Puerto Rico Department of Justice

The Puerto Rico Department of Justice, also known as the Departamento de Justicia de Puerto Rico, is the executive branch agency tasked with administering justice throughout the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Its primary responsibilities include prosecuting criminal offenses committed under territorial law, providing legal counsel to the Governor, the legislature, and all government agencies, and representing the government in civil, administrative, and federal litigation that affects Puerto Rico. The department also oversees the juvenile justice system, administers victim‑assistance programs, and manages the issuance of criminal background certificates and related public records. Through its various divisions—such as the Criminal Division, the Civil Division, the Juvenile Justice Division, and the Office of the Attorney General—it delivers legal services to residents, law‑enforcement entities, and other governmental bodies within the territory. The agency’s work extends to coordinating with municipal police forces and supporting initiatives aimed at crime prevention and public safety. By upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of both victims and defendants, it serves the entire population of Puerto Rico. Its operations are funded through the territorial budget and are subject to oversight by the Commonwealth’s legislative and audit institutions.

The department is led by the Attorney General, who is appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico and requires confirmation by the Legislative Assembly, establishing a clear chain of command within the territorial executive branch. Its headquarters are situated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is part of the United States of America, and it operates under the authority of the Puerto Rico Constitution as well as applicable federal statutes that apply to the territory. A distinguishing attribute of the agency is its dual role as both the chief prosecutor for territorial crimes and the principal legal representative for all government entities, a combination that centralizes legal authority within the Commonwealth. Structurally, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice is not a subsidiary of any private corporation; it is a direct component of the Commonwealth’s executive branch, with no parent organization outside the territorial government. In May 2025, the department experienced a cyberattack that led to the temporary suspension of services such as the issuance of criminal background certificates, prompting coordination with the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service and its Cyber Incident Evaluation Office to activate security protocols and begin containment, investigation, and technical assessment efforts. The incident underscored the agency’s reliance on digital infrastructure for public‑service delivery and highlighted its commitment to protecting citizens’ personal data during the response and recovery phases.