esta pena no podrá exceder de trescientos sesenta días multa.

En dicha sentencia, en forma motivada, el juez deberá determinar la suma de dinero correspondiente a cada día multa, conforme a la situación económica de la persona condenada, tomando en cuenta su nivel de vida, todos sus ingresos diarios y los gastos razonables para atender tanto sus necesidades como las de su familia. Cada día multa no podrá exceder de un cincuenta por ciento (50%) del ingreso diario del sentenciado. El fiscal o el juez en su caso, con la colaboración de la Oficina de Trabajo Social del Poder Judicial, debe realizar las indagaciones necesarias para determinar la verdadera situación económica del imputado y sus posibilidades de pago.

(Así reformado por el artículo 4° de la Ley contra el acoso sexual callejero, N° 9877 del 10 de agosto del 2020)

El dinero proveniente de las penas de multa impuestas, derivadas de la comisión de los delitos:

• a)Contra los deberes de la función pública, previstos en el título XV de la Ley 4573, Código Penal, de 4 de mayo de 1970, capítulo V de la Ley 8422, Ley Contra la Corrupción y el Enriquecimiento Ilícito en la Función Pública, de 29 de octubre de 2004; b) establecidos en el título I de la Ley 9699, Ley de Responsabilidad de las Personas Jurídicas sobre Cohechos Domésticos, Soborno Transnacional y otros Delitos, de 10 de junio del 2019.

Serán depositados en una cuenta especial a nombre del Instituto Costarricense sobre Drogas con el fin de realizar una administración, y transferencia, y se destinará de la siguiente manera:

i. Un veinticinco por ciento (25%) de la recaudación total será transferido al Ministerio Público, en específico para la investigación y el combate contra la corrupción.

ii. Un veinte por ciento (20%) de la recaudación total será transferido a la Procuraduría General de la República, Área Procuraduría de Ética Pública, para que sea invertido en su programa de Prevención, Detección y Combate de la Corrupción.

iii. Un treinta por ciento (30%) de la recaudación total será transferido al Organismo de Investigación Judicial, para que sea invertido en partes iguales en secciones especializadas en la investigación de delitos de corrupción, económicos, contables y cibercrimen, para ejercer sus funciones.

iv. Un quince por ciento (15%) de la recaudación total será transferido al Instituto Costarricense sobre Drogas, distribuido ocho por ciento (8%) para la Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera y siete por ciento (7%) para el aseguramiento y el mantenimiento de los bienes decomisados por delitos de corrupción.

v. Un diez por ciento (10%) de la recaudación total será transferido al Centro Judicial de Intervención de las Comunicaciones del Poder Judicial.

Los recursos serán depositados en una cuenta bancaria especial separada a nombre del departamento autorizado por el Instituto Costarricense sobre Drogas, que serán contabilizados y liquidados anualmente por separado para que sean transferidos a las instituciones mencionadas anteriormente.

(Así adicionado por el artículo 11 de la ley "Reformas a leyes en materia de anticorrupción para atender recomendaciones del grupo de trabajo sobre el soborno en las transacciones comerciales internacionales de la Organización para la Cooperación y Desarrollo Económico (OCDE)", N° 10373 del 20 de setiembre del 2023)

Ejecución de la multa.

Estos beneficios podrán ser revocados por incumplimiento en el pago o cuando mejore sensiblemente la condición económica del condenado.

Amortización de la multa.

Para tal efecto, un día de trabajo ordinario equivale a un día multa y cada dos días de trabajo ordinario equivalen a un día de prisión. Las labores de toda índole, que se realicen en el centro de adaptación social y fuera de él computarán en igual forma. El salario respectivo se abonará total o parcialmente para satisfacer la multa impuesta. El interno gozará de los beneficios que el Estado y sus instituciones otorguen a los trabajadores, aunque no existirá relación laboral entre el empleador y el empleado interno.

(Así reformado por el artículo 1º de la ley Nº 7398 de 3 de mayo de 1994)

(Por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 6829-93 del 24 de diciembre de 1993, indicó que el artículo 55 que establece la reducción de la pena no es inconstitucional, pero sí lo es la práctica administrativa de acordarlo en favor de indiciados con la misma amplitud que a los condenados )

Incumplimiento en el pago de la pena de multa

Cuando la persona condenada carezca de capacidad de pago, no pueda cubrir el importe de la pena de multa en cuotas ni pueda procurárselo, el juez dispondrá que cada día multa se convierta en un día de prestación de servicios de utilidad a favor del Estado o de instituciones de bien público.

Cuando se impongan conjuntamente las penas de multa y prisión, a esta última se le adicionará la que corresponda a la multa convertida, en su caso.

(Así reformado por el inciso c) del artículo 1 de la Ley N° 8250 de 2 de mayo del 2002) Prestación de servicios de utilidad pública

La prestación de servicios de utilidad pública consiste en el servicio gratuito con fines comunitarios y socioeducativos que ha de prestar la persona condenada a favor de las instituciones públicas y las asociaciones o fundaciones que conformen la red creada para los efectos del cumplimiento de este artículo. Puede imponerse como pena principal o, en su defecto, como pena sustitutiva a la prisión, cuando se cumplan los requisitos de este artículo.

El Ministerio de Justicia y Paz promoverá la articulación de redes institucionales y con la sociedad civil para garantizar el control, el seguimiento y la disponibilidad de lugares donde se podrán realizar los servicios de utilidad pública. Asimismo, llevará un registro de las entidades autorizadas para tales efectos y lo informará periódicamente al Poder Judicial. En caso de que estas favorezcan el incumplimiento de la pena o dificulten el control de su ejecución, serán excluidas de la red de beneficiarios del servicio de utilidad pública y del registro.

En caso de haber sido impuesta una pena de prisión, y cuando no proceda la ejecución condicional de la pena, el tribunal sentenciador podrá reemplazarla por la prestación de servicios de utilidad pública, cuando se cumplan los siguientes requisitos:

• a)Que la pena de prisión impuesta no sea superior a cinco años.
• b)Que en la comisión del delito no se hayan utilizado armas en sentido propio, a excepción de lo dispuesto en la Ley N.º 7530, Ley de Armas y Explosivos, de 10 de julio de 1995.
• c)Que la comisión del delito no se haya realizado con grave violencia física sobre la víctima.
• d)Que el sentenciado no tenga antecedentes penales por delitos dolosos con pena superior a seis meses.
• e)Que no se trate de delitos tramitados con procedimiento de crimen organizado, delitos contra los deberes de la función pública, delitos sexuales, homicidio doloso o feminicidio.
• f)Que la persona sentenciada tenga la disposición de restaurar el daño causado a la víctima o comunidad, a través del trabajo de utilidad pública para fines socioeducativos o comunitarios, la voluntad de continuar un proyecto de vida al margen del delito y el compromiso de ajustarse a las condiciones que impongan la autoridad judicial y penitenciaria para el cumplimiento.

El servicio se prestará por la cantidad de horas y dentro del plazo que determine el juez de sentencia, considerando el daño causado y las circunstancias personales de la persona condenada. Esta pena no podrá ser superior a mil horas por año.

Corresponderá a la autoridad penitenciaria, a través del programa en comunidad, definir el lugar, el horario y el plan de cumplimiento, sin interferir con la jornada laboral o educativa de la persona condenada. Además, deberá informar trimestralmente, al juzgado de ejecución de la pena, sobre el cumplimiento de la sanción.

En caso de presentar algún incumplimiento, la autoridad penitenciaria lo informará de manera inmediata al juzgado de ejecución de la pena, quien dará audiencia por cinco días a la defensa y al Ministerio Público, y convocará a vista oral. Contra lo resuelto cabrá apelación con efecto suspensivo, en el plazo de cinco días, ante el tribunal sentenciador. El incumplimiento injustificado en la prestación del servicio facultará al juzgado de ejecución de la pena a revocarla, con lo cual el sentenciado deberá cumplir la pena de prisión originalmente impuesta. Para tales efectos, cada ocho horas de prestación de servicio de utilidad pública equivale a un día de prisión.

Para los casos tramitados con el procedimiento de justicia restaurativa, así como la acreditación de las entidades y el seguimiento de la prestación del servicio de utilidad pública, se regirá conforme a lo establecido en la Ley de Justicia Restaurativa.

