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Article 199 of the Criminal Code

TÍTULO X — Delitos contra la intimidad, el derecho a la propia imagen y la inviolabilidad del domicilio

Full text

Text in force since 24 May 1996.

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

1. El que revelare secretos ajenos, de los que tenga conocimiento por razón de su oficio o sus relaciones laborales, será castigado con la pena de prisión de uno a tres años y multa de seis a doce meses. 2. El profesional que, con incumplimiento de su obligación de sigilo o reserva, divulgue los secretos de otra persona, será castigado con la pena de prisión de uno a cuatro años, multa de doce a veinticuatro meses e inhabilitación especial para dicha profesión por tiempo de dos a seis años.

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

4 years

Disqualification: up to 6 years · special

Classification (arts. 13 & 33 CP)

Serious offence

Limitation period (art. 131 CP)

10 years

The classification and the period include the disqualification of up to 6 years, which is a serious penalty (arts. 13.4 & 33.2 CP) and counts towards limitation (art. 131.1 CP). Note: the disqualification appears only in 199.2 (a professional who discloses another person's secrets); 199.1 is a less serious offence, time-barred after 5 years.

Accused of an offence under article 199?

Our team regularly defends those accused under disclosure of secrets. 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.