Arrested or in prison in Ecuador
This guide provides information about being arrested in Ecuador and what conditions are like in prison there.
Contacting the British Embassy in Ecuador
The British Embassy in Ecuador can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.
Family and friends can contact:
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the British Embassy in Ecuador
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the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000
British Embassy Quito
Naciones Unidas and República de El Salvador Avenues
Citiplaza Building
14th floor
Telephone: +593 2 3972 200
Finding a lawyer and translator
Find a lawyer in Ecuador
You should carefully consider getting a local Ecuadorean lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.
Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Ecuador).
Private lawyers
Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the British Embassy if you need a paper copy.
Normally, if you hire a private lawyer they will ask for a cash advance on their legal fees before taking on your case. You will need to agree with your private lawyer the legal costs beforehand. The British Embassy cannot pay legal fees or guarantee to a lawyer that you will pay them.
Legal aid
Some private lawyers offer legal aid / pro-bono services. You will need to present your case to them to see if you are eligible.
Court-appointed lawyers
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the Court must appoint a public lawyer (‘Defensor Público’). Public Defenders (‘Defensor Público’) are free of charge but they rarely speak English and their ability varies due to caseload.
If you’re not happy with your court-appointed lawyer, can you request a new one.
Find a translator or interpreter in Ecuador
You may need a translator to help you read Spanish documents about your case.
Do not sign any documents unless you understand them
You might need an interpreter to help you communicate with your lawyer or at your trial, or for prison visits.
The trial will in Spanish. The court is responsible for arranging in advance the appointment of an official interpreter (‘perito intérprete/traductor’). However, interpreters are limited and this can delay the legal process. Consular staff cannot act as interpreters.
If you are not happy with the interpreter provided you can request a new one. The hearing will be suspended until a new interpreter is appointed.
Search for an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Ecuador.
What happens when you’re arrested in Ecuador
You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:
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because of an existing arrest warrant
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where there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant
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if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
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if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
The police must tell you in English (or a language you understand):
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why you’ve been arrested
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that initial proceedings against you have started
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your rights
If you resist when arrested, police can use force.
Do not sign any documents unless you understand them – you must be given an interpreter if you ask for one.
Your rights
You have the right to:
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remain silent until you get a lawyer and proper legal guidance
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request a pro-bono public defendant (‘Defensor Público’)
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request to speak alone with your lawyer to brief them on the circumstances of your arrest before you give your initial statement or deposition before the State Prosecutor (‘Fiscal’)
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an interpreter. Official interpreters (‘perito traductor’) should be free of charge and you should insist on being provided with one. However, this may not be straightforward.
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be checked by a doctor
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tell the British embassy or consulate you’ve been arrested
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tell your next-of-kin you’ve been arrested
In some instances, you will not give a statement until being moved from the police station. It depends on the availability of judges, lawyers and interpreters, and the speed at which the police investigate your case.
While you are being held at the police station, the police will usually gather evidence and question you. Family or friends will need to provide food and water for you.
How long you can be held for
If you are caught committing an offence, or you are apprehended immediately afterwards following a continuous pursuit or in circumstances that clearly link you to the recently committed offence, this will be treated as a ‘flagrant’ case.
Prior to the initial ‘flagrant’ hearing, within 24 hours of your arrest, you will be taken to one of the temporary assurance units (UAT – ‘unidad de aseguramiento transitorio’) which are part of the National Prison Service (SNAI) or national police.
You can be held at the remand prison (CPPL - ‘Centro Provisional de Privación de Libertad’) for a long period as this depends on availability in spaces in the main prisons once you have been sentenced.
Personal belongings
You will share a cell and it may be overcrowded. You may have access to your belongings, but this depends on whether the police consider them as evidence (if so, you will not be allowed to keep them). All seized belongings will be listed in the arrest report.
Your passport and any other identification will be taken away. Eventually, all confiscated belongings and personal documents will be sent for official storage. Passports can be difficult to retrieve afterwards, although we will try since your passport is official property of the British Government.
Going to court
Your private lawyer or public defender will be present for the hearing.
If you do not speak Spanish, you have the right to have an interpreter to help you.
If you were caught committing an offence, the police will arrange a public ‘flagrant’ hearing before the judge and State Prosecutor within 24 hours of your detention (‘audiencia de calificación de flagrancia’). If this is not followed, the initial legal process may be considered illegal, which could eventually be declared as void.
Prior to the hearing, you will be taken to one of the temporary assurance units (UAT – ‘unidad de aseguramiento transitorio’) which are part of the National Prison Service (SNAI) or national police.
At the hearing they will decide if you will:
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be placed on remand (called the CPPL: ‘Centro de Privación Provisional de Libertad’) to wait for your trial
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have to pay a fine
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be released without charge
Being put on remand
You may be put on remand if you’re strongly suspected of committing an offence. This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish
If the judge submits a provisional/preventative detention warrant, you should be taken straight to the remand prison (CPPL). For people in vulnerable conditions, due to age or health, this may be replaced by preventative measures (‘medidas cautelares’), such as a travel ban and/or by ordering to present yourself to the prosecution office to sign on a weekly basis.
How long you can be on remand for. Men’s remand prisons (CPPL) are extremely overcrowded given that all males arrested pass through these units. You could spend several months in the CPPL depending on whether there is space available in a main prison or not.
Women detained in Quito are transferred directly to Latacunga regional prison, in the south of Ecuador (Cotopaxi province).
Outside the main cities, you will usually be held in a local police station until your statement has been taken, evidence gathered and charges pressed, and then you can be moved to a large prison.
Some CPPL have public phones, but usually only for incoming calls, and this can be suspended at any time without previous notification.
Bail
The right to bail is not always granted. According to Article 544 of the Criminal Integral Organic Code (COIP), bail will be denied under the below circumstances:
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for crimes where the victims are children, adolescents, disabled or elderly people
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for crimes where the maximum prison sentence is greater than 5 years
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when you have previously breached your bail conditions and the court has forfeited the bail money or other security provided as bail.