(Así adicionado el párrafo por el artículo 48 de la Ley de justicia restaurativa, N° 9582 del 2 de julio del 2018)

(Así adicionado por el inciso a) del artículo 3) de la ley N° 8250 de 2 de mayo del 2002).

(Así reformado por el artículo único de la ley N° 9525 del 7 de marzo de 2018)

El tratamiento de drogas bajo supervisión judicial restaurativa consiste en aplicar como pena alternativa un abordaje terapéutico para la atención biopsicosocial de adicciones a drogas y sustancias psicoactivas, una vez que se determine que el delito cometido por el imputado está asociado a un consumo problemático de drogas y/o alcohol, mediante la aplicación del procedimiento restaurativo, cuyo plazo no excederá el monto de la pena principal.

La autoridad jurisdiccional competente deberá ejercer el control de la ejecución de esta pena alternativa. mediante audiencias de verificación, seguimiento según los objetivos establecidos por el equipo terapéutico a cargo, para evaluar avances, recaídas o recomendación de modificación del tratamiento.

En caso de incumplimiento grave e injustificado, la autoridad jurisdiccional revocará la pena alternativa y ordenará el cumplimiento de la pena principal. Para tal efecto, un día de internamiento de tratamiento equivale a un día de prisión y dos días de tratamiento ambulatorio equivale a un día de prisión.

(Así adicionado por el artículo 49 de la Ley de justicia restaurativa, N° 9582 del 2 de julio del 2018)

La inhabilitación absoluta que se extiende de seis meses a doce años, excepto la señalada en el inciso 6) de este artículo, que se extiende de cuatro años a cincuenta años, produce al condenado a lo siguiente:

• 1)Pérdida de empleo, cargo o comisiones públicas que ejerza, inclusive el de elección popular.
• 2)Incapacidad para obtener los cargos, los empleos o las comisiones públicas mencionados.
• 3)Privación de los derechos políticos activos y pasivos.
• 4)Incapacidad para ejercer la profesión, el oficio, el arte o la actividad que desempeñe.
• 5)Incapacidad para ejercer los atributos de la responsabilidad parental, tutela, salvaguarda o administración judicial de bienes.

(Así reformado el inciso anterior por el artículo 2° punto VI) de la ley que aprobó el Código Procesal de Familia, N° 9747 del 23 de octubre de 2019) 6) Incapacidad para ejercer u obtener empleo, cargo, profesión, oficio, arte o actividad que le coloque en una relación de poder frente a una o más personas menores de edad

(Así reformado por el artículo 1° de la ley "Reforma el Código Penal, ley N° 4573, para promover la Protección de la Integridad Sexual y de los Derechos y las Libertades fundamentales de las personas menores de edad"; ley N° 8874 del 24 de setiembre de 2010)

Arresto domiciliario con monitoreo electrónico

Para facilitar la reinserción social de la persona sentenciada, las autoridades de ejecución de la pena promoverán la educación virtual a distancia mediante el uso del internet.

Al dictar sentencia, el juez tendrá la facultad de aplicarla, siempre que concurran los siguientes presupuestos:

• 1)Que la pena impuesta no supere los cuatro años de prisión.

(Así reformado el inciso anterior por el artículo único de la Ley para regular el beneficio del arresto domiciliario con brazalete electrónico, N° 10517 del 26 de agosto del 2024)

• 2)Que no sea por delitos que califiquen como delincuencia organizada, ni delitos sexuales contra personas menores de edad, ni en delitos en que se hayan utilizado armas de fuego, armas contundentes o armas punzocortantes, ni en los delitos contemplados en los artículos 59 y 74 de la Ley 7786, Ley sobre Estupefacientes, Sustancias Psicotrópicas, Drogas de Uso no Autorizado, Actividades Conexas, Legitimación de Capitales y Financiamiento al Terrorismo, del 30 de abril de 1998.

(Así reformado el inciso anterior por el artículo 1° de la Ley para eliminar el beneficio de brazalete electrónico en delitos con armas, N° 10900 del 12 de mayo de 2026)

• 3)Que se trate de un delincuente primario.
• 4)Que de acuerdo con las circunstancias personales del condenado se desprenda razonablemente que no constituya un peligro y que no evadirá el cumplimiento de la pena.

En este caso, a las veinticuatro horas de la firmeza de la sentencia la persona condenada deberá presentarse a la oficina que al efecto defina la Dirección General de Adaptación Social, la que valorará su caso y determinará su ubicación dentro del programa, sus obligaciones, su control y atención técnica de cumplimiento.

(*) El juez competente podrá autorizar salidas restringidas por razones laborales, salud, educación u obligaciones familiares, previo informe rendido por el Instituto Nacional de Criminología, salvo casos de urgencia donde el juez podrá valorar si se otorga o no la salida. La persona juzgadora competente podrá modificar o revocar esta modalidad de cumplimiento de la pena y ordenar el ingreso a prisión, cuando la persona sentenciada:

• a)Incumpla con las condiciones impuestas al momento de otorgarse el monitoreo electrónico.
• b)Altere, dañe o se desprenda del dispositivo.
• c)No reporte a la autoridad respectiva cualquier falla o alteración del dispositivo.
• d)Sea detenido por la comisión de un nuevo hecho delictivo en flagrancia.
• e)Haya sido elevada a juicio en un proceso penal distinto del que fue condenado.
• f)Se le haya impuesto prisión preventiva en otra causa penal.

(*) (Así reformado el párrafo anterior por el artículo único de la Ley para regular el beneficio del arresto domiciliario con brazalete electrónico, N° 10517 del 26 de agosto del 2024)

(Así adicionado por el artículo 9° de la ley N° 9271 del 30 de setiembre de 2014, "Mecanismos electrónicos de seguimiento en materia penal")

Inhabilitación especial

(Así reformado por el artículo 3° de la Ley para mejorar el proceso de control presupuestario, por medio de la corrección de deficiencias normativas y prácticas de la administración pública, N° 10053 del 25 de octubre de 2021)

Condena de Ejecución Condicional.

Casos de aplicación.

Requisitos.

Es condición indispensable para su otorgamiento que se trate de un delincuente primario. El Tribunal otorgará el beneficio cuando de la consideración de estos elementos pueda razonablemente suponerse que el condenado se comportará correctamente sin necesidad de ejecutar la pena. La resolución del Juez será motivada y en todo caso, deberá requerir un informe del Instituto de Criminología en donde se determine, si ese es el caso, el grado de posible rehabilitación del reo.

(Corregido mediante Fe de Erratas publicada en La Gaceta N° 234 de 24 de noviembre de 1971).

Condiciones.

Término.

Revocación.

• 1)Si el condenado no cumple las condiciones impuestas; y 2) Si comete nuevo delito doloso sancionado con prisión mayor de seis meses, durante el período de prueba.

De la Libertad Condicional Quién puede solicitar la libertad condicional.

El Instituto de Criminología podrá también solicitar en cualquier momento la libertad condicional, si el Juez hubiere denegado el beneficio cuando el reo lo solicitó y al efecto acompañará los documentos a que este artículo se refiere.

En el caso de aquellas personas que sean condenadas por primera vez a pena de prisión por los delitos contemplados en los artículos 1 1 1, 1 12, 156, 157, 161, 162, 172, 212, inciso 3, 213, 215, 382, 384 bis, 384 ter, 385 y 386 de este Código, todo sentenciado a pena de prisión podrá solicitar al juez competente y este, facultativamente, podrá conceder la libertad condicional, cuando haya cumplido, efectivamente, las dos terceras partes de la pena impuesta en sentencia ejecutoria.

(Así adicionado el párrafo anterior por el artículo único de la ley N° 10442 del 7 de febrero de 2024, “Reforma del cumplimiento de la pena para obtención del beneficio de libertad condicional”)

De igual forma, este beneficio estará sometido a la limitación aquí impuesta en aquellos delitos dispuestos en los artículos 21 y 21 bis de la Ley 8589, Penalización de la Violencia contra las Mujeres, de 25 de abril de 2007; el artículo 13 de la Ley 8754, Ley contra la Delincuencia Organizada, de 22 de julio de 2009, y en la Ley 7786, Ley sobre Estupefacientes, Sustancias Psicotrópicas, Drogas de Uso no Autorizado, Actividades Conexas, Legitimación de Capitales y Financiamiento al Terrorismo, de 30 de abril de 1998, cuando las conductas tipificadas involucren actividades de terrorismo, financiamiento del terrorismo o legitimación de capitales, o hayan sido cometidas con violencia contra las personas o con el uso de armas o por personas que ejerzan dirección o autoridad o tengan un rol de participación significativo dentro de una organización criminal.

