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Article 138 of the Criminal Code

TÍTULO I — Del homicidio y sus formas

Full text

Text in force since 1 July 2015.

The text below is the official Spanish wording of this provision; the summary and guidance above are in English.

1. El que matare a otro será castigado, como reo de homicidio, con la pena de prisión de diez a quince años. 2. Los hechos serán castigados con la pena superior en grado en los siguientes casos: a) cuando concurra en su comisión alguna de las circunstancias del apartado 1 del artículo 140, o b) cuando los hechos sean además constitutivos de un delito de atentado del artículo 550.

In-depth analysis

Article 138 of the Criminal Code: homicide — penalties, case law and defence strategy

Our firm’s monographic guide to this provision, with typical scenarios and lines of defence.

Previous versions

History of reforms to this article, from oldest to most recent, as recorded in the BOE’s consolidated legislation.

Ley Orgánica 10/1995, de 23 de noviembre, del Código Penal.

In force from 24/05/1996 to 30/06/2015

El que matare a otro será castigado, como reo de homicidio, con la pena de prisión de diez a quince años.

Quick reference

Orientative data computed from the highest prison term mentioned in this article. Aggravated or mitigated subtypes, non-custodial penalties and concurrence rules may alter the outcome in each specific case.

Highest prison term mentioned

15 years

Classification (arts. 13 & 33 CP)

Serious offense

Limitation period (art. 131 CP)

20 years

Accused of an offense under article 138?

Our team regularly defends those accused under homicide. Technical strategy aimed at dismissal or acquittal when legally viable.

This page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice: every case requires individual assessment. How this content is produced and verified: editorial policy.