Criminal law

Complaints and victim representation

The victim of a crime has the right to participate in the proceedings, to be informed, and to claim compensation for the harm suffered. The firm files the querella (criminal complaint), sustains it throughout the investigation, and claims compensation at trial.

The Código Procesal Penal (Code of Criminal Procedure) recognizes the victim’s right to intervene in the proceedings as a querellante (private prosecutor) and to claim compensation as a civil claimant. The firm assumes that representation with active follow-up of the case file.

What this service covers

  • Querella (criminal complaint) with joinder as civil claimant
  • Following up on the investigation and submitting evidence
  • Claiming compensation
  • Private criminal action in crimes that allow it

Common situations

  • Fraud or breach of trust

    Common in real estate transactions or business dealings with advance payments.

  • Assault and injuries

    Including traffic accidents involving criminal liability.

  • Crimes against property

    Theft, unlawful occupation of property, and damage.

How Balbuena Camps helps

  1. A well-founded complaint

    We draft the querella (criminal complaint) with the facts, the legal classification, and the available evidence.

  2. Active participation

    We request investigative steps, attend hearings, and appeal improper dismissals.

How the process works

  1. Report and complaint

    Filing before the Ministerio Público (public prosecutor) with joinder as civil claimant.

  2. Investigation

    Follow-up and submission of evidence.

  3. Trial

    Sustaining the charges and claiming damages.

Documents and information worth preparing

  • Account of the facts with dates and persons involved
  • Contracts, receipts, messages, or photographs related to the matter
  • Medical certificates, if there are injuries

Responsible attorney

Where we serve

Services in this area

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a report and a querella?

A report (denuncia) informs the Ministerio Público (public prosecutor) of an event; a querella makes the victim a party to the proceedings, with the right to participate, submit evidence, and appeal.

Sources and legal references

  1. Code of Criminal Procedure (Law 76-02) (External link)Ley 76-02 que establece el Código Procesal Penal, modificada por la Ley 10-15Citation pending verification
  2. Dominican Penal CodeCódigo Penal de la República Dominicana y leyes penales especialesCitation pending verification
Legal review
Pending review by an attorney

The information on this page is general guidance. It is not individualised legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation should be assessed with an attorney.

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