(Así adicionado el párrafo anterior por el artículo único de la ley N° 10442 del 7 de febrero de 2024, “Reforma del cumplimiento de la pena para obtención del beneficio de libertad condicional”)

Requisitos.

• 1)Que el solicitante no haya sido condenado anteriormente por delito común sancionado con pena mayor de seis meses; y 2) Que el Instituto de Criminología informe sobre la buena conducta, servicios prestados, ocupación y oficios adquiridos por el condenado que le permitan una vida regular de trabajo lícito; y acompañe un estudio de su personalidad, de su medio social, así como un dictamen favorable sobre la conveniencia de la medida.

Condiciones.

Asimismo, el juez, por solicitud de la persona condenada, de la defensa o del Ministerio Público, podrá ordenar entre las condiciones la localización permanente con mecanismo electrónico.

(Así reformado por el artículo 4° de la ley N° 9271 del 30 de setiembre de 2014, "Mecanismos electrónicos de seguimiento en materia penal")

Revocación.

• 1)Si el liberado no cumple con las condiciones fijadas por el Juez; y 2) Si el liberado comete, en el período de prueba, que no podrá exceder del que le falta para cumplir la pena, un nuevo hecho punible sancionado con prisión mayor de seis meses.
• 3)Si el liberado es aprehendido o detenido por cualquier autoridad policial administrativa o judicial en flagrancia o durante el curso de una investigación judicial, la autoridad policial que ejecute la aprehensión o la detención debe poner, en forma inmediata, en conocimiento del Ministerio Público y de la autoridad de Ejecución de la Pena competente, que concedió el beneficio, el hecho de la aprehensión o detención. Teniendo conocimiento el juez de esta situación, ordenará la suspensión provisional de la libertad condicional y remitirá a esa persona al centro penitenciario donde se encontraba recluido, con el fin de que, en un plazo no mayor a un mes, dicha persona sea valorada por el Instituto Nacional de Criminología para que emita un dictamen donde se indique si existe alguna variación en el criterio bajo el cual se le concedió el beneficio. Una vez recibido este dictamen, si se determina un cambio en las condiciones bajo las cuales se otorgó el beneficio, por parte del Instituto Nacional de Criminología, el juez de ejecución de la pena revocará, de manera inmediata y definitiva, el beneficio de libertad condicional.

El Poder Judicial deberá disponer de una base de datos que comprenda un listado de todas las personas condenadas que gozan del beneficio de libertad condicional, la que debe actualizarse de forma diaria. Dicha plataforma debe garantizar que las autoridades policiales administrativas y judiciales competentes, tanto del Poder Judicial como del Ministerio de Justicia y Paz, tengan acceso inmediato y actualizado de esta.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo único de la Ley para revocar o modificar el beneficio de libertad condicional al condenado que sea arrestado en el disfrute del beneficio, N° 10450 del 19 de marzo de 2024)

Efectos de la revocatoria y del cumplimiento del plazo.

Transcurrido el término de la condena de ejecución condicional o del tanto por descontar en el caso de la libertad condicional sin que hayan sido revocadas, la pena quedará extinguida en su totalidad.

Conmutación Caso en que puede aplicarse.

Rehabilitación Cuándo se puede o no conceder rehabilitación.

El reincidente, el habitual o el profesional, no podrá ser rehabilitado sino seis años después de extinguida la pena o la medida de seguridad. Para que se pueda conceder la rehabilitación es necesario que quien la solicite haya observado buena conducta y satisfecho la responsabilidad civil, salvo que justifique la imposibilidad de hacerlo. En todo caso el Juez pedirá un informe al Instituto de Criminología sobre el comportamiento del solicitante. La rehabilitación quedará revocada por la comisión de un nuevo delito.

Fijación de las Penas Modo de Fijación.

Para apreciarlos se tomará en cuenta:

• a)Los aspectos subjetivos y objetivos del hecho punible.
• b)La importancia de la lesión o del peligro.
• c)Las circunstancias de modo, tiempo y lugar.
• d)La calidad de los motivos determinantes.
• e)Las demás condiciones personales del sujeto activo o de la víctima en la medida en que hayan influido en la comisión del delito.
• f)La conducta del agente posterior al delito.
• g)Que la persona sentenciada sea una mujer que se encuentre en estado de vulnerabilidad, por pobreza, por tener bajo su responsabilidad el cuido y la manutención de familiares dependientes, por discapacidad o por ser víctima de violencia de género, cuando ese estado haya influido en la comisión del hecho punible.

Las características, psicológicas y sociales, lo mismo que las referencias a educación y antecedentes, serán solicitadas al Instituto de Criminología, el cual podrá incluir en su informe cualquier otro aspecto que pueda ser de interés para mejor información del juez.

Cuando se trate de delitos dolosos en donde intervenga una persona adulta, cualquiera que sea su tipo de participación y en donde, para la ejecución del hecho ilícito, aquella haya involucrado a personas menores de edad y tal aspecto sea de conocimiento del autor o partícipe, el tribunal fijará la sanción de este partiendo del extremo mínimo abstracto del tipo penal más un tercio. En estos casos, no podrá disminuirse la sanción por complicidad o tentativa.

(Así reformado por el artículo único de la Ley N° 10544 del 9 de octubre del 2024, Ley para agravar la penalidad del autor, instigador y cómplice que participen personas menores de edad en la comisión de hechos delictivos)

Concurrencia de atenuantes y agravantes.

Cuando concurra alguna de las circunstancias previstas en el inciso g) del artículo anterior y la mujer sentenciada no tenga antecedentes penales, el tribunal de juicio podrá disminuir la sanción, incluso por debajo del monto mínimo previsto en el tipo penal.

(Así reformado por el artículo 2° de la ley N° 9628 del 19 de noviembre del 2018)

Penalidad del delito y de la tentativa.

La tentativa será reprimida con la pena prevista para el delito consumado disminuida o no a juicio del Juez. No es punible la tentativa cuando se tratare de contravenciones.

Penalidad del autor, instigador y cómplice.

Al cómplice le será impuesta la pena prevista para el delito, pero ésta podrá ser rebajada discrecionalmente por el Juez, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el artículo 71 y grado de participación.

Penalidad del concurso ideal.

Penalidad del concurso material.

El Juez podrá aplicar la pena que corresponda a cada hecho punible, siempre que esto fuere más favorable al reo.

(Así reformado por el artículo 2 de la ley Nº 7389 de 22 de abril de 1994)

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional N° 9877 del 3 de julio de 2015, se dispone la continuidad de los efectos de la reforma a los artículos 51 y 76 del Código Penal, efectuada mediante la Ley N° 7389 de 22 de abril de 1994, todo supeditado a lo que en definitiva resuelva la Sala Constitucional acerca de la conformidad con el Derecho de la Constitución de esas normas.)

Penalidad del delito continuado.

Pena aplicable a los reincidentes

Las faltas o contravenciones cuya sanción consista en pena de prisión se juzgarán, al igual que el resto de los delitos, respetando las garantías y principios rectores del debido proceso.

(Así reformado por el inciso d) del artículo 1 de la Ley N° 8250 de 2 de mayo del 2002) Error de derecho no invencible y exceso en las causas de justificación.

Causas que extinguen la acción penal y la pena.

Delitos de acción privada

(Nota de Sinalevi: El artículo 51 de la Ley General sobre el Sida; No.7771 de 29 de abril de 1998 adiciona un inciso d) al presente artículo, en el que indica que los delitos contemplados en dicha Ley son de acción pública y perseguibles sólo a instancia privada. Este tema se regula actualmente en el artículo 18 del Código Procesal Penal No.7594 de 10 de abril de 1996. Esta ley afectante No.7771 fue modificada íntegramente por la ley No.9797 de 02 de diciembre de 2019, dejando a la ley original con sólo cincuenta artículos y sin incluir la presente reforma).