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for crimes of violence against women or immediate family members
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if you havepreviously been convicted of a similar category of offence, such as another offence against property, personal safety, or life
Arriving at prison
Once sentenced you will be transferred to one of the main prisons in Ecuador (there may be delays in the transfer due to overcrowding).
There are 3 main regional prisons, in Guayaquil, Cuenca and Latacunga. Here they segregate prisoners within the standard social rehabilitation guidelines (high, medium and low security).
Prison uniform is usually not supplied by the National Prison Service (SNAI). Families or friends will need to provide clothing. The British Embassy can assist with basic needs.An account will be opened for you in the prison shop, known as ‘Economato’ where you can buy snacks and basic toiletries. These products may be considerably more expensive than on the outside. The SNAI regularly evaluates the private companies that provide the prison shop, and therefore sometimes the service is suspended.
All prisoners should be interviewed by a social worker upon arrival and receive a medical check-up by the prison’s doctor (a medical record will be opened).
Your next of kin will not be told you are in prison unless you give your consent.
Your prison cell
Depending on the prison layout, each cell (in minimum and medium security) has capacity for 6 inmates (3 bunk beds), however due to overcrowding there are usually more inmates than there are beds. Most cells have a toilet and washbasin. Showers are located in a communal area and hot water is rarely supplied. Mattress, blankets and bedding are not provided by the prison.
Contacting the British Embassy
Tell the prison or police if you want the British Embassy to know you’re in prison.
Medical check-up
A doctor will give you a check-up within the first few days of being in prison. It might include x-rays and blood tests.
Tell the doctor about any medical conditions you already have. The doctor will decide if you need a special diet or any other medical treatment.
It is unlikely the doctor will speak English, however they can use translation apps or request another staff member to interpret.
Contact the British Embassy if you need help getting your medical notes from the UK.
Rights and responsibilities in prison
Prison rules and regulations will be explained when you arrive at the prison.
There is a points system in place for good behaviour. This can influence your early release. If you break the rules or are considered to have behaved badly, you may be placed in isolation or have points removed.
Visits from family or friends
Rules for visits differ from prison to prison. In general, you need to complete a form (‘acta’) with full names of your intended visitors/family members (currently only 1 visitor for men and 2 visitors for women are allowed).
Due to the on-going Ecuadorean prison security and violence crisis, each detention centre has the prerogative to suspend visits, including consular visits. If this happens, you still have the right to communicate with family/friends and with the consular team through other means. We can ask the prison toarrange Zoom meetings. However, depending on the security situation, the prison service may allow only video conference contact with consular officers.
Arranging visits
Authorised visitors will need to check the official schedule for visits, to access the visiting dates and times. Each visit is scheduled for 2 hours. Visits will be run in groups from 08.00 to 16.00. There is no specific appointment, it runs on a first come first served basis.
The Ecuadorean National Prison Service SNAI - Servicio Nacional de Atención Integral a Privados de Libertad is responsible for setting up the ‘cronograma’ for visits, which each detention centre updates each month.
Your family should contact the consular team well in advance to request assistance from the prison authorities on visiting arrangements, if needed.
During the visit
All visitors need to present an ID on arrival and must arrive 1 hour in advance to go through the mandatory entry security checks. No food is allowed to be taken inside. All bags and parcels are searched before entry, and the authorities have the right to withhold items they consider unacceptable. Depending on the prison, visits can take place in a meeting room, communal area or behind glass. Prison guards will always be present.
What visitors can take with them
Visitors cannot take phones, jewellery, cash or food into the prison. They should check dress code the prison requires beforehand (e.g. sandals, jeans, white t-shirt). Most prisons have lockers where visitors can leave their belongings.
Visits from British embassy or consulate staff
Consular staff will attempt to visit every 3 months, however this depends on the security conditions of the prison and wider capacity constraints. If authorised, the consular team will obtain the relevant visit authorisation from the prison authorities.
You will be taken to a private visiting area. A prisoner can request a visit from the consular team via the prison social worker or over the phone.
In an emergency or under special circumstances (e.g. if we are concerned about health or welfare, including mistreatment) we may visit additionally or arrange to speak to you over the phone or video conference instead, with previous authorisation from the prison.
The consular team may inform the prisoner they will visit, but will not share details of date or time. Phone calls or virtual meetings with consular staff can be arranged through the social worker and prison service.
Money
The British embassy or consulate does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.
Money transfers from family or friends
You can receive money directly from family members into a prison shop account, if it is available in the prison you are in. The consular team can share with your family members the specific details directly since they will vary from prison to prison.
While the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we can, within certain limits, send you money from your family. The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Please ask your family to get in touch with the FCDO in order to arrange this. We are unable to receive payments by credit/ debit card or by cash.
Although, in theory, cash should no longer be accessible inside prisons, this has not always been the case. Please be aware that possession or use of cash may result in sanctions.
Prison accounts
Most prisons have a “prison shop” (‘Economato’) which has a monthly deposit system, usually made by family, friends or Embassies on behalf of the detainee. The monthly deposits into the ‘Economato’ account are made through local bank accounts.
Following a fingerprint registration, you can access the shop during fixed times and days, and also find out how much credit you have. You can purchase snacks and basic toiletries using your credit. This system is in place to avoid cash circulating in the prison.
The monthly prison shop limit is USD $141 both for men and women.
How to make a complaint about mistreatment
The British Embassy in Quito can help if you have been mistreated or abused - it will take all complaints seriously. Tell it first if you decide to make a complaint. It will ask your permission before taking any action.
If you have been mistreated, please inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and inform you of any local complaints’ procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. This will be duly registered for our internal records.
With your consent, and where appropriate, we may raise concerns with local authorities if your treatment falls below international standards. If you have been mistreated, seek medical attention and obtain a medical report and, if possible, photographs of any injuries.
