Private Prosecution for Victims in Chile
As querellante you stop waiting on the prosecutor's office and start driving your own case.
What this involves
Victims who rely solely on the public prosecutor's office often discover, months later, that the investigation stalled or was shelved without much explanation — case volume alone makes that common. Filing as querellante changes your legal standing: you gain access to the file, the right to request specific investigative steps, and the ability to challenge decisions that go against you.
It also opens a practical path to compensation, since a civil claim can run inside the same criminal proceeding rather than requiring a second lawsuit years later.
What we handle
Filing as querellante
Preparing and filing the private prosecution within the applicable deadline, so you become a party to the case rather than an observer.
Evidence gathering
Compiling and presenting evidence the prosecutor's office may not have prioritized on its own.
Civil compensation
Pursuing financial compensation within the criminal case, avoiding a separate civil lawsuit where possible.
Coordination with the prosecutor
Working alongside — not against — the public prosecutor's office while protecting your independent standing in the case.
Appeals against dismissal
Challenging a decision to shelve or dismiss the case, which as querellante you are entitled to do.
How we run this for a client abroad
Assessment first
You send the documents you have. We tell you what applies, what it costs and how long it takes — before you commit to anything.
Power of attorney
Granted at a Chilean consulate or apostilled where you live. It lets us file and act for you in Chile without you travelling.
We file, you get updates
Our attorneys handle the filings and hearings in Chile. You get plain-English updates at every stage.
Private Prosecution for Victims — common questions
What English-speaking clients ask us most about this specific service.
What exactly is a querellante?
Is there a deadline to file as querellante?
Can I pursue financial compensation through the criminal case?
I am a victim but I live outside Chile. Can this still work?
Talk to a private prosecution lawyer in Chile
Get an initial assessment in English — confidential, with no obligation.
Book your consultation now →