SUCCESSIONS The Dominican Civil Code establishes different succession orders so as to regulate transfer of assets follow- ing death. There is a tax on successions and a gift tax. Succession is distributed in equal parts among the deceased’s closest relatives, that is, first the descendants. If the deceased never had descendants, then the succession goes to parents or other ascendants, and in their absence to siblings and collaterals. Spouses will inherit in the absence of all of the above and then the State. The successions of foreign persons who have assets in the country are subject to the payment of these tax- es in respect to said assets.
FOREIGNERS AND THE DOMINICAN PENAL LAW
The Dominican Penal Code establishes three types of infractions: misdemeanors, felonies, and crimes. Dominican courts have the jurisdiction to judge foreigners who commit infractions within Dominican territory, even when the victim is also a foreigner.
DEPORTATION Foreigners that engage in certain illegal activities in the Dominican Republic may be arrested and deport- ed to their country of origin. When foreigners become a public nuisance within five years following their entry to the country, the im- migration inspectors are in charge of investigating these cases and obtaining the corresponding arrest warrant. Foreigners may not be deported without having the possibility of defending themselves from the charges of which they are being accused.
EXTRADITION The Dominican Republic has signed extradition treaties with the United States of America and Spain. The country also is a signatory to the International Extradition Convention of 1981.
FOREIGN PARTIES BEFORE DOMINICAN COURTS Access to justice and the right to ask a Dominican court to defend an individual is granted both to Dominican citizens as well as to foreigners, without regard to country of origin.