An overview of the criminal law system in the Dominican Republic
An overview of the criminal law system in the Dominican Republic - Travel.gc.ca
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Arrest and detention
Dominican criminal law is applicable to both citizens of the Dominican Republic and foreigners who commit crimes within the territory of the Dominican Republic. Since foreigners visiting the Dominican Republic usually do not have permanent residence or ties in the Dominican Republic, foreigners accused of a crime may be kept under preventative detention throughout the investigation and trial process to prevent their departure from the country.Under Dominican law, you may be arrested in a variety of circumstances. If your presence is necessary for an investigation, and there is sufficient evidence indicating that you may flee, hide or destroy evidence, you may be detained. Dominican authorities may confiscate your travel documents, such as your passport, while the investigation is ongoing, until charges are withdrawn or you complete your sentence. Please inform a Canadian consular official if this happens to you.
If you are arrested or detained in the Dominican Republic, you have the right to a lawyer and the right to remain silent. The lawyer can be present during any questioning and at any trial or hearing. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the Dominican government can provide you with a public defender. In the Dominican Republic, the law stipulates you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Under the Dominican Constitution, however, you may be held without charges for up to 48 hours while a prosecutor and the police conduct an initial investigation. The prosecutor may press charges against you based on the evidence. You will be released if there is insufficient evidence and the prosecutor declines to press charges.
If you are detained for more than 48 hours without being formally charged with an offence, you (or your representative or lawyer) areentitled to request a hearing to understand the reasons for your detention. At this hearing, you can request your release from prison while awaiting trial. The judge may order your release if you have been detained for more than 48 hours without being charged, or if there is insufficient proof of a crime to justify further detention. The prosecutor may appeal this ruling.
If you are released, you may be required to remain in the Dominican Republic until the conclusion of your case. The length of time you may be detained should not be longer than the minimum prison time under Dominican law for the crime(s) with which you are charged. You should proactively monitor the progress of your case and discuss any concern with your lawyer.
During all arrest and investigation procedures—interrogations, depositions, and court hearings—an official interpreter must be present if your native language is not Spanish. This interpreter is certified by the Supreme Court and appointed by the Dominican government. If an interpreter has not yet been appointed, you should request one. You should ask the interpreter to help you understand any document you may be required to sign. You do not have to pay for official translation services. In the event that you choose to hire a private translator, you will need to cover the fees yourself. The skills of Spanish-English interpreters can vary greatly, and skilled Spanish-French interpreters are not as easily available.
Land invaders affect owners in the Cibao area
<p>Santiago, DR The invasion of plots of land is another problem that affects many owners of such real estate in Santiago and other parts of the Cibao. For several years, this has been a constant in the area and has left consequences of deaths and injuries due to clashes between rival gangs and...
dominicantoday.com
CommentComments:
Jonathan Williams
What else is new! The government does not enforce no laws; only when it benefits them or wealthy foreign land owners!!
Felix Arroyo
Lawless people living in a small island. There is no respect for the law, property and others. High density population is a menace to property! Hispaniola is on the brink of human failure where the mob rules the usage of resources. Good luck with your democracy!
nicholas
i was going to spend 150,000 USD for land but this is the very reason not to invest in the RD…. rent a apartment for 8,000 RD a month…keep your money in your US Bank uless you live here full time…. these Dominicans got this figured out and with no Government control……ummm….good luck
I’ve got people who have land in the DR and those that are interested in possibly investing in real estate in the DR. Those that did buy property are discouraged and are telling other Americans not to buy in the DR because the DR will not give them what is in America is called “clear title”. So how can I or lawyers in the DR honestly advise foreigners to buy property when Dominican Republic government hasn’t written laws protecting land owners or/and the Judiciary will not uphold or enforce those laws. (If any laws are written in the DR.)
Invacion de propiedad: Negocio de Agua y terreno contiguo: Autovia del Este Al lado de Aqua Park
Esta invacion se inicio ayer 10 am / los alejamos y hoy regresaron varios desconocidos incluyendo un tal Ñon, un tal Papa, un tal Antonio el mecanico, un tal Chichi , jairo, el pitri, robinson,coqui, papa,jairo,chichi y Non son los cabecillas ,.....y otros....
La policia de Juan dolio ha sido notificada , ayer y los desconocidos huyeron, hoy regresaron.
Le notificamos al Coronel Estrella y el Sargento Tórrez/Juan Dolio
