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PS 972

Para enmendar la Regla 182 de la Ley Núm. 87 de 26 de junio de 1963, según enmendada, conocida como “Reglas de Procedimiento Criminal de 1963”, a los fines de aclarar que el tiempo que una persona hubiere permanecido privada de su libertad por arresto domiciliario o cualquier otros mecanismos no se descontará del término que deba cumplir dicha persona de ser sentenciada por los mismos hechos por los cuales hubiere sufrido dicha privación de libertad, cuando se trate de delitos graves que envuelvan actos de violencia; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill eliminates pre-trial detention credit toward sentences for violent felony convicts, increasing total prison time served.

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Bill Summary · PS 972

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 972 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Criminal Procedure Rules to clarify that time spent under house arrest or other pre-trial detention measures will NOT count toward reducing a defendant's prison sentence for serious, violent crimes. Currently, Rule 182 allows such pre-trial time to be credited against final sentences; this bill would eliminate that credit specifically for violent felonies.

Why is this important

This change directly affects sentencing calculations in serious violent crime cases, potentially increasing the actual prison time defendants serve. It reflects a policy shift toward stricter consequences for violent offenders and could impact both the criminal justice system's approach to pre-trial detention and defendants' incentives regarding plea negotiations or trial decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Removing time credits may result in disproportionately longer total incarceration periods, raising questions about whether punishments fit crimes and comply with constitutional protections against excessive sentences
  • Pre-trial detention expansion: If defendants cannot earn credit for pre-trial time, prosecutors may be incentivized to use longer pre-trial detention strategies, potentially affecting due process and bail practices
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill specifies "serious crimes involving violent acts" but the precise legal definition of which crimes qualify could create inconsistent application across courts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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