Criminal law

English-speaking criminal defense attorney in Bogotá for defense, victims, and corporate criminal risk.

Cafore Abogados stands by individuals, companies, executives and victims when a criminal situation calls for strategy, evidence and control of timing: complaints, investigations, hearings, trial, sexual offenses, offenses against the public administration, economic crimes, money laundering, directors' liability, cassation and review.

Criminal Defense Victims Sexual offenses Public administration Economic crimes Money laundering Hearings

A direct answer

What Cafore does in criminal law.

A criminal lawyer organizes the facts, evidence, procedural risks and strategy to defend, file a complaint or represent a victim without improvising. At Cafore, the review separates urgency, evidence, the account of the facts, the procedural route and the risks connected to your company, assets or family.

Published legal commentary and media presence.

El Tiempo Week Portfolio Media | Cafore Abogados. Press articles, interviews and media coverage of our firm. Legal Sphere Infobae
Cafore Abogados S. A. S. Bogotá, Colombia Criminal law focused on strategy, evidence and decision About Us Team
01Pinpoint the problemFacts, urgency, and objective. 02Review the foundationDocuments, evidence, and connected risks. 03Pinpoint the litigationProceedings, actions, offenses, or authorities. 04Resolve doubtsQuestions grouped by moment and decision.

When it makes sense

Consult when a complaint, summons, investigation or hearing could affect your liberty, assets, company or reputation.

An early review makes it possible to organize the facts, gauge the urgency, and avoid responses, signatures, or communications that could later weaken your legal position.

Common situation

Investigation or summons.

You received a call, summons, formal request or news of a complaint and need to know what to say, what not to say and what to keep.

Common situation

Victim or complainant.

You need to file a complaint with clear facts, supporting evidence, and a case theory that does not start out weak.

Common situation

Company or director.

Criminal risk affects business decisions, contracts, payments, partners, employees, digital assets, or reputation.

Quick assessment

Choose the starting point. The response changes according to the risk, the evidence, and the deadline.

Version of the facts: what is best to organize first.

You received a call, summons, official request, or notice of a complaint and need to know what to say, what not to say, and what to keep. The initial review makes it possible to separate urgency, evidence, and decision so that the next step is better supported.

Signs
  • Investigation or summons
  • Criminal defense at every stage
  • Reputation, assets, directors' decisions, contracts, employees, and media exposure
Documents
  • Subpoenas, complaints, or communications received
  • Emails, chats, contracts, payments, and supporting records
  • Timeline of events, witnesses, and digital evidence
Route
  • Deciding whether it is best to make a statement, remain silent, file a complaint, settle, or prepare a technical defense
  • Organize evidence before hearings or meetings
  • Separate criminal risks from civil, labor, tax, or corporate risks

Documents, risks, and decisions

Risks, documents, and decisions worth organizing.

Each path links the main problem to the available evidence, the deadlines, and the consequences that may change the strategy.

01

Main risk

What usually prompts a criminal law consultation.

01
Criminal defense at every stageCentral aspect

Criminal defense at every stage requires pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In criminal law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal proceeding.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
02
Representation of victimsRisk that changes the strategy

Representation of victims requires pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In criminal law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal proceeding.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
03
Sexual offenses and victim protectionRisk that changes the strategy

Sexual offenses and victim protection require pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In criminal law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal proceeding.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
04
Crimes against the public administrationRisk that changes the strategy

Offenses against public administration require pinpointing facts, responsible parties, deadlines, and concrete consequences. In criminal law, that first reading determines whether it is best to prevent, negotiate, claim, or prepare a formal proceeding.

  • Facts that must be confirmed.
  • Evidence available and missing.
  • Practical consequence of acting or waiting.
02

Evidence and documents

The documentary basis that allows decisions with less noise.

01
Subpoenas, complaints, or communications receivedKey supporting document

Summonses, complaints, or communications received help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the conflict.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
02
Emails, chats, contracts, payments, and supporting recordsDocument that organizes the evidence

Emails, chats, contracts, payments, and supporting documents help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the conflict.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
03
Timeline of events, witnesses, and digital evidenceDocument that organizes the evidence

A timeline of events, witnesses, and digital evidence help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the conflict.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
04
Minutes, powers of attorney, or company documents if the risk is corporateDocument that organizes the evidence

Minutes, powers of attorney, or company documents if the risk is corporate help reconstruct the timeline, confirm what can be proven, and detect gaps before responding, signing, or escalating the conflict.

