Impugnación a la acusación penal en Washington

Explicación Simple

Si alguien es acusado de un crimen, puede decir que la acusación es incorrecta por varias razones. Esto se llama 'demurrer' y puede ser un paso importante para defenderse.

Es como cuando un estudiante recibe una calificación baja y decide impugnarla porque cree que el examen tuvo errores. Si se comprueba que la calificación fue injusta, puede cambiar su nota.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan es acusado de robo, pero él tiene pruebas que demuestran que estaba en otro lugar cuando ocurrió el crimen. Juan puede presentar un 'demurrer' para argumentar que la acusación no se sostiene y, si se acepta, podría ser liberado de los cargos.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

RCW 10.40.110 - Demurrer to indictment or information The defendant may demur to the indictment or information when it appears upon its face either --(1) That it does not substantially conform to the requirements of this code;(2) [That] more than one crime is charged;(3) That the facts charged do not constitute a crime;(4) That the indictment or information contains any matter which, if true, would constitute a defense or other legal bar to the action. RCW 10.40.120 - Sustaining demurrer -- When final If the demurrer is sustained because the indictment or information contains matter which is a legal defense or bar to the action, the judgment shall be final, and the defendant must be discharged. RCW 10.40.125 - Sustaining demurrer, etc. -- When not final The judgment for the defendant on a demurrer to the indictment or information, except where it is otherwise provided, or for an objection taken at the trial to its form or substance, or for variance between the indictment or information and the proof, shall not bar another prosecution for the same offense. RCW 10.40.140 - Overruling demurrer -- Pleading over If the demurrer is overruled the defendant has a right to put in a plea. If he fails to do so, judgment may be rendered against him on the demurrer, and, if necessary, a jury may be impaneled to inquire and ascertain the degree of the offense. [Code 1881 § 1053; RRS § 2107.] RCW 10.40.170 - Plea of guilty The plea of guilty can only be put in by the defendant himself in open court. [Code 1881 § 1056; RRS § 2110. FORMER PART OF SECTION: Code 1881 § 1057; RRS § 2111, now codified as RCW 10.40.175.] RCW 10.40.180 - Plea of not guilty The plea of not guilty is a denial of every material allegation in the indictment or information; and all matters of