[REVISION HISTORY]

Dominican Republic legal developments and criminal rulings

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What changed

2026-11-05 23:35 UTC → 2026-11-10 18:20 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In August 2026, a new Dominican Republic Penal Code went into effect, introducing stricter penalties for vehicular homicide. Under this code, drivers responsible for deaths can face up to 20 years in prison. Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso noted that the law distinguishes between imprudence and intentional homicide, specifically addressing cases of “eventual intent” where a driver consciously accepts the risk of causing death through extreme behaviors like intoxication and excessive speeding. In a related legal matter in La Vega, a court issued sentences for the May 2024 murder of taxi driver Domingo Herman Paulino Gutiérrez. Anubi Trinidad received 40 years in prison, and Miguel Ángel Capellán Caba received 20 years. Both defendants were also ordered to pay RD$5.0 million to the victim’s family. Additionally, a police major, Robin Rafael Márquez Payano, has been ordered to three months of preventive detention in La Vega. He is accused of the homicide of 25-year-old Marky Abrahan García Gil, who was allegedly shot during a police pursuit. In November 2026, the Dominican Senate approved a modification to the law regarding the criminal liability of legal entities. ~~The Senate adopted a version from~~ Law 88-26 provides an 18-month grace period, moving the ~~Chamber of Deputies that sets a new~~ enforcement deadline of to May 5, 2028, ~~providing an 18-month grace period. This enactment of Law 88-26 modifies Article 31 of Law 44-26, allowing~~ to allow companies and non-governmental organizations ~~sufficient~~ time to ~~adapt to~~ adapt. Angelo Viro, president of the ~~new legal regime~~ National Association of Herrera Companies and ~~facilitating~~ Industries (ANEIH), stated the ~~preparation~~ business sector required more time to establish internal prevention, supervision, and control procedures. Concurrently, Law 87-26 was promulgated to update the use of digital media within the Judicial Power. This law prioritizes digital processing and formalizes electronic judicial ~~institutions.~~ files and digital signatures for officials, while maintaining the right to in-person access for citizens lacking connectivity.

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