Criminal lawyers in Panama with over 15 years of experience providing strong legal defense and strategic representation. Our Panama City criminal defense attorneys protect your rights and ensure fair treatment under Panamanian law.
Panama is one of the most dynamic countries in Latin America, attracting investors, professionals, and families from around the world. However, legal problems can arise for both nationals and foreigners. When facing a criminal investigation or prosecution, it is essential to have experienced criminal lawyers in Panama who understand the legal system and can build an effective defense strategy.
Our legal team represents clients before the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público), criminal courts, and the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama, ensuring that all constitutional and procedural rights are respected throughout the process.
Facing a criminal investigation without professional legal representation can lead to serious consequences, including detention, financial penalties, damage to personal reputation, and loss of freedom.
Hiring experienced criminal defense lawyers in Panama ensures:
• Immediate legal assistance during detention or investigation
• Protection of constitutional and procedural rights
• Representation during negotiations and criminal proceedings
• Defense in complex financial and corporate crime cases
• Strategic legal guidance at every stage of the criminal process
Our lawyers combine technical expertise, strategic litigation skills, and a client-focused approach to ensure the best possible defense.
Having experienced legal representation is critical in criminal cases. Our team has handled hundreds of criminal cases across Panama, including financial crimes, corruption investigations, property crimes, and serious criminal offenses.
Our criminal defense attorneys have represented clients before:
• The Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público)
• Criminal Circuit Courts
• Oral Trial Courts
• Appeals Courts
• The Supreme Court of Justice of Panama
Transparency
Clients receive constant updates about the progress of their cases.
Trust
We maintain direct communication with every client.
Proactivity
Our legal team anticipates risks and prepares defense strategies in advance.
Commitment
We defend each client with professionalism and determination.
Criminal law in Panama is primarily governed by:
• The Panamanian Criminal Code (Código Penal)
• The Criminal Procedure Code (Código Procesal Penal)
These laws establish criminal offenses, penalties, and the procedures authorities must follow during investigations and trials.
Our criminal lawyers in Panama carefully analyze every case to ensure that authorities respect fundamental legal principles such as:
• Presumption of innocence
• Due process
• Proportionality of penalties
• Judicial oversight of investigations
If authorities violate these principles, evidence may be excluded or charges dismissed.
Panama adopted the Accusatory Criminal System, which replaced the former inquisitorial model and introduced oral trials, greater transparency, and stronger protection of defendants’ rights.
This system includes four main stages.
During this phase, prosecutors collect evidence and build their case.
Activities may include:
• Witness statements
• Expert reports
• Evidence collection
• Inspections and searches
Investigations typically last six to eight months, although complex cases may take longer.
A strong defense during this phase is crucial, as many cases are decided based on the evidence collected here.
After the investigation, the prosecutor determines whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
During this stage:
• Evidence is reviewed
• Legal motions may be presented
• Settlement negotiations may occur
In some cases, agreements between the parties may reduce penalties or avoid trial.
The oral trial is the central stage of the criminal process.
During the trial:
• Evidence is presented before a panel of judges
• Witnesses are examined and cross-examined
• Both parties present legal arguments
The court evaluates the evidence and determines guilt or innocence.
If a conviction occurs, the enforcement phase determines how the sentence will be executed.
Defense lawyers may request:
• Appeals
• Sentence reductions
• Alternative measures to imprisonment
Panama has strengthened its legal framework in recent years to combat corruption, financial crimes, and organized crime.
Our criminal lawyers in Panama remain fully updated on the latest legislative reforms.
This law expanded the list of offenses considered predicate crimes for money laundering.
It significantly strengthened Panama’s legal framework for financial investigations and international cooperation.
Relevant areas include:
• Financial fraud
• Corporate crime investigations
• Banking and financial sector compliance
• International criminal cooperation
One of the most significant legal reforms in Panama is Law 254 of 2021, which introduced asset forfeiture proceedings.
This law allows authorities to confiscate assets linked to criminal activities such as:
• Drug trafficking
• Corruption
• Organized crime
• Money laundering
Asset forfeiture proceedings are independent from criminal trials, making specialized legal defense essential.
A key role of criminal lawyers in Panama is ensuring that authorities respect the rights of detainees.
These rights include:
• The right to immediate legal representation
• The right to remain silent
• The right to a fair trial
• Protection against illegal detention
• The right to request alternative measures to imprisonment
Failure to respect these rights can invalidate evidence or lead to dismissal of charges.
Our law firm offers comprehensive criminal defense services, including:
• Legal defense for individuals accused of crimes
• Representation of victims in criminal proceedings
• Legal assistance during investigations
• Appeals and post-conviction defense
• Negotiation of settlement agreements when permitted by law
Panama is a global business hub, and many foreigners live, work, or invest in the country.
Foreign nationals may face criminal investigations related to:
• Business disputes
• Financial transactions
• Immigration issues
• Property conflicts
Our firm provides international clients with:
• Legal representation in English and Spanish
• Guidance through the Panamanian criminal justice system
• Protection of rights before prosecutors and courts
Every criminal case requires a unique defense strategy.
Our lawyers may use the following approaches:
• Detailed review of evidence and documentation
• Identification of procedural violations
• Negotiation with prosecutors
• Preparation of expert witnesses
• Development of strong oral trial arguments
Most criminal investigations and court proceedings in Panama take place in Panama City, where the main judicial institutions are located.
Our lawyers regularly represent clients before:
• Prosecutors’ Offices (Ministerio Público)
• Criminal Circuit Courts
• Oral Trial Courts
• The Supreme Court of Justice of Panama
Being located in Panama City allows our team to respond quickly to urgent legal matters.
You should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately after detention or when you become aware of a criminal investigation. Early legal intervention can significantly improve the outcome of a case.
Legal fees depend on the complexity of the case, the duration of the proceedings, and the type of crime involved. Many firms offer an initial consultation to evaluate the case.
Yes. Many criminal defense attorneys represent international clients and provide legal guidance in English and other languages.
Criminal lawyers may defend clients in cases involving:
• Financial crimes
• Property crimes
• Drug-related offenses
• Corruption investigations
• Violent crimes
In certain situations, the law allows agreements between the parties that may reduce penalties or avoid lengthy trials.
Facing a criminal investigation without experienced legal representation can lead to serious and irreversible consequences.
Our criminal lawyers in Panama provide strategic defense, personalized legal guidance, and strong courtroom representation to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Our firm is based in Panama City and provides immediate legal assistance to clients throughout Panama.
Your defense, rights, and freedom are our highest priorities.
