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Criminal Defense

Property & Violent Crime Defense in Chile

Theft, robbery, property damage and offenses against persons — defenses that usually turn on identification evidence and how the arrest was made.

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Overview

What this involves

Cases in this category — theft, robbery, receiving stolen goods, property damage, and offenses against persons — most often turn on two things: whether the identification of the accused holds up, and whether the arrest and any search that followed it complied with procedural requirements. Both are areas a defense lawyer can test in detail.

For foreign defendants in particular, identification procedures deserve close scrutiny, and we review the full arrest record before deciding on strategy.

What we handle

Theft & robbery defense

Challenging the evidence connecting you to the alleged offense, including identification procedures.

Receiving stolen goods

Defense against allegations of knowingly possessing or dealing in stolen property.

Property damage

Cases involving alleged damage to another's property, including disputes over intent and valuation.

Offenses against persons

Defense in cases involving alleged violence, including self-defense analysis where it applies.

Identification & arrest challenges

Testing eyewitness identification and the legality of the arrest and any search conducted.

From anywhere

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 act for you in Chile without you travelling for every step.

We appear, you get updates

Our attorneys handle the hearings in Chile. You get plain-English updates after each one.

FAQ

Property & Violent Crime — common questions

What English-speaking clients ask us most about this specific service.

How reliable is identification evidence in these cases?

Less than most people assume. Eyewitness identification, especially involving a foreigner who may stand out in a lineup or photo array, is one of the most frequently challenged categories of evidence in Chilean criminal defense. Testing how an identification was obtained is often the strongest available line of defense.

Can I argue self-defense in Chile?

Yes, Chilean law recognizes self-defense (legítima defensa) as a full or partial excuse, but it requires specific elements to be met — proportionality of the response and an unlawful aggression among them. Whether the facts of your case meet those elements is a detailed factual analysis, not a general presumption.

Can the legality of my arrest be challenged?

Yes. If the arrest or the search that followed it did not comply with procedural requirements, that can be grounds to exclude the evidence obtained or, in some cases, to challenge the detention itself through an amparo action. We review the arrest record as a first step in every case.

What sentencing ranges apply to these offenses?

Sentencing depends heavily on the specific offense, the value or harm involved, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and your prior record. Lower-range offenses frequently qualify for substitute penalties rather than imprisonment; we give you a realistic range once we have reviewed the file, not before.

Talk to a criminal defense lawyer in Chile

Get an initial assessment in English — confidential, with no obligation.

Book your consultation now →

WhatsApp+56 9 5217 5304

Emailhola@oklegal.cl

HoursMon–Sat 09:00–20:00