Argentine Lawyer Accused of Improperly Contacting Abuse Victim

Esquel, Argentina – A prominent lawyer in Esquel, Daniel Sandoval, faces allegations of professional misconduct after interviewing the victim in a sexual abuse case while representing the defendant. The accusations, brought forth by the local prosecutor, María Bottini, center on claims that Sandoval attempted to induce the victim to retract her testimony.

Details of the Allegations

The case originated with a unanimous guilty verdict delivered by a jury, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence for the defendant on charges of sexual abuse and attempted sexual abuse of a minor relative. Sandoval entered the case following the initial conviction to pursue an appeal.

According to Prosecutor Bottini, Sandoval met with the 17-year-old victim in his law office, accompanied initially by her father, who is the brother of the convicted man. The prosecutor alleges that Sandoval then spoke with the victim privately and recorded the conversation, potentially seeking to undermine her previous statements. EQS Notas and El Patagónico reported on the allegations.

Concerns Regarding Victim’s Vulnerability

Bottini emphasized the victim’s vulnerability, noting a psychological evaluation revealed a maturational delay, indicating her mental age is lower than her chronological age. The situation is further complicated by a complex family dynamic, including the defendant’s relationship as the victim’s uncle and a history of familial violence. El Patagónico highlighted these concerns.

Legal Proceedings and Response

The Cámara Penal (Criminal Chamber) ultimately deemed the recorded statement obtained by Sandoval as illegal, recognizing the inherent conflict of interest in a defense attorney directly contacting the victim. The judges acknowledged the representation of opposing interests in their ruling. EQS Notas reported that the judges did not file their own complaint, as Bottini’s was already underway.

Bottini has filed a complaint against Sandoval for prevaricato (abuse of office) and has requested the bar association review his conduct. Canal 4 Esquel detailed the prosecutor’s actions.

Ongoing Review of the Original Sentence

As of March 4, 2026, the Cámara Penal is reviewing the original sentence in the abuse case, with Sandoval presenting his arguments. Prosecutor Bottini is defending the initial conviction and seeking its confirmation. Noticias de la Comarca reported on this ongoing review.