Your investigation and trial in Ecuador
For “non-flagrant” offences, the State Prosecutor (‘Fiscal’) leads the formal investigation (‘Instrucción Fiscal’). This phase normally begins after an initial investigation period and should not exceed 90 days. However, where evidence suggests additional individuals may be involved, the Prosecutor may request an extension of up to 30 days, making the maximum investigation period 120 days.
During the investigation, you may submit documents demonstrating good character, such as:
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a police certificate showing no previous convictions
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employment or educational certificates
These may be considered as mitigating factors (‘atenuantes’) and could contribute to a lower sentence. To be accepted in Ecuador, such documents must be apostilled in the issuing country and officially translated into Spanish.
The stages of the criminal process vary depending on the case.
In flagrant offence cases (when you are caught committing an offence), there will be 2 initial hearings: the flagrancy hearing (‘audiencia de calificación de flagrancia’) and the charge hearing (‘audiencia de formulación de cargos’). If there is sufficient evidence to proceed then the next legal steps will be: the formal investigation phase (instrucción fiscal); a prepatory hearing (‘audiencia evaluatoria y preparatoria de juicio’) to determine whether the case should go to trial; and the trial hearing (‘audiencia de juzgamiento’).
Any time you spent in pre-trial detention will be credited towards your sentence.
Under Ecuadorian law, pre-trial detention (‘prisión preventiva’) is subject to maximum time limits of:
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up to 6 months for offences punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment
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up to 1 year for offences punishable by more than 5 years’ imprisonment
A judgment should normally be issued within these periods.
If the maximum period of pre-trial detention expires, you may, in principle, be released from detention. However, criminal proceedings will continue, and the court may impose alternative measures to ensure your attendance throughout the remainder of the case.
In practice, foreign nationals released from pre-trial detention are often subject to restrictions on leaving Ecuador until the case has concluded, and the immigration authorities may be notified accordingly.
The Ecuadorean justice system is ‘inquisitorial’. There is no jury.
Judges have the responsibility of carrying out a detailed assessment of all the facts about your case. Their final decision will be based on these findings.
The trial starts when the investigation is finished.
The British Embassy cannot interfere with the Ecuadorean judicial system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.
While you’re on remand before the trial, the public prosecutor investigates the charges against you. This can include things like:
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questioning you and the witnesses
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getting expert opinions
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getting police investigative summaries
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examining laboratory reports
The investigation stage is finished when the public prosecutor believes they have enough evidence to take you to trial or they decide to end the case and release you.
Start of your trial
There is no jury system in Ecuador. Trials are heard by a judge, the court (usually made up of 3 legal representatives), and the secretary of the tribunal (court), the State Prosecutor, the lawyer, the accused and the translator/interpreter. It is compulsory that all of the above are present at the court hearing, otherwise it will be postponed.
All documents related to a case and further evidence must be submitted to the president of the court. The trial will be heard in Spanish. As a foreign national, whose first language is not Spanish, the court is responsible for arranging in advance the appointment of an official interpreter (‘perito intérprete/traductor’). Consular staff cannot act as interpreters.
Sentences
Following the hearing, the court issues its judgment, and the court secretary records and notifies the parties of the decision. If you wish to challenge the judgment, you may appeal through your lawyer or public defender, subject to the applicable procedural rules.
In some cases, including certain drug offences, you may be eligible for the “proceso abreviado” (abbreviated procedure). This allows for a faster resolution of the case and may result in a sentence reduction of up to 50%, depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor’s proposal. Generally, it is available only where the offence carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and the defendant admits guilt. This may apply to cases involving smaller quantities of drugs, subject to legal requirements and exceptions.
You and your lawyer will be notified immediately once the State Prosecutor has made their judgement. According to the law, a preliminary hearing (‘evaluatoria y preparatoria de juicio’) before a judge should take place within 10 days of the judgement. All relevant evidence for a trial must be presented during this hearing. If the state prosecutor’s accusation and trial request is ratified by the Judge, a trial will begin before a criminal court (‘tribunal’)., Immediately after the court hearing (‘audiencia de juzgamiento’), the judge should announce her/his final decision.
A maximum delay of 72 hours is permitted before the Judge announces their verdict. In practice, this does not always happen (it is often much longer).
If you’re found guilty you’ll be given a sentence. Your sentence will depend on how serious the crime is. Your lawyer can tell you what or how long your sentence might be.
Sentences can include time in prison or fines.
Making an appeal
A person convicted of a criminal offence has the right to appeal their sentence through their lawyer to the Provincial Court of Justice. However, appeal proceedings can be lengthy and may delay the finalisation of the sentence.
Further legal remedies may also be available, including:
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appeal (‘apelación’)
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extraordinary review of alleged legal errors in the judgement (‘casación’)
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revision (‘revisión’)
The latter two are heard by the National Court of Justice and may also take considerable time.
Principle of Favourability: although Ecuador’s Integral Organic Criminal Code (COIP 2014/2019) is generally not applied retrospectively, Ecuadorean law recognises the principle of favourability (‘principio de favorabilidad’). This means that where different laws provide different penalties for the same offence, the law that is more favourable to the convicted person may be applied.
As a result, individuals sentenced under a previous criminal code may, in certain circumstances, be eligible for a sentence review if the provisions of the current COIP would result in a more favourable outcome.
Applications for a review can be made to the Penitentiary Guarantees Court (‘Juzgado de Garantías Penitenciarias’) responsible for the area where the sentence is being served. Following a hearing, the judge will consider whether the principle of favourability applies and, where permitted by law, may order a reduction in sentence.
Sentence reviews under this principle are not automatic and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Prison conditions in Ecuador
Since mid-2020, Ecuador’s prison system has experienced a number of serious and unpredictable riots, often linked to disputes between organised criminal gang. Some disturbances have occurred simultaneously in prisons across the country, including smaller facilities, and have resulted in significant loss of life.
