Key Changes for 14- and 15-Year-Olds
The new regime, established by Law 27.801, came into force at midnight on Saturday, September 5. The law was sanctioned by Congress in February and published in the Official Gazette on March 9. Its Article 52 set a 180-day implementation period, which ended this Saturday. It replaces the previous system under laws 22.278 and 22.803, which had been in effect since 1980.[S1][S2]
Previously, individuals under 16 could not receive a criminal sentence, though judges could order protective measures such as institutionalization, family supervision, or medical and psychological assistance. Now, adolescents aged 14 and 15 fall under the juvenile criminal responsibility system. They can be charged, prosecuted, and, in certain cases, sentenced. The law applies to those between 14 and 18 years old.[S1][S2]
Sentencing Rules and Alternatives
For offenses carrying a penalty of up to three years in prison, courts cannot impose actual imprisonment. Instead, they may apply alternative sanctions such as admonishments, educational programs, community service, prohibition of contact with the victim, or electronic monitoring. For crimes with penalties between three and ten years, prison can be replaced by alternative measures if certain conditions are met, including no prior convictions, a favorable expert report, and the agreement of the prosecutor and the victim.[S1][S2]
For the most serious crimes, courts can impose actual prison sentences. The law sets a maximum of 15 years for adolescents and explicitly prohibits life imprisonment, even when the Penal Code provides for longer sentences for adults. The regime also expands the range of offenses for which 16- and 17-year-olds can be criminally sentenced.[S1][S2]
Justice System Impact and Concerns
The reform has raised concerns among judicial officials who work with minors. Some officials estimated that the change could lead to up to 80% more criminal cases, while the Commission of the Juvenile Responsibility Jurisdiction of the Buenos Aires province Magistrates and Officials Association projects an increase of between 40% and 60% in that province. The new scenario also implies greater demand on prosecutors, courts, interdisciplinary teams, and specialized facilities.[S1]
Critics also argue that the reform alone does not address prevention issues such as access to education, social support, and family conditions for adolescents. The law does provide for the creation of specialized institutes for adolescents and the incorporation of trained personnel in childhood and adolescence. It also establishes educational, labor, and recreational programs aimed at promoting social reintegration and preventing recidivism.[S1]
Statistics on Juvenile Offenses
Data cited in the reports show that property crimes dominate investigations. In 2025, the national justice system investigated 2,005 cases, of which 81% were property crimes, mainly robberies. Sexual offenses also appear among the main types of investigated acts. In cases of crimes against persons, the justice system investigated, among others, 10 homicide cases involving minors.[S1]
In Buenos Aires province, the Prosecutor's Office recorded 1,857 juvenile criminal proceedings in 2025, with 1,828 minors charged. Nationally, the Supreme Court's General Database of Children and Adolescents registered 1,753 criminal cases during 2025. Of that total, 802 involved minors up to 15 years old, who until now remained outside the criminal responsibility regime. Additionally, 1,193 minors were charged for the first time, and 407 were brought before a juvenile court.[S1]
