Criminal Lawyers in Panama
Strategic and effective legal defense in criminal law cases.
Criminal defense for individuals and businesses
Facing a criminal case can be a critical challenge. At Paralelaw, our criminal lawyers in Panama provide strong, expert legal defense at every stage of the judicial process, protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcomes.
Areas of practice in criminal law
Our team of criminal defense lawyers offers advice and representation in:
- Economic and financial crimes (money laundering, fraud)
- Corporate crimes and corporate criminal liability
- Crimes against property and individuals
- Defense in extradition proceedings
- Assistance in preliminary investigations and oral hearings
Criminal representation for local and international clients
We defend both Panamanian citizens and foreign nationals involved in criminal proceedings in Panama, offering bilingual assistance and strategies tailored to each legal context.
Professional and Strategic Criminal Defense
Effective legal advice to protect your rights at any stage.
Legal strategies for every stage of the criminal process
From the initial investigation to trial and appeal, we develop legal strategies designed to protect our clients’ freedom and reputation, reducing risks and pursuing favorable solutions.
Corporate defense in business-related crimes
We assist companies and executives facing criminal charges related to their commercial activities, implementing solid defenses and managing legal crises with discretion.
Criminal risk prevention
We offer preventive advice for businesses and individuals, helping them identify and mitigate legal risks before they escalate into court cases.
FAQ
What rights do I have if arrested in Panama as a foreigner?
If arrested in Panama as a foreigner, you have the following fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code: the right to be informed of the reasons for your arrest, the right to remain silent and not to self-incriminate, the right to an attorney (if you cannot afford one, the State will appoint a public defender), the right to communicate with your family and your country’s embassy or consulate (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations), the right to an interpreter if you do not speak Spanish, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the right to be brought before a judge within 24 hours of detention, and the right to humane treatment. Contact your embassy immediately and request legal representation.
Can a foreigner be criminally prosecuted in Panama?
Yes. Any person, regardless of nationality, can be criminally prosecuted in Panama for crimes committed within Panamanian territory. Panama’s criminal jurisdiction extends to all offenses committed on its soil, including aboard aircraft and vessels flying the Panamanian flag. Foreigners have the same procedural rights as Panamanian citizens, including the right to legal counsel, an interpreter, and consular communication. If you are a foreigner facing a criminal investigation or prosecution in Panama, it is crucial to retain a criminal defense attorney who understands both the Panamanian legal system and applicable mutual legal assistance treaties. At Paralelaw, we provide experienced criminal defense representation for international clients.
What is Panama's accusatory criminal justice system?
Panama adopted the Accusatory Criminal System (SPA), replacing the former inquisitorial system. Key features include: separation of functions between investigation (Public Ministry/Prosecutor) and adjudication (judges), ensuring greater impartiality; oral and public trials instead of written and closed proceedings; a Guarantee Judge who oversees the legality of investigations and protects the defendant’s rights; equal presentation of evidence by both prosecution and defense before a trial judge; and the presumption of innocence as a cornerstone principle. This system aims for greater transparency, efficiency, and respect for fundamental rights throughout the criminal process.
What are the most common white-collar crimes in Panama?
The most frequently prosecuted white-collar crimes in Panama include: money laundering (Law 70 of 2019), fraud and embezzlement, tax evasion, intellectual property crimes (counterfeiting and piracy), cybercrime, private sector corruption, and offenses against the economic order. Panama has significantly strengthened the prosecution of financial crimes following its removal from the FATF grey list. Legal entities can be criminally sanctioned in certain circumstances, including fines, suspension of operations, and in severe cases, dissolution. At Paralelaw, we provide both defense representation and corporate compliance advisory to help businesses prevent exposure to white-collar criminal liability.
How does pretrial detention work in Panama?
Pretrial detention in Panama is a precautionary measure that restricts a person’s liberty during a criminal investigation, before a conviction is reached. It can only be ordered by a Guarantee Judge when: there is a flight risk, there is a risk of evidence destruction, or the defendant poses a danger to the victim or society. Pretrial detention has a maximum duration of one year, extendable for one additional year in exceptional circumstances. If this period is exceeded without a trial, the defendant must be released. Alternative precautionary measures exist, including house arrest, travel bans, periodic reporting to authorities, and electronic monitoring. The right to challenge pretrial detention is always available through habeas corpus.
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