At Varela Abogados, our criminal law practice operates from our Puerto Montt office, led by Nofal Abud, an attorney with a distinguished career in criminal law in the Los Lagos Region. We represent our clients both as complainants and as defendants in highly complex criminal cases, with experience in the Chilean criminal procedure system and an in-depth knowledge of the local context.

 

We design personalized strategies developed in close collaboration with each client, actively listening and asking the necessary questions before proceeding. Our approach combines technical rigor with a strategic vision aimed at protecting the real interests of those we represent, from the early stages of the investigation through to trial.

 

For highly complex cases, we adapt to different work teams, interacting with internal or external legal advisors of our national and international clients, and with leading law firms in Chile and worldwide.

 

Our criminal law practice includes:

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Economic and tax crimes: We represent individuals and legal entities in investigations and trials involving crimes such as fraud, misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty, bribery, money laundering, and tax offenses, both before criminal courts and the Internal Revenue Service (SII).

 

Corporate criminal liability: We advise companies on the implementation of crime prevention models under Law No. 20,393 — substantially amended by Law No. 21,595 (2023) — and represent them in proceedings where the organization is charged as a criminally liable entity.

 

Cybercrime and computer offenses: We handle cases involving unauthorized access to computer systems, electronic fraud, computer sabotage, and other offenses under Law No. 21,459 and applicable international regulations, including the Budapest Convention.

 

Environmental crimes: We defend companies and individuals in proceedings for violations of Chilean environmental regulations, including cases before the Superintendency of the Environment and the competent criminal courts. We also advise on administrative proceedings and claims before the Environmental Courts in matters of environmental damage reparation.

 

Crimes against privacy and personal data: We represent victims and defendants in cases involving interception of communications, breach of correspondence, and unauthorized disclosure of private information.

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Crimes against public integrity: We advise in cases of corruption, bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and other offenses affecting the proper functioning of the State administration.

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Criminal liability for medical malpractice: We represent both patients and healthcare professionals in criminal cases arising from medical, surgical, or care acts resulting in injury or death.

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Sexual offenses: We provide representation for both victims and defendants in highly sensitive cases, with the care and professionalism these situations require.