Prescripción de la acción penal

Reglas generales

Prescripción de la pena.

• 1)En un tiempo igual al de la condena, más un tercio, sin que pueda exceder de veinticinco años ni bajar de tres, si fuere prisión, extrañamiento o interdicción de derechos; 2) En tres años, tratándose de días multa impuesta como consecuencia de los delitos; y 3) En un año si se tratare de contravenciones.

Prescripción de penas de diferentes clases.

Momento a partir del cual corre la prescripción.

Interrupción de la prescripción en curso.

Declaración de oficio y prescripción separada de la pena en caso de varios delitos.

Amnistía.

Indulto.

El indulto sólo podrá ser concedido por el Consejo de Gobierno, el cual previamente a resolver, oirá el criterio de Instituto de Criminología. Consultará también a la Corte Suprema de Justicia, únicamente, cuando la solicitud del indulto se fundamente en una crítica a la sentencia judicial. Dichos organismos deberán pronunciarse en un término no mayor de treinta días naturales, y si no contestaren dentro de ese término, el Consejo de Gobierno podrá resolver lo que corresponda.

(Así reformado por el artículo 1º de la ley No. 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982).

Recomendación judicial de indulto.

Matrimonio del procesado o condenado con la ofendida.

8590 de 18 de julio de 2007).

Perdón Judicial.

• 1)A quien siendo responsable de falso testimonio se retracte de su dicho y manifieste la verdad a tiempo para que ella pueda ser apreciada en sentencia; 2) A quien mediante denuncia dirigida o declaración prestada se inculpa a sí mismo de un delito doloso que no ha cometido para salvar a su ascendiente, descendiente, cónyuge, hermano, bienhechor, o a su concubinario o manceba con quien haya tenido vida marital por lo menos durante dos años continuos inmediatamente antes de la comisión del hecho; 3) A quien haya incurrido en los delitos de encubrimiento, hurto, robo con fuerza en las cosas, estafa, daños o lesiones leves, cuando lo solicite el ofendido que tenga los mismos lazos de parentesco o relación con el reo a que se refiere el inciso anterior; 4) A quien haya causado un aborto para salvar el honor propio o lo haya producido con ese fin a una ascendiente o descendiente por consanguinidad o hermana; 5) A la mujer que hubiere causado su propio aborto si el embarazo ha sido consecuencia de una violación; 6) A quienes en caso de homicidio piadoso, se compruebe que accedieron a reiterados requerimientos de la víctima y el propósito además fue el de acelerar una muerte inevitable; 7) (Derogado mediante el artículo 3° de la ley N° 8590 del 18 de julio del 2007).
• 8)(Derogado mediante el artículo 3° de la ley N° 8590 del 18 de julio del 2007).
• 9)A quien por móviles de piedad haya declarado ante el Registro Civil como su hijo a una persona que no lo es o hubiere usurpado el estado civil de otro o por un acto cualquiera lo hiciere incierto, lo alterare o suprimiere; 10) A los autores de contravenciones, previa amonestación por parte de la autoridad juzgadora; y 11) A quien injuriare a otro si la injuria fuere provocada o a quien se retracte de su dicho injurioso antes de contestar la querella o en el momento que la contesta. A quienes se injuriaren recíprocamente. No procede el perdón judicial cuando la injuria conlleva una imputación a un funcionario público, con motivo de sus funciones.
• 12)A quien fuera sindicado por el Ministerio Público como autor en el tráfico de las sustancias o drogas reguladas por la Ley de Psicotrópicos, Drogas de Uso no Autorizado y Actividades Conexas, Nº 7093 que diera información correcta, la cual permitiera el descubrimiento del delito y sus autores, más allá de su participación en él o también cuando pusiera, espontáneamente, en conocimiento de la autoridad, lo que él supiera sobre la comisión de los delitos mencionados anteriormente y lo hiciera con tiempo suficiente para impedir la comisión de éstos.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo 2º de la ley Nº 7233 de 8 de mayo 1991).

El perdón no puede ser condicional ni a término.

En todo caso, para su otorgamiento, los jueces requerirán un informe del Instituto de Criminología. Los beneficios que indica este título no afectan la responsabilidad civil ni el comiso.

La extinción de la acción penal y de la pena no producirá efectos con respecto a la obligación de reparar el daño causado, ni impedirá el decomiso de los instrumentos del delito.

Principios de legalidad.

Aplicación obligatoria.

• 1)Cuando el autor de un delito haya sido declarado inimputable o tuviere disminuida su imputabilidad;

(Interpretado este inciso por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 322 del febrero de 1992, en el sentido de que la imposición de una medida de seguridad por un Alcalde, fundamentándose en este inciso, resulta inconstitucional conforme a lo dispuesto en el artículo 39 de la Constitución Política.)

• 2)Cuando por causa de enfermedad mental se interrumpe la ejecución de la pena que le fue impuesta; 3) (Anulado este inciso mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 88-92 del 17 de enero de 1992.)
• 4)(Anulado este inciso mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 88-92 del 17 de enero de 1992.)
• 5)(Anulado este inciso mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 1588-98 del 10 de marzo de 1998.)
• 6)Cuando la toxicomanía o el alcoholismo son habituales y han determinado la conducta delictiva del reo; y

(La Sala Constitucional, mediante resolución N° 010404 del 31 de julio de 2013, anuló del inciso anterior "únicamente en cuanto incorporan como supuestos para la imposición de medidas de seguridad, la prostitución y el homosexualismo.", términos presentes en su anterior redacción)

• 7)En los demás casos expresamente señalados en este Código.

Aplicación de medidas de seguridad a mayores de 17 y menores de 21 años

Duración, no extinguibilidad por amnistía o indulto, ni suspensión pero posibilidad de que se reanuden las medidas de seguridad.

Cada dos años el Tribunal se pronunciará sobre el mantenimiento, la modificación o la cesación de la medida de seguridad impuesta, sin perjuicio de hacerlo en cualquier momento, mediante informes del Instituto de Criminología Las medidas de seguridad no se extinguen por amnistía ni por indulto.

Tampoco pueden suspenderse condicionalmente. El quebrantamiento de una medida de seguridad, implica la posibilidad de que se reanude el tratamiento a que estaba sometido el sujeto.

(Así reformado este artículo por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 88-92 del 17 de enero de 1992).

Clases.

1.-El ingreso en un hospital psiquiátrico.

2.- El ingreso en un establecimiento de tratamiento especial educativo.

3.- Someterse a un tratamiento psiquiátrico.

(Así reformado por el artículo 69 (actual 82) de la Ley sobre Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad Nº 7600 de 2 de mayo de 1996)

Aplicación.

• a)En servicios psiquiátricos idóneos o establecimientos de tratamiento especial educativo, se internarán los enfermos mentales, toxicómanos habituales, alcohólicos y sujetos de imputabilidad disminuida que hayan intentado suicidarse.

(Así reformado el inciso anterior por el artículo 69 (actual 82) de la Ley sobre Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad; N°. 7600 de 2 de mayo de 1996)

• b)Anulado.

( La Sala Constitucional mediante resolución N°1588-98 del 10 de marzo de 1998, declaró inconstitucional el inciso anterior de este artículo, el cual según reforma efectuada por resolución N° 88-92 del 17 de enero de 1992, disponía textualmente así: "A colonias agrícolas, o establecimientos de trabajo en donde estarán sometidos a un régimen especial, se destinarán los autores de delito imposible;")

• c)La libertad vigilada se ordenará en los casos de condena de ejecución condicional, así como en los casos en que se suspende otra medida de seguridad y el Juez ordene aplicarla por un tiempo prudencial.

El Instituto de Criminología informará periódicamente al Juez sobre la conducta de las personas sometidas a libertad vigilada;

(Así reformado el párrafo primero de este inciso por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 88-92 de las 11 horas del 17 de enero de 1992)

• d)(Anulado este inciso por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 88-92 del 17 de enero de 1992) e) La prohibición de frecuentar determinados lugares es medida de prevención especial y se impondrá al condenado por delito cometido bajo la influencia del alcohol o de drogas enervantes.

