Law on Arms and Munitions 631-16 states that the jail sentence for use of an illegal weapon in murder is now 40 years. Those causing permanent injuries with the use of an illegal weapon can get up to 30 years in jail. Those who kill with a legal weapon can only get a 30 years maximum sentence. Those using an illegal weapon where the injuries are not permanent face 15 to 20 years in jail.
The law also states that if an illegal weapon is used in a kidnapping, the jail sentence is 40 years.
Murders during robberies and assaults with illegal firearms are not uncommon in the country, but rarely have the maximum sentences been applied.
In April this year, a Santo Domingo court sentenced two people, in separate cases, to the maximum 40-year sentence for murdering their victims with illegal weapons.
The sentences surprised many Dominicans, who believed that the maximum jail term was 30 years as previously established in the Penal Code.
In addition, the law orders that public servants who lend their weapons to civilians and those civilians then commit a crime can get three to five years in jail.
The law also establishes that anyone who modifies a weapon in any way, be it removing the serial number, altering the ballistic fingerprint or any technical modification, will face up to 10 years in prison.
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Listin Diario
Diario Libre
8 May 2019