The Chamber of Deputies is currently debating the Penal Code with the aim of increasing the maximum sentence from 30 to 40 years, to penalize the invasion and occupation of land (squatting), to punish femicide by a sentence of 40 years, kidnapping to go from 20 to 30 years in jail, and to impose jail sentences from 4 to 10 years for adults who induce minors to commit crimes.
Under the new proposals, sentences for robbery would be changed from 4 to 10 years maximum to 10 to 20 years, and the fine from seven to nine minimum salaries to 10 to 20.
Where someone is killed during a robbery it is proposed to hand down sentences of 20 to 30 years in prison with a fine of 20 to 30 minimum salaries.
It is also proposed to increase sentences and fines for people who abandon children to between a day and a year in jail and a fine of three to six minimum salaries. There are increases in both the jail time and the fines if the child suffers injury as a result of the neglect, and further increases should the child die, or should the person involved be related to or in charge of the child.
Blackmail and extortion are to receive sentences of one to two years in jail and a fine of seven to nine minimum salaries that increase if the victim is injured.
Discussions on the proposed amendments are to continue next week.
www.elnacional.com.do/nacional/2012/10/3/136904/Codigo-Penal-establece-pena-maxima-de-30-a-40-anos