Criminal Procedure Reform - Practical guide

What changes does Law 34/2026 bring about?

The pace of criminal justice proceedings has been at the center of public debate, particularly following several high-profile cases whose duration drew widespread criticism. 

Against this backdrop, Law 34/2026 of July 27 introduces the most extensive reform of criminal procedure since 1987, with the stated objective of promoting a faster and more efficient criminal justice system.

Among the most significant changes are the introduction of a new case-management duty, the sanctions regime targeting dilatory conduct, the expansion of abbreviated proceedings, and the extension of the effects of a full and unreserved confession to offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding five years.    

Since the law entered into force on September 1, 2026, all affected parties must promptly adapt to the new procedural rules and the corresponding sanctions regime.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What changes does Law 34/2026 bring about?
2. What does the new duty of case management and procedural adaptation?
3. What are the new mechanisms against abusive delay and the fine for dilatory conduct?
4. What changes have been made to the rules governing judicial recusal and voluntary withdrawal?
5. How have time limits been modified in exceptionally complex proceedings?
6. What changes have been made to the rules governing nullities and the time limits for raising them?
7. What changes have been made to indictments?
8. What changes have been made to the application for opening the judicial investigation stage (instrução) and to statements of defense?
9. What does the new preliminary review of evidentiary applications involve?
10. Article 340: What has changed?
11. What changes have been made to the rules governing full and unreserved confessions?
12. What changes have been made to the reproduction and reading of statements in hearings?
13. How have abbreviated proceedings been expanded?
14. What changes have been made to appeals?
15. What changes have been made to the Criminal Code and the Regulation
    on the Cost of Procedures?
16. Conclusion