The government can declare a state of emergency to the prison system, which allows the armed forces and police to support prison security operations alongside the National Prison Service (SNAI). Despite ongoing reforms and increased security measures, outbreaks of prison violence have continued. Contributing factors include gang-related conflicts, overcrowding, poor prison conditions, and shortages of trained prison staff and security guards.
Ecuador has 36 prisons (‘Centros de Privación de Libertad’ - CPLs), including regional prisons, remand centres, and juvenile facilities, holding approximately 38,100 prisoners. The official overcrowding rate for 2026 is reported to be 40%.
Key causes of overcrowding include: a higher number of detainees awaiting trial; delays in the judicial proceedings; an increase in imprisonment; and an insufficient prison capacity nationwide.
Between 2013 and 2014, Ecuador opened regional prisons and introduced a new management model focused on stricter security and social rehabilitation. Access to cash, cooking facilitiesand personal electronic devices is generally restricted.
The model was designed to reduce prison violence, corruption, and extortion through stricter security controls and individual rehabilitation plans. However, prison security continues to be affected by violence linked to criminal gangs.
The Embassy may be able to obtain publicly available reports on prison conditions from UN bodies and internationally recognised human rights organisations.
Letters and packages
The Embassy can forward you letters and packages sent by friends or family, however they will be opened and checked by the consular team. Only items permitted by the prison authorities will be authorised and delivered. Please contact the consular section for more information on this.
Telephone calls
Some prisons have facilities for outgoing calls through the activation of a telephone account (pin number system), others only have the incoming calls option in some wings, and others have no access to phones at all. Prisoners are encouraged to approach the prison social work team to contact the Embassy if needed (this may not always be possible).
Guayas, Cotopaxi (Latacunga) and Azuay (Cuenca) regional prisons have telephone booths installed for outgoing calls. There is a telephone account system, which you can top up without a limit through the CNT (national telephone system) company code activation. Please ask your wing coordinator/social worker for more information on this system.
Esmeraldas and Riobamba male prisons do not have public telephone booths. Loja and Ambato male prisons only have coin telephone booths in each wing (‘pabellón’), both for incoming and outgoing calls.
The remand prison in Quito (CPPL) only has a phone for incoming calls and therefore you are advised to agree a time/day to receive a call.
Telephone systems can be suspended at any time. During riots, telephone booths have been destroyed and not replaced.
Mobile phones are prohibited in prisons. Possession of a phone, SIM card, or phone card may result in penalties, confiscation during prison searches, and potentially an increased sentence. Consular staff cannot respond to calls, texts, or emails from unauthorised devices or accounts.
Video calls
Zoom calls can be arranged between the prisoner and the consular team, as well as with family in the UK. The Embassy can arrange permission for this, through a straightforward process with SNAI prison authority.
Medical and dental treatment
Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re detained in Ecuador.
While you are in detention, the Ecuadorean authorities are responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.
Prison healthcare is provided by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) under an agreement with the National Prison Service (SNAI). All prisons have onsite primary healthcare units, with additional services available depending on the prison population and needs.
Most prisons have onsite primary healthcare units with general practitioners, a psychologist and a dentist. Dental care is provided on designated days, and mental health services are provided through MSP specialists during regular visits, or on request from the general prison doctor. Healthcare services in smaller, non-regional prisons may be more limited, but each prisoner should have a medical record documenting treatment received during detention.
If you need medical or dental treatment, request an appointment with the prison doctor or dentist. Depending on demand, you may be seen the same day or within a few days. English-speaking medical staff are unlikely to be available. If specialist treatment, regular medication, or hospital care is required, the prison health coordinator can arrange a referral to a public hospital, subject to availability and security arrangements. Hospital appointments can take several months, particularly in smaller prisons outside major cities.
Optometry and ophthalmology services are generally not available inside prisons or through the public prison healthcare system. Private appointments for eye examinations and prescription glasses can be arranged at your expense. Once an appointment is confirmed, prison authorities will organise the necessary security escort.
Ecuador’s public healthcare system is currently experiencing challenges related to limited resources, increasing demand and staff shortages. As a result, referrals to public hospitals may take additional time to process and access to some medications may be limited. You may wish to consider obtaining certain medication, lab tests or treatment through private coverage – this will require a prescription from the prison doctor.
Existing conditions
If you have an ongoing medical condition, it may be helpful to obtain a medical report or records from your UK doctor. These can be sent to you via the Embassy. With your consent, we can: raise medical or dental concerns with the prison authorities; and help liaise with your UK GP if previous medical records are required.
You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.
Drug and alcohol addiction
In some regional prisons, they have implemented special units for drug and alcohol addiction treatment. The latter through the specific consent from the detainee. Discuss this option with the prison doctor.
Mental health care
For mental health treatment, specialist health officials arrange regular visits to the prisons. In some regional prisons, they have implemented special units for mental health. There is a psychologist at every prison but for psychiatric treatment the psychologist or prison doctor must request an external evaluation. Speak to the prison psychologist or doctor is you feel you need mental health treatment (including depression or anxiety).
The prison may be able to make recommendations about adjustments for psychological issues.
Emergency trips outside prison
Emergency leave from prison, such as attending a funeral or visiting a critically ill close relative, is generally not permitted. Any exception is likely to require extensive administrative and security arrangements, including a police escort. The Embassy can help assess the likelihood of obtaining permission in exceptional, well-justified circumstances.
Food and diet
Prison meals (“rancho”) are provided free of charge but are often considered insufficient and lacking in nutritional value. This is served 3 times a day and typically includes soup, beans, potatoes, eggs, tuna, chicken/meat, plus bread and a hot drink for breakfast. Prisoners cannot cook for themselves. Drinking water is not always available but bottled water can be purchased from the prison shop.
Prisoners Abroad may provide vitamin supplements.
