Criminal law
Criminal law defines which conduct is a crime, the penalty for it, and how a case is investigated and tried. This branch includes the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the special laws on drugs, money laundering, organized crime, femicide and violence against women. Use the index of each law to go straight to the offense or the procedure you need.
12 laws of Guatemala, text article by article. The Spanish text is authoritative.
Laws
Código Penal Defines crimes and their penalties. It applies to conduct in Guatemala and, in some cases, abroad. Its first book sets the general principles that apply to every offense. CP Ley contra la Narcoactividad Defines drug trafficking and related offenses, with their penalties and special procedures. Relevant to anyone who handles controlled substances, chemicals or related funds. LCN Ley contra el Lavado de Dinero Defines money laundering and sets the duties of banks and businesses to report suspicious transactions. Relevant to investors and businesses that handle large sums. LCLD Ley contra la Delincuencia Organizada Covers offenses committed by organized groups, the special investigation tools and the protection of witnesses. Relevant for understanding how serious cases are investigated. LCDO Ley de Extinción de Dominio Lets the State take assets linked to crime through a civil procedure, without a criminal conviction. Relevant to anyone who owns or buys property whose source of funds is unclear. LED Ley contra la Violencia Intrafamiliar Protects family members from domestic violence and sets protection measures, such as orders to leave the home. Relevant if you or someone in your household faces domestic violence. LVIF Ley contra el Femicidio Defines femicide and related offenses and sets their penalties. Relevant for understanding how killings of women because of their gender are prosecuted. LCF Ley contra la Violencia Sexual, Explotación y Trata Covers sexual violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, with penalties and protection for victims. Relevant to employers, hosts and anyone who works with minors. LVET Ley del Régimen Penitenciario Governs prisons: detention conditions, the rights and duties of prisoners, and the running of prison facilities. Relevant to families and lawyers of detainees. LRP Ley contra el Financiamiento del Terrorismo Defines the financing of terrorism and sets the duties of financial institutions and businesses to prevent it. Relevant to banks, money transfer services and non-profit organizations. LFT Ley Integral Antilavado Sets prevention duties against money laundering for regulated businesses and their supervisors. Check the text for the list of covered sectors before you assume it applies to you. LILD Ley de Armas y Municiones Sets the rules for owning, carrying, importing and selling firearms and ammunition, with licenses and penalties. Read it before you buy, import or carry a weapon. LAM