When you need to file a criminal complaint in Panama, you will need to appear before the nearest prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor’s office employee will then ask for your name and address, as well as the name and physical description of the person who committed the crime against you. You will also need to provide details about what happened during the crime (for example: when it happened, where it happened and what was taken).
The prosecutor’s office staff may ask for more information if they think they need it. For example: if there is an eyewitness or a surveillance video of what happened.
If you are a victim of a crime and don’t speak Spanish, it can be difficult for you to file a criminal complaint in the Republic of Panama. In this case, the victim will need the assistance of an expert translator or interpreter during the proceeding. The Panamanian certified interpreter will then translate the information into the Spanish language for the prosecutor’s office. Said office will then decide if there is enough evidence to proceed with an investigation.
Another aspect is the written statement. You may need to translate it for use in your home country.
If you need to hire a criminal lawyer or a sworn interpreter or translator in Panama, please contact us today.