Special diets
Special dietary requests for health or religious reasons may be considered but are not always possible. The Consular Section can talk to the prison social worker about these needs, which require the assessment and authorisation from the prison’s nutritionist.
Prison shop
You need funds to buy additional food and snacks from the prison shop (“Economato”). If no prison shop is available, food packages may be delivered by family/friends on designated days (once a month) or arranged through the Consular Section or prison social workers.
The Economato operates on a prepaid credit system funded by family, friends, or embassies through local bank deposits. Purchases are made using fingerprint-verified account credit, reducing the need for cash in prison. Prisoners can buy snacks and basic toiletries from the shop. The monthly spending limit at the Economato is USD $141 for both men and women. Some prison shops and food service providers are temporarily suspended while the National Prison Service (SNAI) reviews contractors and service quality.
Showers and hygiene
Shower facilities are in communal areas (except in maximum security male and female cells). Most cells have a toilet and washbasin, but in some old prisons they are only located outside the cells for communal use. Hot water is rarely supplied.
Toiletries are not provided by the prison authorities; these can be purchased in the prison shop or can be included in packages that family or the Embassy sends.
Work and study
Paid work is not available in prisons.
Books, languages, activities and study
Prisons may offer educational, vocational, recreational, and leisure activities, although places can be limited. You can apply for activities through the prison administration, often with support from the social worker. The Embassy may be able to assist with registering for available activities. Taking part in education, work programmes, sports, cultural activities, health initiatives, and reading can positively contribute to your prison record.
Internet access varies between prisons. Some prisons offer IT training and e-learning through their computer centres (“info-centros”), which are also used for approved video conferences. If you are interested in a particular e-learning course, speak with your social worker or contact the Embassy’s consular team for assistance
Most prisons have a library, but English-language books are often limited. The Embassy can provide books during consular visits or via the prison authority’s internal postal service.
Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.
Exercise
Prisoners are allowed to go outside (in the courtyard) a few hours a day or per week, where there are usually some exercise facilities.
In the courtyard or exercise yard, prisoners can play sport such as football, volleyball and basketball. In the women´s prison aerobics and aerobic dance (‘bailoterapia’) are very popular. Some prisons have a communal gym.
Clothing
When you arrive at one of the regional prisons/detention centres you will have up to 15 days to get 2-3 sets of uniforms (1 x shorts, 1 x jeans, 1 x shirt, 1 x jumper, 1 sport jogging pants and top) and a pair of shoes. The uniform colour is orange. This is no longer supplied by the National Prison Service (SNAI). Therefore, families or friends are expected to help with this.
Uniforms are meant to be worn at all times.However given the restraints on getting hold of uniforms, sometimes prisoners are allowed to use their own clothing. Black clothing, especially t-shirts, jumpers and caps/hats are completely prohibited.
The uniforms set by the prison authorities (on sale at the prison shop), are usually appropriate for the weather.
Religion
Most prisons offer religious activities, including optional services, religious talks, weekly religious service and Bible study groups. Participation may contribute positively to your prison record.
Priests and representatives from local church groups regularly visit prisons, although they may require special authorisation to do so.
Access to non-Catholic or non-Christian faith leaders may be more limited. However, the Embassy can try to liaise with the prison to arrange a visit from a minister or religious representative of your faith.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are officially prohibited inside prisons. If you are found with a mobile phone card or SIM card, you are likely to be penalised.
During prison raids, illegal phones will be confiscated and reported. You can face an increase in your sentence for this. Consular staff will not be able to answer any calls/SMS messages from unauthorised mobile phones, likewise from unofficial private emails.
Transferring to another prison
Transferring to a prison in the UK
Ecuador is a signatory to the Strasbourg Convention, which allows eligible prisoners to apply for transfer to the UK. Since January 2019, applications have been processed by the legal department of Ecuador’s National Prison Service (SNAI).
To be eligible, you must:
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be a British citizen or have close ties to the UK (normally through permanent residence)
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have been convicted and sentenced (not awaiting trial)
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have exhausted all appeals or formally waived your right to appeal
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have at least 6 months of your sentence remaining when you appl
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have no outstanding fines, compensation payments, or other non-custodial penalties
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have been convicted of an offence that is also a criminal offence in the UK jurisdiction to which you wish to transfer (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland)
Please note that both Ecuadorian and UK authorities must approve the transfer. Either country may refuse the application. For example, the UK may decline a request if you have not lived there for many years and have no close family ties.
Local requirements under the Strasbourg prisoners transfer agreement are:
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the sentence must be final and enforceable (‘ejecutoriada’), with no ongoing appeals or other legal proceedings
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you must provide written consent to the transfer application in Spanish
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your nationality must be verified (usually by passport or notarised certificate)
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the prison director must provide confirmation of time served and the remaining sentence, including any sentence reductions or benefits granted
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the prison must also provide medical, psychological, social, educational, and legal reports
-
for drug-related offences, any associated fine must normally be resolved; it may only be waived when applying for repatriation
-
all documents must be submitted to SNAI
Once reviewed:
-
SNAI prepares a certified copy of the case file, its approval, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility’s formal agreement
-
if authorised, official notification is sent to the British Embassy, the prison director, and Interpol
-
the British Embassy forwards the documentation and Ecuadorian authorisation to the UK authorities for consideration
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if the transfer is approved by both countries, Ecuadorian Interpol escorts the prisoner to the international airport for formal handover to the British authorities
Transferring to a prison in Ecuador
Transfers to other prisons are only permitted when there are exceptional compassionate, medical or safety reasons for doing so. If you are interested in a transfer, please speak to the British Embassy’s consular team. If required, the British Embassy may be able to raise a request in writing, on your behalf, with the prison authorities. However, it will be up to them to decide whether an official request is feasible for a transfer and which prison to place you in.
The Ecuadorean National Prison Service (SNAI’s Deputy Directorate for Penitentiary Protection and Security) and local prison directors must authorise the transfer. If you have been convicted you will be allocated to a prison to serve your sentence, you will not be able to choose.
