In a landmark moment for Dominican justice, President Luis Abinader has officially signed into law the sweeping new Penal Code that replaces a criminal statute in place since 1884. On Sunday, 3 August 2025, in the afternoon, President Luis Abinader signed off on Penal Code Law 74-25. The revised code was subject to decades of discussions. The Presidency says it introduces major legal innovations aimed at strengthening the rule of law, improving citizen security, and addressing modern forms of crime.
The Presidency in its announcement says that the new legislation —backed by the country’s major political parties— ushers in a contemporary framework for criminal justice after 141 years under the old code. It includes stronger penalties, new categories of offenses, and a broader emphasis on prevention and rehabilitation.
The Presidency says the key highlights of the 2025 Penal Code are:
• Newly criminalized offenses: The code introduces legal recognition and penalties for a range of previously unclassified or emerging crimes, including femicide, contract killings (sicariato), cyberbullying, economic abuse, deepfake blackmail, pyramid schemes, unregulated financial intermediation, incitement to suicide, forced disappearance, and false reports. It also incorporates international crimes such as crimes against humanity, genocide, and doping-related damage, while increasing penalties for marital or partner rape.
• Harsher sentences: Maximum prison terms have been extended to 40 years, with the possibility of up to 60 years in cases involving multiple serious offenses.
• Post-sentence supervision and rehabilitation: The new code introduces social-judicial measures, including post-release monitoring, mandatory registration of sex offenders, and rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegrating offenders into society.
• Corporate criminal liability: For the first time, legal entities—such as corporations—can be held criminally accountable for actions committed due to negligence or by their representatives.
• Stronger protections for victims: The code establishes enhanced protection orders for victims of gender-based violence, domestic abuse, or any threat to personal integrity.
• Tougher stance on corruption: The reform extends statutes of limitations, increases sanctions for public corruption, and bars convicted individuals from holding public office.
• Extended legal recourse for victims of sexual abuse: For crimes involving minors and vulnerable populations, the statute of limitations is extended to 30 years from the date the victim turns 18.
President Abinader called the new code a “foundational advance” in Dominican justice, positioning it as a modern legal tool aligned with international human rights standards. The reform balances punishment with prevention, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote societal reintegration.
“This is not just a law of sanctions—it’s a law of prevention, protection, and social responsibility,” said Abinader. “We are responding to the realities of the 21st century with a Penal Code that protects the dignity of all people.”
Set to take effect in 12 months, the 2025 Penal Code represents a long-awaited modernization of Dominican criminal law, arming the justice system with the tools needed to combat organized crime, protect victims, and uphold democratic principles.
Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso and the president of the National Council of Business, Celso Juan Marranzini, gave thumbs up to the enactment.
Penal Code for public access
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4 August 2025