  • Source document and date.
  • Connection to the fact to be proven.
  • A safe way to request, preserve, or supplement the supporting document.
03

Course of action

Options to correct, negotiate, claim, defend, or sue.

01
Deciding whether it is best to make a statement, remain silent, file a complaint, settle, or prepare a technical defensePossible decision

Deciding whether it is best to make a statement, remain silent, file a complaint, settle, or prepare a technical defense is assessed according to urgency, available evidence, cost, the opposing party, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
02
Organize evidence before hearings or meetingsA path that must be measured with care

Organizing evidence before hearings or meetings is assessed according to urgency, available evidence, cost, the opposing party, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
03
Separate criminal risks from civil, labor, tax, or corporate risksA path that must be measured with care

Separating criminal risks from civil, labor, tax, or corporate risks is assessed according to urgency, available evidence, cost, the opposing party, and the expected legal effect. The right path is not always the most aggressive one; it must be the most sustainable.

  • Deadline and authority or opposing party.
  • The risk of negotiating, responding, or suing.
  • The specific outcome being sought.
04

Connected risks

Matters from other practice areas that may change the strategy.

01
Reputation, assets, directors' decisions, contracts, employees, and media exposureRelated risk

Reputation, assets, directors' decisions, contracts, employees, and media exposure can change the main analysis because they connect criminal law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.
02
Criminal defense at every stageA front that may broaden the case

Criminal defense at every stage can change the main analysis because it connects criminal law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.
03
Representation of victimsA front that may broaden the case

Representation of victims can change the main analysis because it connects criminal law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.
04
Subpoenas, complaints, or communications receivedA front that may broaden the case

Summonses, complaints, or communications received can change the main analysis because they connect criminal law with other legal, financial, family, business, or reputational risks.

  • Connected area and reason for the overlap.
  • Financial, operational or reputational impact.
  • Coordination needed before the next step.

Criminal litigation

Criminal offenses we can review with strategy and evidence.

Criminal law requires acting with precision from the first contact with the Prosecutor's Office, the Judicial Police, a judge, or the opposing party. The defense changes depending on the offense under investigation, the applicable articles of the Criminal Code, the available evidence, and the quality of the first version of the facts.

Review a dispute

Offenses against property and the company

  • FraudCriminal Code, art. 246It examines deceit, mistake, unlawful gain, harm, and the traceability of payments, contracts, or communications.
  • TheftCriminal Code, arts. 239 to 241The strategy changes depending on whether the act is simple, aggravated by classification, or otherwise aggravated; the amount, possession, physical evidence, and cameras all matter.
  • Breach of trustCriminal Code, arts. 249 and 250It often depends on proving how the asset was handed over, what the obligation to return or manage it was, and what use was made of it.
  • Breach of fiduciary dutyCriminal Code, art. 250BIt analyzes whether the person managing another's assets abused their duties and caused verifiable economic harm.
  • Unlawful issuance and transfer of a checkCriminal Code, art. 248It requires reviewing the delivery, the backing funds, the drawer's knowledge, the communications, and whether the civil or criminal route is the more suitable one.
  • Procedural fraudCriminal Code, art. 453The critical point is whether an authority was misled into issuing a decision, ruling, or act contrary to the law.
  • Document forgeryCriminal Code, arts. 286 to 291It may involve a public document, a private document, or the obtaining or use of a forged document; technical evidence is often decisive.

Economic and Corporate Crimes

  • Money launderingCriminal Code, arts. 323 and 324The defense requires reconstructing the origin of funds, transactions, beneficiaries, accounting records, and compliance alerts.
  • Illicit enrichment of private individualsCriminal Code, art. 327The increase in assets, the source of funds, the underlying activity, and the documentary explanation of the wealth are examined.
  • Criminal conspiracyCriminal Code, art. 340A relationship between people is not enough: permanence, the criminal agreement, the purpose, and the distinction from occasional co-perpetration are analyzed.
  • Tax crimesCriminal Code, arts. 402, 434A, and 434BThey may involve withheld amounts not remitted, omission of assets, nonexistent liabilities, or tax fraud.
  • Concealment of assets and fraudulent insolvencyCriminal Code, art. 253It is examined whether there was concealment, disposal, or simulation of assets to defeat creditors or judicial decisions.
  • Private-Sector CorruptionCriminal Code, art. 250APayments, promises, improper benefits, conflicts of interest, and the link to business decisions are relevant.
  • Criminal liability of directorsIt is not a single offenseIt may be connected with breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, money laundering, or tax crimes.