Early release
Ecuador’s progressive rehabilitation system includes two main prison benefits: ‘Régimen Semi-Abierto’ (semi-open regime) and ‘Régimen Abierto’ (open regime/early release). Access is subject to legal eligibility requirements and may not be available for all offences.
Régimen Semi-Abierto (semi-open regime):
After serving a required proportion of your sentence (potentially 60%), eligible prisoners may apply to serve part of their remaining sentence outside prison under specified conditions.
Requirements include:
-
a certificate from the prison director confirming the proportion of the sentence served
-
assessment reports showing active participation in educational, cultural, health, work, and rehabilitation activities, in line with the individual rehabilitation plan
-
a certificate confirming no serious disciplinary offences have been committed
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proof of accommodation and employment, usually through notarised sworn declarations
The application process for Régimen Semi-Abierto, involves:
-
submitting a written request to the prison director
-
the prison’s Diagnosis and Evaluation Department prepares the required reports and documentation
-
following the prison director’s approval, the file is sent to SNAI’s Specialised Commission in Quito for review.
-
the final decision is made by the judge responsible for the case
A private lawyer or public defender is not required to apply.
Prisoners granted this benefit must comply with all conditions imposed, which may include reporting requirements and participation in rehabilitation programmes. Failure to comply may result in the benefit being revoked.
Régimen Abierto (open Regime / early release)
This benefit supports reintegration into society under supervision and is generally available after successful completion of the semi-open regime.
Requirements include:
-
a certificate confirming successful completion of the semi-open regime
-
evidence of accommodation and employment or another productive activity
-
a social work report confirming accommodation arrangements
The application process for Régimen Abierto involves:
-
processing of your application through the prison administration and Diagnosis and Evaluation Department
-
the prison director oversees the assessment process
-
the final decision is normally made by the judge responsible for the case
Individuals granted this benefit must comply with any conditions imposed. Travel restrictions are common, and any prohibition on leaving Ecuador will depend on the conditions set in the individual case. Non-compliance may result in the benefit being withdrawn.
Important Information for British Nationals Opting for open regime / early release
Prisoners receiving, or being considered for, semi-open or open regime benefits are generally no longer eligible for transfer to the UK under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA), as transfers apply only from custody to custody. A minimum of 6 months of custodial sentence must normally remain.
Prisoners Abroad support payments cease once a person is released under these benefits, and the British Embassy in Quito will no longer provide prison comfort funds or routine visits once the individual is no longer in custody.
For being considered for, semi-open or open regime benefits are generally no longer eligible for transfer to the UK under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA), as transfers apply only from custody to custody. A minimum of 6 months of custodial sentence must normally remain.
Completion of conditioned release benefits (open regime or early release)
After all progressive release conditions have been met, the prison administration and social reintegration teams assess compliance with reporting obligations, rehabilitation activities, and any other judicial requirements.
SNAI then reviews and validates the case before submitting a final report to the judge. If all requirements have been satisfied, the judge may issue a release warrant (‘boleta de excarcelación’).
The final review and release process can take at least 3 months, although timeframes may vary.
Reduction of sentence (remission)
Under the current legal framework, all prisoners are expected to follow the prison regulations and to comply with their individual social rehabilitation plans. Although the previous remission scheme no longer exists, other prison benefits may be available, subject to the applicable legal provisions and the circumstances of each case.
Clemency or pardon
Amnesty and pardon are separate legal processes in Ecuador. Amnesty (‘amnistía’) may be granted by the National Assembly, while a pardon (‘indulto’) can only be granted by the President of Ecuador.
An amnesty removes the criminal consequences of an offence.
A pardon does not overturn the conviction but may wholly or partially forgive the sentence.
The availability of either measure depends on Ecuadorean law, and certain offences may be excluded or subject to specific conditions. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
In some circumstances, a pardon may be requested on humanitarian or medical grounds, including cases involving serious illness or exceptional vulnerability. The decision to grant a pardon remains entirely at the discretion of the President.
Applications may be reviewed by several Ecuadorean authorities. Foreign nationals may seek assistance from their embassy or consular representatives, although consular support does not influence the outcome of the application.
Release and deportation
You can contact the British Embassy in Quito if you need help when you’re released. You will usually be deported.
Once a sentence has been completed and all legal requirements have been met, the court will issue a release warrant (‘boleta de excarcelación’).
Following release, foreign nationals are normally expected to leave Ecuador. The prison director submits the case to the relevant judge, who arranges a deportation hearing. At this hearing, the individual or their lawyer may request permission to remain in Ecuador, usually on humanitarian grounds, such as close family ties or dependent children (‘prueba de arraigo’). If permission is granted, the individual is generally given 90 days to regularise their immigration status.
Under Ecuador’s Human Mobility Law, deportation is no longer accompanied by immigration detention. Released foreign nationals are generally expected to leave Ecuador within 30 days, at their own expense. Failure to comply may result in immigration fines if identified by the authorities.
In some cases, foreign nationals may also be subject to an expulsion order under the Human Mobility Law: An expulsion order normally carries a 10-year ban on re-entering Ecuador.
Where the criminal sentence was less than 5 years, the re-entry ban is generally 3 years.
Application of these provisions may vary depending on the judicial decision in each case.
Adjusting to life in the UK after imprisonment abroad can be challenging, particularly for those with limited family, social, or residential ties in the UK.
If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you may be able to access practical support upon arrival in the UK, including:
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advice and guidance following release
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temporary luggage storage, shower facilities, telephone and computer access
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basic clothing and toiletries where needed
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assistance with emergency accommodation
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elp claiming welfare benefits, including emergency payments where eligible.
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support with arranging medical and dental appointments
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referrals to local support services, training providers, housing organisations, employment services, and counselling
If you know your release date in advance, you are encouraged to contact your Prisoners Abroad caseworker to discuss any support you may require.
