Home/Criminal Defense/Property & Violent Crime

Criminal Defense

Property & Violent Crime Defense in Chile

Theft, robbery, receiving and offenses against persons — where identification evidence and the legality of the arrest usually decide the outcome.

Book your consultation → All criminal defense services

Overview

What this involves

These are the most common criminal matters in Chile and the ones where procedure most often outweighs the facts. Was the detention lawful? Was the identification suggestive? Was the search authorized? A weak answer to any of those can remove the prosecution's case regardless of what happened.

For foreigners there is an additional layer. Identification evidence involving someone the witness cannot readily distinguish, language barriers during the arrest, and the assumption of flight risk at the first hearing all cut against you — and all are arguable.

What we handle

Defense from detention onward

Reviewing the legality of the arrest and the detention control hearing, which is the first and often best opportunity to end a weak case.

Identification evidence

Challenging line-ups, photographic identification and eyewitness evidence obtained in suggestive conditions.

Search and seizure

Excluding evidence obtained without valid authorization or outside its scope.

Offenses against persons

Assault and related charges, including self-defense arguments and cases arising from altercations where both parties filed.

Victim representation

Where you were the one harmed — filing as querellante so the case advances and compensation is pursued.

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.

We file, you get updates

Our attorneys handle the filings and appearances in Chile. You get plain-English updates at every stage.

FAQ

Property & Violent Crime — common questions

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

The police searched me without a warrant. Is that legal?

It depends on the circumstances — Chilean law permits certain searches without prior judicial authorization, but within defined limits. Where those limits were exceeded, the evidence obtained can be excluded, and in many cases that ends the prosecution. It is one of the first things we examine.

It is my word against the accuser's. Is that enough to convict?

A single testimony can support a conviction in Chile, but it is assessed for credibility and consistency alongside the rest of the record. Cases resting on one account are frequently defensible — provided the inconsistencies and the conditions in which the identification was made are properly surfaced.

Can this be resolved without a trial?

Often. Alternative outcomes including conditional suspension exist for cases meeting certain conditions, and reparation agreements can apply in defined property matters. Whether any of these serves you better than contesting the charge depends on the strength of the evidence — we give you that assessment straight.

I was the victim of a robbery as a tourist in Chile. Is it worth pursuing?

It can be, particularly where there is recoverable property, insurance requirements, or a pattern the police are already investigating. We are also honest when the realistic prospect of recovery is low, so you can decide whether the process is worth your time from abroad.

Talk to a Chilean lawyer about your defense 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