Under which Penal Code will he be tried if he committed a crime before?

On Monday, August 3, the Dominican Republic implemented a new Penal Code that introduces dozens of new criminal offenses and increases penalties. Despite the enactment of this updated legislation, judicial authorities will continue to apply the former legal framework in court cases involving offenses committed prior to the new code's entry into force.

The transition highlights the application of established legal principles regarding retroactivity in the country's judicial system. While the modern legislation significantly alters the legal landscape for future offenses, past criminal conduct remains subject to the laws in place at the time the acts occurred.