(La Sala Constitucional, mediante resolución N° 010404 del 31 de julio de 2013, anuló del inciso anterior "únicamente en cuanto incorporan como supuestos para la imposición de medidas de seguridad, la prostitución y el homosexualismo.", términos presentes en su anterior redacción)

Qué efectos comprende.

• 1)La restitución de las cosas o en su defecto el pago del respectivo valor; 2) La reparación de todo daño; y la indemnización de los perjuicios causados tanto al ofendido como a terceros; y 3) El comiso.

a. Por cualquiera de los hechos tipificados en los artículos 58, 59, 60 y 61 de la Ley 7935, Ley Integral para la Persona Adulta Mayor, de 25 de octubre de 1999; b. la que condene por el delito de abandono de persona adulta mayor en estado de vulnerabilidad, conforme al artículo 142 bis de este Código y; c. la que condene por violencia en cualquiera de sus diferentes manifestaciones, cuando esta sea una persona adulta mayor .

(Así adicionado por el artículo 3° de la Ley para la aplicación de las sanciones civiles de indignidad para heredar e ingratitud para recibir por donación de bienes, N° 10455 del 19 de marzo del 2024)

Responsabilidad civil del inimputable.

La misma regla se aplicará en el caso de los semi-inimputables.

Reparación dismunuida por culpa de la víctima.

Solidaridad de los partícipes.

Están igualmente obligados solidariamente con los autores del hecho punible, al pago de los daños y perjuicios:

• 1)Las personas naturales o jurídicas dueñas de empresas de transporte terrestre, marítimo o aéreo de personas o de cosas; 2) Las personas jurídicas cuyos gerentes, administradores o personeros legales, resulten responsables de los hechos punibles; 3) Las personas naturales o jurídicas dueñas de establecimientos de cualquier naturaleza, en que se cometiere un hecho punible por parte de sus administradores, dependientes y demás trabajadores a su servicio; 4) Los que por título lucrativo participaren de los efectos del hecho punible, en el monto en que se hubieren beneficiado; y 5) Los que señalen leyes especiales.
• 6)Las organizaciones y asociaciones comunitarias, deportivas, religiosas y sociales, así como las personas jurídicas cuyos personeros, ministros religiosos u otras autoridades cometan un delito sexual punible en perjuicio de persona menor de edad o de una persona con discapacidad, entendida como aquella que tiene deficiencias físicas, limitaciones mentales, intelectuales o sensoriales a largo plazo, cuando la condición clerical o de poder de aquellos haya facilitado la preparación, el intento, la consumación o el ocultamiento del hecho ilícito y se demuestre que, teniendo conocimiento del hecho punible, incumplieron con la obligación de denunciar, prevista en el inciso d) del artículo 281 de la Ley 7594, Código Procesal Penal, de 10 de abril de 1996.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo 1° de la Ley contra el silencia en delitos sexuales en perjuicio de la niñez y personas con discapacidad, responsabilidad civil solidaria, deber de denuncia y garantía de cumplimiento de protocolos de investigación, N° 10813 del 16 de noviembre del 2025)

El Estado, las Instituciones Públicas, autónomas o semi-autónomas y las municipalidades, responderán subsidiariamente del pago de los daños y perjuicios derivados de los hechos punibles cometidos por sus funcionarios con motivo del desempeño de sus cargos.

Transmisión de la reparación civil.

Reparación civil en caso de que prospere un recurso de revisión en favor del reo, éste haya sufrido una prisión preventiva prolongada y fuere declarado inocente.

El Estado en forma subsidiara y los acusadores o denunciantes particulares, estarán igualmente obligados, cuando en virtud de recurso de revisión fuere declarada la inocencia del reo o cuando éste obtuviere sentencia absolutoria después de haber sufrido prisión preventiva.

(Texto modificado por resolución de la Sala Constitucional Nº 5027-97 del 27 de agosto de 1997).

También responderán civilmente las autoridades judiciales o las administrativas en su caso, sin perjuicio de la acción penal, cuando a pesar de los reclamos del reo, prolongaren la pena de prisión, si hecha la liquidación según las reglas establecidas para su abono, se ha cumplido ésta.

Extinción de la reparación civil y efectos civiles de la sentencia condenatoria extranjera.

Con excepción de lo dispuesto en el artículo 9º de este Código, la sentencia condenatoria dictada por Tribunales extranjeros producirá en Costa Rica todos sus efectos civiles, los que se regirán por la ley nacional.

Comiso.

El delito produce la pérdida en favor del Estado de los instrumentos con que se cometió y de las cosas o los valores provenientes de su realización, o que constituyan para el agente un provecho derivado del mismo delito, salvo el derecho que sobre ellos tengan el ofendido o terceros.

Se excluyen de esta previsión los vehículos involucrados en la comisión de los hechos tipificados en el artículo 254 bis(*) del Código Penal.

(Así reformado por el artículo 246 de la ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, N° 9078 del 4 de octubre de 2012)

(*) (Nota de Sinalevi: De acuerdo con la reforma efectuada por la Ley sobre delitos informáticos y conexos, N° 9048 del 10 de julio de 2012, la cual corrió la numeración de los artículos del Código Penal, el numeral 254 bis, que castiga la conducción temeraria, corresponde ahora el 261 bis)

Libro Segundo De los Delitos

Homicidio Homicidio simple

(Así reformado por el artículo 1 de la ley Nº 7398 de 3 de mayo de 1994)

Homicidio calificado

• 1)A su ascendiente, descendiente o cónyuge, hermanos consanguíneos, a su manceba o concubinario, si han procreado uno o más hijos en común y han llevado vida marital, por lo menos durante los dos años anteriores a la perpetración del hecho.
• 2)A uno de los miembros de los Supremos Poderes y con motivo de sus funciones.
• 3)A una persona menor de doce años de edad.
• 4)A una persona internacionalmente protegida, de conformidad con la definición establecida en la Ley N. º 6077, Convención sobre la prevención y el castigo de delitos contra las personas internacionalmente protegidas, inclusive agentes diplomáticos, de 11 de agosto de 1977, y otras disposiciones del Derecho internacional.
• 5)Con alevosía o ensañamiento.
• 6)Por medio de veneno suministrado insidiosamente.
• 7)Por un medio idóneo para crear un peligro común.
• 8)Para preparar, facilitar, consumar u ocultar otro delito o para asegurar sus resultados o procurar, para sí o para otro, la impunidad o por no haber logrado el fin propuesto al intentar otro delito.
• 9)Por precio o promesa remuneratoria.
• 10)A un miembro de los cuerpos policiales del Estado, municipal y de las demás fuerzas de policía públicas, cuya competencia esté prevista por ley, siempre que sea en ejercicio, por causa o en razón de sus funciones.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo 1° de la Ley "Calificación de los delitos cometidos contra la integridad y vida de los policías en el ejercicio de sus funciones"; ley N° 8977 del 3 de agosto del 2011)

• 11)A una persona por motives de odio a causa de su pertenencia a un grupo etario, racial, étnico, religioso, de su nacionalidad, opinión política, situación migratoria, orientación sexual, identidad o expresión de género, discapacidad o características genéticas.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo único de la ley N° 10175 del 25 de abril de 2022)

(Así reformado por el artículo 1°, punto 1., aparte a) de la Ley de Fortalecimiento de la Legislación contra el Terrorismo, N° 8719 de 4 de marzo de 2009)

. Se impondrá pena de prisión de veinte a cuarenta años a quien, en razón de la pertenencia o participación en una organización criminal, cause la muerte de otra persona por encargo, acuerdo, remuneración económica o promesa remuneratoria.

(Así adicionado por el artículo único de la Ley contra el Sicariato en Costa Rica, N° 10841 del 22 de enero del 2026)

Homicidios especialmente atenuados.

• 1)A quien haya dado muerte a una persona hallándose el agente en estado de emoción violenta que las circunstancias hicieren excusable. El máximo de la pena podrá ser aumentado por el Juez sin que pueda exceder de diez años si la víctima fuere una de las comprendidas en el inciso primero del artículo anterior; 2) El que con la intención de lesionar causare la muerte de otro; y 3) A la madre de buena fama que para ocultar su deshonra diere muerte a su hijo dentro de los tres días siguientes a su nacimiento.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 1º de la ley N° 5061 de 23 de agosto de 1972, se interpretó el presente artículo en el sentido de que:". la pena señalada es la de prisión").

