Libro Primero · Título III Capítulo II. Plazos

The fixed time limits are non-extendable and upon their expiry the respective power lapses, except as provided by the law of the Judicial Branch.

The time limits whose sole purpose is to regulate the task of the public officials involved in the procedure shall be rigorously observed by them; non-observance thereof shall imply misconduct in the performance of their functions, and the disciplinary sanction shall proceed on its own initiative, after a prior hearing of the interested party.

Failure to comply with the time limits by judicial public officials shall be sanctioned in accordance with the Law of the Judicial Career.

When the law does not establish a time limit or the extension thereof is left to the discretion of the authority, the tribunal or public official who must perform the act shall set the time limit in accordance with the nature of the procedure and the importance of the activity to be performed.

The Public Prosecutor's Office, the accused person and the other parties may waive the time limits established in their favor or consent to their shortening, by express declaration.

When the time limit is common to several of the parties or to all of them, the consent of all of them and of the corresponding tribunal shall be required to shorten or dispense with the time limit.