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Article 139 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. Será castigado con la pena de prisión de quince a veinticinco años, como reo de asesinato, el que matare a otro concurriendo alguna de las circunstancias siguientes: 1.ª Con alevosía. 2.ª Por precio, recompensa o promesa. 3.ª Con ensañamiento, aumentando deliberada e inhumanamente el dolor del ofendido. 4.ª Para facilitar la comisión de otro delito o para evitar que se descubra. 2. Cuando en un asesinato concurran más de una de las circunstancias previstas en el apartado anterior, se impondrá la pena en su mitad superior.

In-depth analysis

Article 139 of the Criminal Code: murder — 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.

View the previous version

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

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

Será castigado con la pena de prisión de quince a veinte años, como reo de asesinato, el que matare a otro concurriendo alguna de las circunstancias siguientes: 1.ª Con alevosía. 2.ª Por precio, recompensa o promesa. 3.ª Con ensañamiento, aumentando deliberada e inhumanamente el dolor del ofendido.

Quick reference

Orientative data computed from the highest prison term this article provides for (including the degree rules it imposes itself or the penalties of another article it refers to) and, where there is one, its disqualification, which also counts towards the classification and the limitation period (arts. 33 & 131.1 CP). Aggravated or mitigated subtypes, other non-custodial penalties and concurrence rules may alter the outcome in each specific case.

Highest prison term

25 years

Classification (arts. 13 & 33 CP)

Serious offence

Limitation period (art. 131 CP)

20 years

Accused of an offence under article 139?

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.