Tentativa de suicidio

Instigación o ayuda al suicidio

Si el suicidio no ocurre, pero su intento produce lesiones graves, la pena será de seis meses a tres años.

Homicidio por piedad

Homicidio culposo

Se impondrá prisión de seis meses a ocho años a quien por culpa mate a otro. En la adecuación de la pena al responsable, el tribunal deberá tomar en cuenta el grado de culpa y el número de víctimas, así como la magnitud de los daños causados. En todo caso, al autor del homicidio culposo también se le impondrá inhabilitación de uno a cinco años para el ejercicio de la profesión, el oficio, el arte o la actividad en la que se produjo el hecho.

Se impondrá pena de prisión de un año a diez años e inhabilitación para la conducción de todo tipo de vehículos, por un período de tres a siete años a quien, por culpa y por medio de un vehículo automotor, haya dado muerte a una persona, encontrándose el autor bajo las conductas categoría A de la Ley de Tránsito por las Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, o bajo la influencia de bebidas alcohólicas, con una concentración de alcohol en sangre superior a cero coma setenta y cinco gramos (0,75 g) por cada litro de sangre o con una concentración de alcohol en aire superior a cero coma treinta y ocho miligramos (0,38 mg) por litro.

Igual pena se aplicará en los casos en que el autor del hecho sea un conductor profesional o un conductor cuya licencia de conducir haya sido expedida por primera vez en un plazo inferior a tres años, respecto del día en que se detectó la presencia del alcohol, cuando la concentración de alcohol en sangre sea superior a cero coma cincuenta gramos (0,50 g) de alcohol por cada litro de sangre o cuando la concentración de alcohol en aire sea superior a cero coma veinticinco miligramos (0,25 mg) por litro, o bien, en los casos en que el autor del hecho se encuentre bajo la influencia de drogas tóxicas, estupefacientes, sustancias psicotrópicas u otras sustancias que produzcan estados de alteración y efectos enervantes o depresivos análogos, de acuerdo con las definiciones, los alcances y las características que haya establecido el Ministerio de Salud.

Cuando se trate de un conductor reincidente de alguna de las conductas señaladas en los párrafos anteriores, el mínimo de la pena de inhabilitación para la conducción de todo tipo de vehículos será de cinco años y el máximo podrá ser hasta de nueve años.

Cuando se imponga una pena de prisión de tres años o menos, el tribunal podrá sustituir la pena privativa de libertad por una multa pecuniaria la cual no podrá ser menor de un salario base, ni mayor de tres salarios base mensual, correspondiente al "Auxiliar Administrativo Uno", que aparece en la Relación de Puestos del Poder Judicial, de conformidad con la ley de presupuesto ordinario de la República, aprobada en el mes de noviembre anterior a la fecha en que se cometa la infracción de tránsito asociado a una medida alternativa de prestación de servicio de utilidad pública, que podrá ser de trescientas ochenta horas a mil ochocientas horas de servicio, en los lugares y la forma que disponga la autoridad jurisdiccional competente.

(Así reformado por el artículo 246 de la ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, N° 9078 del 4 de octubre de 2012)

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 6° de la Ley para mejorar la eficacia de la legislación en materia de control de alcohol y drogas en la conducción, N° 10860 del 27 de febrero de 2026, se reformará este numeral De conformidad con el Transitorio III de la ley antes mencionada la misma empezará a regir doce meses después de su publicación, es decir el 28 de marzo de 2027, por lo que a partir de esa fecha el texto de este numeral se leerá de la siguiente manera: "Homicidio culposo

En la adecuación de la pena al responsable, el Tribunal deberá tomar en cuenta el grado de culpa y el número de víctimas, así como la magnitud de los daños causados. En todo caso, al autor del homicidio culposo también se le impondrá inhabilitación de uno a cinco años para el ejercicio de la profesión, el oficio, el arte o la actividad en la que se produjo el hecho.

Se impondrá pena de prisión de un año a diez años e inhabilitación para la conducción de todo tipo de vehículos, por un período de tres a siete años a quien, por culpa y por medio de un vehículo automotor, haya dado muerte a una persona, encontrándose el autor bajo las conductas categoría A de la Ley 9078, Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, del 4 de octubre de 2012, o con presencia de alcohol, con una concentración en sangre superior a cero coma setenta y cinco gramos (0,75 g) por cada litro de sangre o con una concentración de alcohol en aire superior a cero coma treinta y ocho miligramos (0,38 mg) por litro, dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente; o bien, en los casos en que, bajo prueba confirmatoria, el autor del hecho se encuentre bajo los efectos de drogas ilícitas o sus metabolitos psicoactivos, dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente. Se excluyen aquellas sustancias que se utilicen bajo prescripción médica.

Igual pena se aplicará en los casos en que el autor del hecho sea un conductor profesional o un conductor cuya licencia de conducir haya sido expedida por primera vez en un plazo inferior a tres años, respecto del día en que se detectó la presencia del alcohol, cuando la concentración en sangre sea superior a cero coma cincuenta gramos (0,50 g) de alcohol por cada litro de sangre o cuando la concentración de alcohol en aire sea superior a cero coma veinticinco miligramos (0,25 mg) por litro, así como en los casos en que, bajo prueba confirmatoria, el autor del hecho se encuentre bajo los efectos de drogas ilícitas o sus metabolitos psicoactivos, dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente. Se excluyen aquellas sustancias que se utilicen bajo prescripción médica.

Cuando se trate de un conductor reincidente de alguna de las conductas señaladas en los párrafos anteriores, el mínimo de la pena de inhabilitación para la conducción de todo tipo de vehículos será de cinco años y el máximo podrá ser de hasta nueve años.

Cuando se imponga una pena de prisión de tres años o menos, el tribunal podrá sustituir la pena privativa de libertad por una multa pecuniaria. La multa pecuniaria no podrá ser menor que un salario base, ni mayor que tres salarios base mensual, correspondiente al "auxiliar administrativo 1 ", que aparece en la relación de puestos del Poder Judicial, de conformidad con la ley de presupuesto ordinario de la República, aprobada en el mes de noviembre inmediato, anterior a la fecha en que se cometa la infracción de tránsito asociado a una medida alternativa de prestación de servicio de utilidad pública, que podrá ser de trescientas ochenta horas a mil ochocientas horas de servicio, en los lugares y la forma que disponga la autoridad jurisdiccional competente.

")

Aborto Aborto con o sin consentimiento.

• 1)Con prisión de tres a diez años, si obrare sin consentimiento de la mujer o si ésta fuere menor de quince años. Esa pena será de dos a ocho años, si el feto(*) había alcanzado seis meses de vida intrauterina; (*) (Nota de Sinalevi: En la redacción de este inciso es evidente la falta del adverbio de negación "no" para darle sentido a su objetivo. De la forma como aparece en el texto original carece de lógica, pues la pena es menor por un hecho más grave. Obsérvese que el inciso posterior sí contiene el adverbio indicado).
• 2)Con prisión de uno a tres años, si obrare con consentimiento de la mujer. Esa pena será de seis meses a dos años, si el feto no había alcanzado seis meses de vida intrauterina. En los casos anteriores se elevará la respectiva pena, si del hecho resultare la muerte de la mujer.

Aborto procurado.

Esa pena será de seis meses a dos años, si el feto no había alcanzado seis meses de vida intrauterina.

Aborto honoris causa.

Aborto impune.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante decreto ejecutivo N° 42113 del 12 de diciembre de 2019, se Oficializa la Norma Técnica para el Procedimiento Médico Vinculado con el artículo 121 del Código Penal, la misma puede ser consulta en la base de datos del Sistema Nacional de Legislación Vigente o en el siguiente link)

Aborto culposo

Lesiones gravísimas.

(Así reformado por el artículo 69 (actual 82) de la Ley sobre Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad; Nº 7600 de 2 de mayo de 1996)

Tortura

(Así adicionado por el artículo único de la Ley N° 8189 de 18 de diciembre de 2001).