Other sources of support in the UK:
The Salvation Army
- Tel: 020 7367 4888 / 020 7367 4500
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
Prison Fellowship
- Tel: 020 7799 2500
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
You may also contact your local branch of either organisation for further assistance
Flights to the UK
As a valid passport and airline ticket are usually required before deportation or expulsion can be arranged, it is important to plan ahead for travel costs and any accommodation or living expenses needed after release and before departure. Remaining funds from Prisoners Abroad (where applicable), or support from family and friends, may help cover these costs.
Getting a passport
Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British embassy or consulate before you’re released if you need an emergency passport for your journey home.
Useful Spanish words and phrases
Important phrases
| I don’t understand | No entiendo/ no comprendo |
| The telephone is out of order | El teléfono no funciona |
| I do not have any money to buy… | No tengo dinero para comprar… |
| I would like to order… | Me gustaría ordenar/pedir… |
| This is urgent | Es urgente |
| May I make an appointment to see… | Puedo hacer una cita para ver a…? |
| I need to see my lawyer | Necesito ver a mi abogado |
| Can I have a list of local English-speaking lawyers? | Puedo acceder a un listado de abogados que hablen Inglés? |
| Who is dealing with my case? | Quién está tramitando (a cargo de) mi caso? |
| Doo you have a list of translators? | Tiene un listado de traductores? |
| Can you tell me how long I will be held in police custody before I get transferred to a prison? | Me podría decir cuánto tiempo estaré en detención provisional antes de ser trasladado al centro de privación de libertad? |
| What must I do to get transferred to another prison? | Qué debo hacer para solicitar mi traslado a otra prisión (centro privación libertad)? |
| Can you tell me how long my sentence is? | Me podría decir cuántos años es mi sentencia? |
| Can I move to other cell? | Me podrían cambiar a otra celda? |
| I am very cold, can I have an extra blanket please? | Tengo mucho frío. Podrían darme otra cobija? |
| How much money do I have in my account? | Cuánto dinero tengo en mi cuenta? |
| What day does the doctor come? What time? | Qué día y a qué hora viene el doctor? |
| Is there any work that I can do? | Hay algún trabajo que pueda hacer? |
| I would like to work in the… | Me gustaría trabajar en…. |
| Can you show me what I must do? | Me indica qué debo hacer? |
| Do you have a Spanish/English dictionary? | Tiene un diccionario de Inglés a Español? |
| Can you contact the Consulate for me? | Puede ayudarme a contactar al Consulado-Embajada Británica? |
| I want to make a complaint | Deseo presentar una queja / denuncia formal |
| Can I have permission to get this from others (family/consulate)? | Me podrían autorizar a que me envíen lo siguiente |
| As I cannot receive visits, could I have a parcel of clothes sent to the prison? | Como no recibo visitas, me permitirían que me envíen un paquete con ropa y otras cosas? |
| What items are not permitted to enter the prison? | Qué artículos no son permitidos de ingreso? |
| I have not heard from my family and I am worried about them | No sé nada de mi familia y estoy preocupado(a) |
| Can I study Spanish, here at the prison? | Se puede estudiar Español aquí en la prisión? |
Useful legal terms
Access to file (by Lawyer) –Acceso al expediente
Accomplice – Cómplice
Accused (with charges) – Imputado
Acquitted (found not guilty) – Absuelto (sentencia absolutoria)
Adjudication – Fallo / sentencia
Administration of justice – Administración de Justicia
Amnesty – Amnistía
Anti-Narcotics Police Station – Jefatura de Antinarcóticos
Appeal – Apelación
Appeal (trial court decision is appealed directly to the National Court, by “jumping” over the intermediate court of appeals) – Casación
Appeal or complaint – Apelación o queja
Application – Aplicación
Application forms (prison) – Formulario de aplicación
Assessment of evidence – Evaluación de pruebas y evidencias (pruebas materiales, testimoniales y documentales)
Attorney General´s Office (Prosecution Office) – Fiscalía General del Estado
Blood test – Exámen de sangre
Board of prison governors – Comité del centro de privación de libertad
Cell – Celda
Charge/Acusación – alegato
Chief Prosecutor – Fiscal General
Clemency / pardon – Indulto
Complaints system – Sistema de denuncias / demandas
Completed file – Expediente completo
Compulsory prosecution – Enjuiciamiento obligatorio
Consent – Consentimiento
Convicted – Condenado / sentenciado
Conviction – Condena / sentencia
Corporal – Cabo / corporal
Country ban (order issued which prohibits a person who has been deported or expelled from returning) – Prohibición de regresar al país
Court appearance – Comparecencia ante el tribunal
Court hearing – Audiencia de juzgamiento
Courthouse – Tribunal / Juzgado
Criminal code – Código Orgánico Integral Penal- COIP
Criminal code procedure – Código de Ejecución de penas y rehabilitación social
Criminal Court – Tribunal de Garantías Penitenciario
Criminal prosecution – Enjuiciamiento penal
Criminal record – Record policial
Custody hearing – Audiencia preliminar
Custody order (pre-trial) – detención preventiva
Danger of absconding – Peligro de fugarse
Danger of interfering with the course of justice – Peligro de interferir con el procedimiento de justicia / procedimiento legal
Danger of repeated criminal offences – Riesgo de reincidencia
Decision not to prosecute (not to file charges) – Abstención de acusar