Sexual offenses and victim protection

  • Violent rapeCriminal Code, art. 205Violence, consent, the initial account, forensic medical assessment, interviews, digital evidence, and protection of the victim are examined.
  • Violent sexual assaultCriminal Code, art. 206The strategy requires pinpointing the conduct, context, witnesses, communications, medical or psychological care, and possible protective measures.
  • Sexual intercourse or act with a person rendered unable to resistCriminal Code, art. 207State of consciousness, substances, the setting, videos, messages, witnesses, and the traceability of what happened before and after are relevant.
  • Sexual Offenses Against Children Under FourteenCriminal Code, arts. 208 and 209Age, forensic interviews, the family environment, digital evidence, and sensitive handling of the victim are central.
  • Sexual harassmentCriminal Code, art. 210AThe power relationship, persistence, the workplace or academic context, messages, witnesses, and the pattern of conduct are analyzed.
  • Sexual Exploitation and Child PornographyCriminal Code, arts. 213A, 217A, 218, and 219It requires preserving digital evidence, identifying networks, reporting channels, protective measures, and the risk of revictimization.
  • Representation of Victims in Sexual OffensesCriminal Procedure PathIt covers the complaint, protective measures, evidentiary requests, support at hearings, and full reparation.

Crimes against the public administration

  • Embezzlement of public fundsCriminal Code, arts. 397 to 400The handling of public funds, the role of the public servant or private party, accounting records, and any appropriation, use, or diversion are examined.
  • Extortion by a Public OfficialCriminal Code, art. 404An improper demand or inducement, the public office held, the benefit sought, communications, and the context of pressure are relevant.
  • BriberyCriminal Code, arts. 405 to 407The strategy distinguishes between bribery for an unlawful act, bribery for a lawful act, and giving or offering a bribe; payments, promises, contracts, and traceability are key.
  • Improper Interest and State ContractsCriminal Code, arts. 408 to 410ADisqualifications, improper interest, the contract's essential requirements, and anticompetitive agreements are examined.
  • Influence PeddlingCriminal Code, arts. 411 and 411AIt requires distinguishing legitimate advocacy from improper influence, along with promises, intermediaries, digital evidence, and the link to an authority.
  • Illicit Enrichment of a Public ServantCriminal Code, art. 412Income, assets, tax filings, economic activity, and the documentary explanation of any increases are reconstructed.
  • Judicial misconduct and abuse of authorityCriminal Code, arts. 413 to 416The decision, the omission, the official's authority, any manifest contradiction with the law, documentary evidence, and the functional context are analyzed.

People, Family, and Reputation

  • Personal injuryCriminal Code, arts. 111 to 121The forensic medical assessment, disability, after-effects, intent, and context of the act usually define the path.
  • HomicideCriminal Code, arts. 103 et seq.We review authorship, participation, causation, self-defense, aggravating factors, and available scientific evidence.
  • Domestic violenceCriminal Code, art. 229It requires examining the family unit, context, protective measures, prior records, and physical or psychological evidence.
  • Slander and libelCriminal Code, arts. 220 to 222 and 226We analyze whether there was a dishonorable imputation or false attribution of a crime, as well as retraction, complaint, and digital evidence.
  • ThreatsCriminal Code, art. 347The content, seriousness, recipient, context, channel used, and real risk to the victim all matter.
  • Representation of victimsCriminal Procedure PathIt covers the complaint, protective measures, evidentiary requests, reparation, and support during hearings.

Procedural path

Criminal stages and proceedings beyond the catalog of offenses.

The offense defines the legal risk; the stage defines the room to maneuver. That is why the strategy changes depending on whether the case is at the complaint, inquiry, indictment, trial, extraordinary appeal, or a special-track phase.

01
Start of the case

Criminal complaint

It is advisable to organize the facts, timeline, supporting documents, and claim before submitting a version that is hard to correct.

02
Prosecutor's Office and Judicial Police

Inquiry and investigation

The strategy aims to preserve evidence, prepare interviews, respond to subpoenas, and avoid early contradictions.

03
Preliminary hearings

Indictment and pretrial detention measure

We review the reasonable inference, procedural risks, community ties, proportionality, and alternatives to detention.

04
Trial stage

Indictment and oral trial

The case is structured around the case theory, evidence, witnesses, cross-examination, exclusions, and hearing strategy.

05
Special procedures

Plea agreements, cassation, review, and extradition

Each path requires weighing benefits, risks, legal grounds, timelines, and effects on liberty or liability.

Decision point

If you already recognize the main risk, we can review documents and define the next move.

