Victim Representation
Your voice deserves to be heard.
If you or a family member has been the victim of a crime, we represent you so that the case moves forward, justice is done and you receive the reparation you are entitled to. One partner in charge of your case, with 10 professionals at your disposal.
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Your situation
Where does your case stand?
Choose your situation to see what you need to know right now and how we can help.
I want to file a criminal complaint
What you need to know
- The complaint is filed with the Prosecutor's Office. Your identifying details can be kept confidential for your protection (art. 421 of the COIP, Ecuador's Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code).
- A clear complaint backed by evidence from the start makes all the difference: screenshots, documents, medical certificates, names of witnesses.
- For some offenses, such as slander (calumnia) or minor injuries, you do not go to the Prosecutor's Office: a private complaint (querella) is filed directly with the judge, and the deadline is 6 months (arts. 415 and 417 COIP).
What we do for you
- We organize the facts and the evidence and draft the complaint or the querella.
- We file it and, from day one, request the investigative steps your case needs.
My complaint is not moving forward
What you need to know
- The preliminary investigation has a time limit: up to 1 year, or up to 2 years if the offense carries a sentence of more than 5 years (art. 585 COIP).
- If not enough evidence is gathered in that time, the prosecutor asks for the case to be closed (art. 586 COIP).
- Without someone requesting expert examinations, witness testimony and other investigative steps, many complaints end up being closed.
What we do for you
- We review the prosecutor's file and identify what is missing.
- We request the necessary steps in writing and push the case forward with the prosecutor.
The prosecutor has asked to close my case
What you need to know
- The judge must notify you of the request to close the case, and you have 3 days to respond (art. 587 COIP).
- If the judge disagrees with closing the case, it is referred to the senior prosecutor, who may appoint a new prosecutor to continue the investigation.
- Even once closed, the case can be reopened if new evidence emerges and the statute of limitations has not expired (art. 586 COIP).
What we do for you
- We file a well-grounded objection within the deadline.
- Where appropriate, we look for new evidence to request that the case be reopened.
I feel I am in danger
What you need to know
- The judge can order protective measures: barring the aggressor from approaching you or your family, or from following or intimidating you, or ordering them to leave the home (art. 558 COIP).
- In cases of violence against women or members of the family, an emergency protection order (boleta de auxilio) is available.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
What we do for you
- We urgently request the protective measures your case requires.
- We make sure they are enforced and request that they be extended if the risk continues.
Charges have been brought against the aggressor
What you need to know
- You can file a private prosecution (acusación particular) from the start of the formal investigation (instrucción fiscal) until before it ends (art. 433 COIP).
- Even if you do not file one, you have the right to take part in every hearing and to claim full reparation (art. 432 COIP).
- At trial, the private prosecutor must be present; if they do not attend, the private prosecution is deemed abandoned (art. 433 COIP).
What we do for you
- We file your private prosecution on time and argue it at every hearing.
- We prove the harm and request full, comprehensive reparation.
The criminal process
We stand with you at every stage.
This is how a case moves forward from the moment you file a complaint, and what we do for you at each point.
- 01
Complaint
The first stepWe draft the complaint with the facts and the evidence well organized, so that the investigation gets off to a good start.
- 02
Preliminary investigation
Up to 1 or 2 yearsWe push the case forward: we request expert examinations, witness testimony and investigative steps so that it does not end up closed.
- 03
Charges and private prosecution
From the formal investigationWhen the prosecutor brings charges, we file your private prosecution and request protective measures.
- 04
Trial
Oral hearingWe argue the prosecution: we present the evidence, examine witnesses and make the case for a just conviction.
- 05
Full reparation
In the judgmentWe ask that the judgment repair the harm: compensation, rehabilitation, restitution and guarantees of non-repetition.
Who we represent
Areas in which we represent you
We act as private prosecutor in the areas of criminal law where you are the injured party. For each one you can see the offenses, explained along with their penalties.
Sexual and reproductive integrity
View offensesPersonal integrity
View offensesCrimes against life
View offensesProperty crimes
View offensesPersonal liberty
View offensesHonor and reputation
View offensesPersonal and family privacy
View offensesIs your case here?
Tell us about your case in strict confidence.
Why TREU
Behind every case
there is a person.
We know that behind every case there is a person, not a file. We push your case forward so it does not stall, pursue the prosecution with technical rigor and fight at every level until we achieve a just outcome.
- 01 One partner in charge of your case Leads your representation from start to finish. You speak directly with the person representing you.
- 02 Real momentum for your case We don't let your complaint sit in a drawer: we request, insist and follow up.
- 03 No revictimization We make sure your statement and the expert examinations are handled with respect, as the law requires.
- 04 Absolute confidentiality Over your case, your identity and your family's.
Frequently asked questions
What clients ask us most.
Is filing a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office enough?
No. Prosecutors' offices handle a very heavy caseload, and without someone pushing yours forward, it can fall behind. Without follow-up, the investigative steps needed to prove the reported facts are never requested, and the investigation may end up closed. The complaint is only the beginning; the outcome depends on the procedural work that follows.
What is a private prosecution (acusación particular)?
It is how the victim becomes a party to the proceedings, with their own lawyer, alongside the prosecutor. It can be filed from the start of the formal investigation (instrucción fiscal) until before it concludes (art. 433 COIP). It allows you to propose evidence, take part in hearings, challenge decisions and claim full reparation.
What does full reparation include?
Under art. 78 of the COIP, it may include restitution of what was lost, medical and psychological rehabilitation, compensation for material and non-material damages, measures of satisfaction such as public acknowledgment of the facts, and guarantees of non-repetition. Its scope depends on the offense and the harm suffered.
Are all crimes reported to the Prosecutor's Office?
No. Slander (calumnia), unlawful occupation of property (usurpación), estupro (sexual relations obtained through deception with a minor over 14), injuries causing incapacity of up to 30 days (except in cases of domestic violence and traffic offenses) and offenses against urban fauna animals are offenses of private action (acción privada): a private complaint (querella) is filed directly with the judge (art. 415 COIP). Mind the deadline: private actions are time-barred 6 months after the events occurred (art. 417 COIP).
How much does it cost to represent a victim?
Every case is different, and fees should reflect that. Before discussing figures, we analyze your situation, the stage of the proceedings and the complexity of the evidence; on that basis, we agree with you on a clear and proportionate fee arrangement. We accept all credit cards.