Criminal law in Argentina

Criminal law in Argentina, called derecho penal, defines conduct treated as a crime and the possible legal consequences. A basic principle is that conduct cannot be punished as a crime unless a law already defined it as one. Argentina is a federal country. Core criminal offenses and penalties are largely established nationally, while criminal procedure, courts, prosecutors, police organization, and case routes may differ between federal and provincial jurisdictions. A criminal case may begin with a report, a police intervention, a prosecutor's inquiry, or another authorized step. The investigation seeks evidence about what happened, whether an offense occurred, and who may be responsible. A person under investigation may be described as an imputado or accused person. Fundamental protections include the presumption of innocence, the right to understand the accusation, the right to a defense lawyer, protection against compelled self-incrimination, and review by lawful authorities. The prosecutor, commonly called the fiscal, directs or participates in prosecution according to the applicable procedure. A judge protects legal guarantees and decides matters assigned to the court, while the exact division of tasks depends on the jurisdiction and stage. Victims may report offenses, receive information, seek protection, present evidence, and participate through recognized procedural roles. A victim may sometimes act as a private complainant, known as a querellante, under the applicable rules. Evidence can include witness accounts, documents, messages, objects, expert findings, and forensic material. Its lawfulness, reliability, chain of custody, and connection to the accusation can be as important as its existence. A case may end through dismissal, an acquittal, a conviction, an alternative procedure, or another lawful resolution. Possible consequences include imprisonment, fines, restrictions, confiscation, and effects on records, employment, immigration, or civil liability. Criminal law protects public safety and individual rights, but it does not guarantee a quick or simple outcome. Jurisdiction, procedural stage, evidence, legal classification, and the person's role determine which steps are available.