Talk to Cafore

Before you write to us

Five documents for a first review.

Not all of them are required, but they help orient the consultation from the outset.

0 of 5 ready

The Cafore Method

A clear process to move from the problem to a course of action.

The review is not limited to citing rules. It seeks to identify what can be proven, what must be corrected and which decision is best to carry out.

1

Context

We understand the decision, dispute or document that prompted the consultation.

2

Documents

We request only what is needed to assess the case and prioritize the documents that can change the strategy.

3

Map

We separate urgency, risk, possible correction, and the negotiation or litigation scenario.

4

Execution

We prepare documents, responses or actions according to the chosen path.

Possible deliverables

What can be ready after the review.

The outcome depends on the case, but the consultation should result in concrete deliverables, not a loose opinion.

Route

An opinion on the course of action and priorities.

A clear map of urgency, documents, risks and alternatives to decide with less noise.

Documents

Response, contract, minutes, appeal or supporting document.

The review may conclude in legal instruments ready for signing, filing, negotiation or proceedings.

Estrategia

Negotiation, defense or legal action.

If the matter has already escalated, we define the path to talk, respond, claim, or defend.

Scope of the service

Matters we review in criminal law.

These are the points that usually shape the strategy before responding, signing, negotiating, suing, or defending. The review starts from concrete facts and documents in order to choose a prudent path.

01

Situations we can review.

Common matters that are best read alongside documents, timelines, and real consequences.

Criminal Defense

Inquiries, summonses, indictments, hearings, trial, and decisions that may affect liberty, assets, or reputation.

Victims and complaints

Preparation of the complaint, statement of facts, evidence, requests for protection, and representation throughout the proceedings.

Corporate criminal risk

Directors, partners, employees, payments, contracts, economic crimes, money laundering, and sensitive business decisions.

Cassation and review

Technical study of judgments, relevant errors, evidence, due process, and the viability of extraordinary appeals.

02

Documents worth preparing.

Not all are needed from day one, but they help organize the consultation.

  • Subpoenas, complaints, criminal reports, or communications from authorities.
  • Timeline of events, witnesses, chats, emails, videos, and digital supporting evidence.
  • Contracts, payments, corporate minutes, or business documents if the risk is corporate.
  • Court rulings, audio recordings, hearing minutes, or case-file documents.
03

Possible paths after the review.

The strategy depends on the evidence, deadline, opposing party, authority and objective.

  • Define what to say, what to preserve, and what not to move without a strategy.
  • Prepare the defense, complaint, evidentiary request, settlement if applicable, or appeal.
  • Coordinate criminal risks with civil, family, corporate, or reputational impacts.
04

Frequently asked questions about this service.

Initial responses to understand scope, documents and possible paths.

01Why is it important to have experts in criminal law for the defense in a judicial process?

Having experts in criminal law ensures proper representation at every stage of the process, from the investigation to the trial, securing the best legal strategy to protect your rights.

02What are the most common crimes that serve our criminal lawyers in Bogotá?

Our criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of offenses, including fraud, theft, personal injury, homicide, cybercrime, scams, and economic crimes, among others.

03What is the criminal law and what is its role in the legal system of the country?

Criminal law is the branch of law that governs offenses, establishing penalties for those who commit acts contrary to the law. Its primary function is to safeguard justice and social order.

04What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney general?

A criminal defense attorney is a specialist in the catalog of offenses set out in the Colombian Criminal Code, whereas a general practitioner may work across various branches of law without a specific specialization in criminal matters.

05When does require advice from a commercial lawyer in business cases?

A criminal defense attorney with a commercial-law focus is essential in cases of financial crimes, money laundering, tax offenses, embezzlement, or corporate fraud, providing defense and representation before the competent authorities.

06How can you help our lawyers specializing in criminal law if you have accused me of a crime?

Our attorneys specializing in criminal law analyze the legal situation, design a solid defense strategy, and represent your interests before judges and prosecutors to ensure due process.

07What is the difference between a criminal defense and a precautionary advice in criminal law?

Criminal defense focuses on representing a person accused of a crime, while preventive criminal-law counsel helps individuals and companies avoid legal problems by complying with applicable regulations.

08How to choose the best service criminal lawyers in Bogotá?

To choose the best criminal defense service, it is essential to assess the attorneys' experience, track record, success stories, and specialization in criminal matters. Trust and commitment to the client are also key factors.

09In what cases it is recommended to hire a service criminal attorneys so urgent?