Lesiones graves

Lesiones leves

(Así reformado por el inciso e) del artículo 1 de la ley N° 8250 de 2 de mayo del 2002) Circunstancia de calificación.

(Así reformado por el artículo 1º de la ley Nº 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982).

Circunstancia de atenuación.

(Así reformado por el artículo 1º de la ley Nº 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982).

Lesiones culposas

Se impondrá prisión hasta de un año, o hasta cien días multa, a quien por culpa cause a otro lesiones de las definidas en los artículos 123, 124 y 125. Para la adecuación de la pena al responsable, el tribunal deberá tener en cuenta el grado de culpa, el número de víctimas y la magnitud de los daños causados.

En todo caso, al autor de las lesiones culposas también se le impondrá inhabilitación de seis meses a dos años para el ejercicio de la profesión, el oficio, el arte o la actividad en la que se produjo el hecho.

Se impondrá pena de prisión de tres meses a tres años y la inhabilitación para conducir vehículos de todo tipo, de un año a tres años a quien por culpa y por medio de un vehículo haya causado lesiones a una persona, encontrándose el autor bajo las conductas establecidas en la categoría A de la Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial o bajo la influencia de bebidas alcohólicas, con una concentración de alcohol en sangre superior a cero coma setenta y cinco gramos (0,75 g) por cada litro de sangre o con una concentración de alcohol en aire superior a cero coma treinta y ocho miligramos (0,38 mg) por litro.

Igual pena se aplicará en los casos en que el autor del hecho sea un conductor profesional o un conductor cuya licencia de conducir haya sido expedida por primera vez en un plazo inferior a tres años, respecto del día en que se detectó la presencia del alcohol, cuando la concentración de alcohol en sangre sea superior a cero coma cincuenta gramos (0,50 g) de alcohol por cada litro de sangre o cuando la concentración de alcohol en aire sea superior a cero coma veinticinco miligramos (0,25 mg) por litro, o bien, en los casos en que el autor del hecho se encuentre bajo la influencia de drogas tóxicas, estupefacientes, sustancias psicotrópicas u otras sustancias que produzcan estados de alteración y efectos enervantes o depresivos análogos, de acuerdo con las definiciones, los alcances y las características que haya establecido el Ministerio de Salud.

Cuando se trate de un conductor reincidente de alguna de las conductas señaladas en los párrafos anteriores, el mínimo de la pena de inhabilitación para la conducción de todo tipo de vehículos, será de tres años y el máximo podrá ser hasta de siete años.

Cuando se imponga una pena de prisión de tres años o menos, el tribunal podrá sustituir la pena privativa de libertad por una multa pecuniaria, la cual no podrá ser menor de un salario base ni mayor de tres salarios base mensual, correspondiente al "Auxiliar Administrativo Uno" que aparece en la Relación de Puestos del Poder Judicial, de conformidad con la ley de presupuesto ordinario de la República, aprobada en el mes de noviembre anterior a la fecha en que se cometa la infracción de tránsito asociado a una medida alternativa de prestación de servicio de utilidad pública, que podrá ser de doscientas horas hasta de novecientas cincuenta horas de servicio, en los lugares y la forma que se dispongan por la autoridad jurisdiccional competente.

(Así reformado por el artículo 246 de la ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, N° 9078 del 4 de octubre de 2012)

(Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 6° de la Ley para mejorar la eficacia de la legislación en materia de control de alcohol y drogas en la conducción, N° 10860 del 27 de febrero de 2026, se reformará este numeral De conformidad con el Transitorio III de la ley antes mencionada la misma empezará a regir doce meses después de su publicación, es decir el 28 de marzo de 2027, por lo que a partir de esa fecha el texto de este numeral se leerá de la siguiente manera: "Lesiones culposas

Para la adecuación de la pena al responsable, el tribunal deberá tener en cuenta el grado de culpa, el número de víctimas y la magnitud de los daños causados.

En todo caso, al autor de las lesiones culposas también se le impondrá inhabilitación de seis meses a dos años para el ejercicio de la profesión, el oficio, el arte o la actividad en la que se produjo el hecho.

Se impondrá pena de prisión de tres meses a tres años y la inhabilitación para conducir vehículos de todo tipo, de un año a tres años, a quien por culpa y por medio de un vehículo haya causado lesiones a una persona, encontrándose el autor bajo las conductas establecidas en la categoría A de la Ley 9078, Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres y Seguridad Vial, del 4 de octubre de 2012, o con :a presencia de alcohol en su organismo con una concentración en sangre superior a cero coma setenta y cínco gramos (0,75 g) por cada litro de sangre o con una concentración de alcohol en aire superior a cero coma treinta y ocho miligramos (0,38 mg) por litro, dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente; o bien, en los casos en que, bajo prueba confirmatoria, el autor del hecho se encuentre bajo los efectos de drogas ilícitas o sus metabolitos psicoactivos, también dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente, excluyendo aquellas sustancias que se utilicen bajo prescripción médica.

Igual pena se aplicará en los casos en que el autor del hecho sea un conductor profesional o un conductor cuya licencia de conducir haya sido expedida por primera vez en un plazo inferior a tres años, respecto del día en que se detectó la presencia del alcohol, cuando la concentración en sangre sea superior a cero coma cincuenta gramos (0,50 g) de alcohol por cada litro de sangre o cuando la concentración de alcohol en aire sea superior a cero coma veinticinco miligramos (0,25 mg) por litro, dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente; o bien, en los casos en que, bajo prueba confirmatoria, el autor del hecho se encuentre bajo los efectos de drogas ilícitas o sus metabolitos psicoactivos, también dentro de las tres horas después del momento del reporte del hecho a la autoridad competente, excluyendo aquellas sustancias que se utilicen bajo prescripción médica.

Cuando se trate de un conductor reincidente de alguna de las conductas señaladas en los párrafos anteriores, el mínimo de la pena de inhabilitación para la conducción de todo tipo de vehículos será de tres años y el máximo podrá ser de hasta siete años.

Cuando se imponga una pena de prisión de tres años o menos, el tribunal podrá sustituir la pena privativa de libertad por una multa pecuniaria. La multa pecuniaria no podrá ser menor de un salario base ni mayor de tres salarios base mensual, correspondiente al "auxiliar administrativo 1" que aparece en la relación de puestos del Poder Judicial, de conformidad con la ley de presupuesto ordinario de la República, aprobada en el mes de noviembre inmediato anterior a la fecha en que se cometa la infracción de tránsito asociado a una medida alternativa de prestación de servicio de utilidad pública, que podrá ser de doscientas horas hasta novecientas cincuenta horas de servicio, en los lugares y la forma que se dispongan por la autoridad jurisdiccional competente.

") Lesiones consentidas.

Contagio venéreo.

Este hecho sólo es perseguible a instancia privada.

Descuido con animales

Cuando se causare daño físico a otra persona, como consecuencia de esta conducta, la pena será de seis meses a un año de prisión, siempre que la conducta no constituya los delitos de lesiones ni homicidio.

(Así adicionado por el inciso b) del artículo 3) de la ley N° 8250 de 2 de mayo del 2002).

(Así reformado mediante resolución de la Sala Constitucional N° 13852-08 del 17 de setiembre del 2008.)

Duelo regular.

Duelo irregular.

Vilipendio por causa caballeresca.

Provocación con fines inmorales.

Combatiente irregular.

Duelo con alevosía.

Duelo concertado a muerte.

Homicidio o lesiones en riña(*)

(*) (Mediante el artículo 2º de la ley Nº 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982 se modificó el título de esta sección)

Riña

(Así reformado por resolución de la Sala Constitucional No.03903-1994 de 03 de agosto de 1994, la cual declaró inconstitucional la modificación realizada por el artículo 1º de la ley Nº 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982, y ordena que la versión original de este numeral retorne a su redacción anterior, pero señalando también como inconstitucional y eliminando el antiguo párrafo segundo)

(*) (Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 2º de la ley Nº 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982 se modificó la posición de esta sección a la actual.)

Agresión con armas.

Será reprimido con prisión de cuatro meses a dos años, el que agreda a otro con cualquier arma u objeto contundente, aunque no cause herida, o a quien amenace con arma de fuego.