Deportation – deportación
Dismiss charges – Desestimar cargos o acusación
Early release Benefit – Pre-libertad (before COIP) beneficio penitenciario
Escort – Escoltar / escolta
Expert Witness (specialist) – Testigo / Perito
Expulsion – expulsión
Extradition – Extradición
Fever – Fiebre
File – carpeta / archivar
Food poisoning – Intoxicación estomacal
Greater Criminal Court – Corte Nacional de Justicia
Guarding (a prison) – agente de seguridad penitenciaria
Guilty – Culpable
Hand cuffed – Esposado
Hearing (first) – Primera audiencia
High National Court – Corte Nacional de Justicia
Higher Regional Court – Corte Provincial de Justicia
Human Rights – derechos humanos
Hunger strike – Huelga de hambre
Imprisoned – Detenido / encarcelado / recluído
Imprisonment – Detención / encarcelamiento / reclusión
Imprisonment after conviction – Encarcelamiento después de ser sentenciado / condenado
Insubordination to Officer – Desobediencia a la autoridad / insubordinación
Interpreter – Intérprete / traductor
Investigation (Inquest) – Investigación / Indagación previa
Jeopardise – Poner en peligro
Judge – Juez(a)
Judgement – Sentencia / juzgamiento / dictámen
Judgement Final and enforceable – sentencia ejecutoriada
Judicial Police / System – Policía Judicial / Sistema judicial
Juvenile prison – Centro de detención para jóvenes infractores
Lawyer – Abogado(a)
Lawyers´charges (fees) – Honorarios del abogado(a)
Legal Aid / Pro Bono Lawyer – asesoría legal gratuita
Local prison rules – Reglamento penitenciario
Local State (Criminal) Court – Tribunal (Penal)
Malnutrition – Desnutrición
Marital visit – Visita conyugal
Migration (immigration authority) – autoridad migratoria
Misdemeanour – Falta / mala conducta
Mistreatment / Torture – maltrato / tortura
Notary (public) – Notaría Pública
Opposition – Oposición
Out-of-court settlement – Resolución
Parole (conditional release) – Libertad condicional (Régimen Semi-abierto)
Pardon – Indulto
Pay off debts – Pagar deudas
Penal proceeding – Trámite/procedimiento penal
Penitentiary system – Sistema penitenciario / carcelario
Permanent (indefinite) detention – Detención en firme
Permit, entitlement (entry permit) – Permiso / calificado / acreditado
Physical examination – Exámen físico
Plaintiff – Demandante
Police Officer/Oficial – agente de Policía
Power of Attorney – Poder legal
Preliminary detention – Aprehensión
Presumption of innocence – Presunción de inocencia
Preventive detention – Prisión preventiva
Prison – Prisión / cárcel / centro de privación de libertad
Prison administration-service (Ecuadorean Prison Authority) – SNAI - Servicio Nacional de Atención Integral a Personas Privadas de la Libertad - SNAI)
Prison Assessment Unit – Departamento de Diagnóstico y Evaluación
Prison Director – Director(a) del centro de privación de libertad
Prison house rules – Reglamento interno (penitenciario)
Prison Guard – agente de seguridad penitenciario / guardia
Prisoners – Personas Privadas de Libertad (PPLs) / internos (inmates)
Procedural complaint – Denuncia procesal
Proceedings – Proceso / trámite legal
Proof of evidence – Pruebas de evidencia
Prosecution – Enjuiciamiento
Prosecutor (Public) (Prosecution Office) – Fiscalía / Fiscal
Public Defender / Pro-bono lawyer – Defensor Público
Punishment cell – Celda de castigo (calabozo)
Raids – Requisas
Rehabilitation (social) – Rehabilitación (social)
Release – Salir en libertad (puesto en libertad / excarcelado)
Release order – Boleta de libertad / boleta de excarcelación
Remand (sending a person accused of an alleged offence into custody to await trial) – Detención provisional/preventiva
Remand prison – CPPL (centro provisional de privación de libertad)
Remedy of appeal – Recurso de apelación
Remission – Rebaja de pena (beneficio penitenciario)
Repatriation – Repatriación / traslado
Representative of the Local Authority – Representante de la autoridad local
Riot – amotinamiento
Riot squad – Grupo de amotinamiento
Roll call – Tomar lista (in the morning and at night)
Security – Seguridad
Small Police Station – Jefatura de policía
Social Worker – Trabajador(a) Social
State officials – Empleados públicos
Stomach bugs – Infección estomacal
Strike – Huelga / paro
Supreme Court of Justice – Corte Nacional de Justicia
Surety (money required for a remand prisoner to be released on bail) – Fianza
Temporary detention – Detención provisional
The accused – El Acusado
To buy – Comprar
To change money (deposit money) – Cambiar dinero (depositar dinero)
To deport – Deportar
To file an application – archivar el expendiente
To file an official complaint – denunciar / poner una denuncia
Transfer (prison) – repatriación
(prisoners) Transfer Agreement (Strasbourg Convention 1983) – ‘Convenio sobre el Traslado de Personas Condenadas’ - Convención de Estrasburgo 1983
Transfer to another prison – Traslado a otro centro de privación de libertad
Trial – juicio
Valid or legal – Válido o legal
{Numbers}
1 - One / Uno
2 - Two / Dos
3 - Three / Tres
4 - Four / Cuatro
5 - Five / Cinco
6 - Six / Seis
7 - Seven / Siete
8 - Eight / Ocho
9 - Nine / Nueve
10 - Ten / Diez
11 - Eleven / Once
12 - Twelve / Doce
13 - Thirteen / Trece
14 - Fourteen / Catorce
15 - Fifteen / Quince
16 - Sixteen / Dieciséis
17 - Seventeen / Diecisiete
18 - Eighteen / Dieciocho
19 - Nineteen / Diecinueve
20 - Twenty / Veinte
Food
Fruta – Fruit
Manzana – Apple
Plátano / Banana – Banana
Naranja – Orange
Tomate – Tomato
Lechuga – Lettuce
Papa – Potato
Carnes & proteinas – Meats & proteins
Pollo – Chicken
Carne de res – Beef
Cerdo – Pork
Pescado – Fish
Huevos – Eggs
Frejol – Beans
Lácteos – Dairy
Pan – Bread
Arroz – Rice
Leche – Milk
Queso – Cheese
Sal – Salt
Azúcar – Sugar