It is advisable to urgently retain a criminal defense service in cases of arrests, ongoing criminal investigations, serious accusations, or any situation requiring an immediate legal response.

10How can you help our specialists in criminal law in cases of extradition or international processes?

Our criminal-law specialists advise and defend individuals involved in extradition proceedings, ensuring that their rights are respected and providing legal strategies to face these procedures with the best possible safeguards.

Related reading

Useful readings before making a decision.

These guides expand on legal topics related to the service and help you prepare better for the consultation.

Illustration on self-defense in ColombiaCriminal law

Self-defense in Colombia beyond an eye for an eye.

When a reaction can be considered self-defense and which mistakes put the case at risk.

Read article
Gavel during a criminal hearingCriminal law

Before filing a complaint: a practical guide to filing a criminal complaint.

What to review before filing a complaint, how to organize the facts and what information the complaint requires.

Read article
Editorial image on criminal lawCriminal Defense

Hiring an English-speaking criminal defense attorney.

What to assess before choosing a defense and why an early strategy can change the case.

Read article
Illustration on a criminal defense attorney in corporate lawCorporate risk

The importance of a criminal defense lawyer in corporate law.

Why corporate criminal risk is key to preventing business crises and investigations.

Read article
Illustration on corporate cybercrimeCybercrimes

The role of the criminal defense lawyer in corporate cybercrime.

How to preserve evidence and organize the defense when a digital risk escalates to a criminal matter.

Read article
Institutional image used in a Cafore criminal law articleCriminal Defense Lawyer

When you need a criminal defense attorney in Bogota.

Signs to seek timely advice, what to prepare before the appointment, and how to protect your account of events.

Read article

Frequently asked questions

Real questions before consulting on criminal law.

The answers are general. The specific decision depends on the documents, evidence, timelines and circumstances of the case.

Before your consultation

When is it advisable to consult on criminal law?+
It is advisable to consult when a complaint, summons, investigation, or hearing may affect your liberty, assets, business, or reputation. The first review keeps you from acting on impulse and helps you organize documents, deadlines, and risks.
Do I have to come with all the documents?+
No. It is better to come with what is available and a brief chronology. Afterward, whatever is needed is requested according to the route.
Does the consultation always end in a proceeding?+
No. Sometimes the best way out is to correct, negotiate or prepare a response. A proceeding is an option, not an automatic destination.
What makes an early review different?+
It makes it possible to preserve evidence, measure timelines and avoid communications or signatures that later weaken your position.

Evidence and supporting documents

What documents should I prepare?+
As a baseline: any summonses, complaints, or communications received, emails, chats, contracts, payments, and supporting documents, and a timeline of events, witnesses, and digital evidence. If anything is missing, it is identified without forcing risky reconstructions.
Do emails, chats or screenshots work?+
They can help, but they must be organized by date, author, context and connection to the fact you want to prove.
What happens if the other party has the documents?+
We review how to request them, what indirect evidence exists and whether it is advisable to use formal requests, conciliation, inspection or procedural measures.
Should I send communications before consulting?+
If there is an urgent deadline, it may be necessary. But in sensitive cases it is advisable to review the message before leaving a written version.

Course of action

How is the course of action decided?+
We review the facts, documents, urgency, cost, evidence, and objective. In this area, common paths include deciding whether to make a statement, remain silent, file a complaint, settle, or prepare a technical defense; organizing evidence before hearings or meetings; and separating criminal risks from civil, labor, tax, or corporate risks.
When is it advisable to negotiate?+
When there is a real margin for agreement, solid evidence and an outcome that is faster or less costly than litigation.
When is it advisable to escalate?+
When there is urgency, bad faith, a risk of losing evidence, deadlines running, or a refusal that no longer allows an informal solution.
Can I change strategy later?+
Yes. The strategy must be adjusted when new documents, responses from the other party or decisions by the authority emerge.

Costs, timelines and scope

How long does a first review take?+
It depends on the volume of documents and the urgency. The first conversation aims to define the scope and the relevant documents.
Does the advisory service include drafting documents?+
It may include them if the case requires it: notices, contracts, minutes, replies, appeals, lawsuits or agreements.
Can I consult even if I do not want to sue yet?+
Yes. In fact, many good outcomes begin before deciding whether to sue.
What if I want to study the topic before consulting?+
You may review the related readings to understand general concepts, but the specific decision must be made with the documents, deadlines and facts of the case.

Next step

Tell us what decision, dispute or document you need to review.

You don't have to arrive with everything organized. The first review serves to identify which documents matter and which legal path makes sense.

Schedule a consultation