Chilean Senate approves harsher penalties for juvenile offenders

The Constitution Commission of the Chilean Senate has approved amendments to the Adolescent Criminal Responsibility Law aimed at strengthening sanctions for serious offenses committed by minors.

The proposed changes include increasing maximum prison sentences. For offenders aged 16 and 17, the maximum penalty would rise to 15 years for certain serious crimes. For those between the ages of 14 and 16, the maximum sentence would increase to 10 years.

Additionally, the reform seeks to establish objective criteria for determining sentences to ensure legal certainty across different courts. The legislation also includes a provision to treat attempted property crimes, such as certain types of vehicle thefts, as completed offenses for the purpose of sentencing.