Si concurre alguna de las circunstancias previstas en el homicidio calificado o en estado de emoción violenta, la pena aumentará o disminuirá en un tercio respectivamente, a juicio de la persona juzgadora.

(Así reformado por el artículo único de la Ley para imponer una pena proporcional a la agresión con arma, las amenazas con arma de fuego a civiles y a funcionarios públicos en el ejercicio de sus funciones, N° 10677 del 22 de abril de 2025)

Agresión calificada.

Si la agresión consiste en disparar un arma de fuego contra una persona sin manifiesta intención homicida, la pena será de un año a tres años de prisión. Esta pena se aplicará aún en el caso de que cause lesión leve.

Si concurren algunas de las circunstancias previstas en el homicidio calificado o en estado de emoción violenta, la pena respectiva se aumentará o disminuirá a criterio del juez.

La pena se podrá incrementar hasta en un tercio cuando se utilice un arma de fuego prohibida.

(Así reformado por el artículo 2° de la Ley para el fortalecimiento del marco sancionatorio de los delitos cometidos con armas de fuego prohibidas, N° 10610 del 15 de noviembre de 2024)

(*) (Nota de Sinalevi: Mediante el artículo 2º de la ley Nº 6726 de 10 de marzo de 1982 se modificó la posición de esta sección a la actual.)

Abandono de incapaces y casos de agravación.

La pena será de prisión de tres a seis años, si a consecuencia del abandono resultare un grave daño en el cuerpo o en la salud de la víctima. Si ocurriere la muerte, la pena será de seis a diez años de prisión.

Abandono de adultos mayores y casos de agravación

Se le aplicará la pena de un año a tres años de prisión, a quien tenga la obligación de cuidar y abandone a una persona adulta mayor en estado de vulnerabilidad.

Si a consecuencia del abandono se pone en peligro la vida, la salud física, mental o social de la persona adulta mayor, la sanción será de un año a cuatro años de prisión, siempre que no esté más severamente penado.

Si a consecuencia del abandono resultara grave daño en el cuerpo o en la salud de la persona adulta mayor, la pena será de tres a seis años de prisión.

Si a consecuencia del abandono ocurriera la muerte de la persona adulta mayor, será sancionado con una pena de prisión de seis a doce años, siempre que la conducta concreta no se enmarque o se ajuste a un tipo penal de mayor gravedad.

(Así adicionado por el artículo único de la Ley que penaliza el abandono de las personas adultas mayores, N° 9857 del 15 de junio de 2020)

(Así reformado por el artículo único de la Ley para sancionar el abandono contra las personas adultas mayores, N° 10776 del 29 de octubre de 2025)

Abandono por causa de honor.

Si a consecuencia del abandono sobreviniere grave daño o la muerte, la pena será de prisión de uno a cuatro años.

Omisión de auxilio.

7337, del 5 de mayo de 1993. El juez podrá aumentar esta sanción hasta en el doble, considerando las condiciones personales del autor, sus posibilidades económicas, los efectos y la gravedad de la acción.

(Así reformado por el artículo 69 (actual 82) de la Ley sobre Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad; Nº 7600 de 2 de mayo de 1996)

Injurias.

La pena será de quince a setenta y cinco días multa si la ofensa fuere inferida en público.

Difamación.

Calumnia.

Ofensa a la memoria de un difunto.

El derecho de acusar por este delito comprende al cónyuge, hijos, padres, nietos y hermanos consanguíneos del muerto.

Prueba de la verdad.

Sin embargo, el acusado sólo podrá probar la verdad de la imputación:

• 1)Si la imputación se hallare vinculada con la defensa de un interés público actual; y 2) Si el querellante pidiere la prueba de la imputación contra él dirigida, siempre que tal prueba no afecte derechos o secretos de terceras personas.

El autor de calumnia y de difamación calumniosa podrá probar la verdad del hecho imputado, salvo que se trate de delitos de acción o de instancia privada y que éstas no hayan sido promovidas por su titular.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Con respecto a la incompatibilidad de este artículo con el párrafo primero del artículo 13 de la Convención Americana de Derechos Humanos, ver Sentencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos de 2 de julio de 2004. H.U. vs. C.R.)

Prejudicialidad.

Exclusión de delito.

Publicación de ofensas.

(Nota de Sinalevi: Con respecto a la incompatibilidad de este artículo con el párrafo primero del artículo 13 de la Convención Americana de Derechos Humanos, ver Sentencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos de 2 de julio de 2004. H.U. vs. C.R.)

Difamación de una persona jurídica.

Ofensas en juicio.

Publicación reparatoria.

Esta disposición es también aplicable en caso de retractación.

Violación, Estupro, y Abuso Deshonesto Violación

Será sancionado con pena de prisión de diez a dieciséis años, a quien se haga acceder o tenga acceso carnal por vía oral, anal, vaginal o mediante orificios creados en cualquier parte del cuerpo, con una persona de uno u otro sexo, en los siguientes casos:

1- Cuando la víctima sea menor de trece años.

2- Cuando se aproveche de la vulnerabilidad de la víctima o esta se encuentre incapacitada para resistir.

3- Cuando se use la violencia corporal o la intimidación.

La misma pena se impondrá si la acción consiste en introducirle a la víctima objetos, animales o cualquier parte del cuerpo, por vía oral, anal o vaginal, o mediante orificios creados en cualquier parte del cuerpo, o en obligarla a que se los introduzca ella misma por dichas vías.

(Así reformado por el artículo único de la ley N° 10557 del 23 de octubre de 2024)

Violación calificada

• 1)El autor sea cónyuge de la víctima o una persona ligada a ella en relación análoga de convivencia.
• 2)El autor sea ascendiente, descendiente, hermana o hermano de la víctima, hasta el tercer grado por consanguinidad o afinidad.
• 3)El autor sea tío, tía, sobrina, sobrino, prima o primo de la víctima, hasta el tercer grado por consanguinidad o afinidad.
• 4)El autor sea tutor o el encargado de la educación, guarda o custodia de la víctima.
• 5)Se produzca un grave daño en la salud de la víctima.
• 6)Se produzca un embarazo.
• 7)La conducta se cometa con el concurso de una o más personas.
• 8)El autor realice la conducta prevaleciéndose de una relación de poder resultante del ejercicio de su cargo, y esta sea realizada por ministros religiosos, guías espirituales, miembros de la Fuerza Pública o miembros de los Supremos Poderes.
• 9)El autor realice la conducta anulando la voluntad de la víctima, mediante la administración o el suministro de sustancias psicoactivas que tienen como efecto principal la alteración de su estado de conciencia, modificación de su comportamiento o anulación de su capacidad física o cognitiva, y dicha administración o suministro se realice con la intención de facilitar la comisión de la violación.

(Así adicionado el inciso anterior por el artículo 1° de la Ley para la consideración expresa de la sumisión química como agravante del delito de violación, N° 10880 del 16 de marzo de 2026)

(Así reformado mediante el artículo 1° de la Ley "Fortalecimiento de la Lucha Contra La Explotación Sexual de las Personas Menores de Edad mediante la reforma y adición de varios artículos al Código Penal, Ley Nº 4573, y reforma de varios artículos del Código Procesal Penal, Ley Nº 7594"; ley N° 8590 del 18 de julio del 2007).

Violación Agravada.

Relaciones sexuales con personas menores de edad

Será sancionado con pena de prisión, quien se haga acceder o tenga acceso carnal por vía oral, anal o vaginal, con una persona menor de edad, siempre que no constituya delito de violación, en los siguientes supuestos:

• 1)Con pena de prisión de tres a seis años, cuando la víctima sea mayor de trece y menor de quince años de edad, y el autor sea cinco o más años mayor que está en edad.
• 2)Con pena de prisión de dos a tres años, cuando la víctima sea mayor de quince y menor de dieciocho años, y el autor sea siete o más años mayor que está en edad.
• 3)Con pena de prisión de cuatro a diez años, siempre que el autor tenga, respecto de la víctima, la condición de ascendiente, tío, tía, hermano o hermana, primo o prima por consanguinidad o afinidad, sea tutor o guardador, o se encuentre en una posición de confianza o autoridad con respecto de la víctima o su familia, medie o no relación de parentesco.