SENTENCE REDUCTION AND PRISON BENEFITS IN BOLIVIA

Serving a custodial sentence in Bolivia goes beyond simply completing the time imposed by a judicial ruling. Instead, it follows the Progressive System model—an approach focused on the social rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. This system seeks to give punishment a reintegrative character, offering incentives such as sentence reduction or access to early release based on the inmate’s behavior and active participation in educational, work, and disciplinary programs.

STAGES OF THE PROGRESSIVE CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM IN BOLIVIA

The process is structured into four successive phases, reflecting the inmate’s progression toward full reintegration into society. The initial observation and classification phase involves evaluating the convicted person’s personal, social, and criminal background to assign them to the appropriate prison regime. In the adaptation phase within a trust-based environment, inmates are encouraged to engage in educational and work activities to develop skills for future reintegration.

Next is the trial period, during which the inmate’s ability to take on responsibility in a less restrictive environment is assessed. At this stage, inmates may request permission to work or study outside the prison or to take temporary leaves—always under supervision and for reintegration purposes. Finally, during the parole phase, the person may complete their sentence outside prison, under the supervision of the Criminal Enforcement Judge and subject to legal and behavioral conditions.

This model enables the application of prison benefits such as sentence reduction through work or study, allowing a reduction of one day for every two days of labor or education—reinforcing the humanistic and rehabilitative focus of Bolivia’s penal system. Ultimately, it recognizes that incarceration should be accompanied by real opportunities for change and personal development.

MECHANISMS FOR SENTENCE REDUCTION OR PARTIAL COMPLIANCE

Bolivian law provides various mechanisms that allow individuals deprived of liberty to reduce their sentence or serve part of it under specific conditions. Below are the main benefits established under current legislation.

SENTENCE REDUCTION THROUGH WORK OR STUDY IN BOLIVIA

Work and study are encouraged as means of reducing prison time. One day of sentence may be reduced for every two days of labor or academic activity. In special cases—such as women responsible for dependents—the ratio is one-to-one.

To access this benefit, the inmate must meet several requirements, including having served at least two-fifths of the sentence, maintaining good behavior (no recent serious sanctions), and not having been convicted of particularly serious crimes such as terrorism, child sexual offenses, or certain narcotics-related offenses under Law 1008 where the sentence exceeds fifteen years.

EXTRAMURAL WORK OR STUDY REGIME

Inmates in the trial period may request judicial authorization to leave prison during the day to study or work, provided they return at the end of each day. To qualify, they must have served at least half of their sentence, demonstrate a regular work or study schedule, provide personal guarantors, and meet the same conduct and offense-related criteria required for sentence reduction.

PAROLE IN BOLIVIA

This benefit may be granted once the inmate has served two-thirds of their sentence—or at least half plus one day in the case of women with dependents. Good behavior and a commitment to work are key factors in the evaluation.

The Criminal Enforcement Judge may grant parole ex officio or upon request, setting the conditions to be followed. Violating these conditions leads to revocation and requires the inmate to serve the remainder of the sentence in prison.

TEMPORARY LEAVE FROM PRISON IN BOLIVIA