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Administrative Disciplinary Law

Defense for public servants in disciplinary proceedings

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Administrative disciplinary law in Colombia regulates the conduct of public servants and private individuals exercising public functions. Disciplinary proceedings can have serious consequences: from fines to dismissal and disqualification to hold public office for up to 20 years. At Guevara Castaño Abogados we provide specialized defense throughout every stage of the disciplinary proceeding.

Defense and Counsel in Disciplinary Proceedings

We represent public servants, contractors of State entities, and private individuals exercising public functions before the Office of the Inspector General (Procuraduría General de la Nación), municipal ombudsmen (personerías), internal control offices of public entities, and other competent authorities. Our defense is structured under the General Disciplinary Code (Law 1952 of 2019, modified by Law 2094 of 2021), ensuring full due process from preliminary inquiry to disciplinary judgment.

We also represent clients in challenges before contentious administrative jurisdiction (jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa) when disciplinary sanctions become final, including nullity and reinstatement actions (acciones de nulidad y restablecimiento del derecho).

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Frequently asked questions

What our clients ask

Administrative disciplinary law (derecho disciplinario) regulates the conduct of public servants and individuals exercising public functions. It is governed by Law 1952 of 2019 (General Disciplinary Code) as modified by Law 2094 of 2021. Sanctions range from written warnings to dismissal and general disqualification from holding public office for up to 20 years.

Disciplinary proceedings can be initiated by the Office of the Inspector General (Procuraduría General de la Nación), municipal ombudsmen (personerías), internal control offices of public entities, and on certain occasions ex officio. Any citizen may file a disciplinary complaint.

Sanctions range from written warning, fines, suspension, dismissal with general disqualification up to 20 years, and special disqualification. The General Disciplinary Code (Law 1952 of 2019) classifies offenses as serious (gravísimas), grave, or minor, with corresponding sanctions.

Yes. Disciplinary decisions can be challenged through reconsideration appeals (recurso de reposición), appeals (apelación), and review actions before contentious administrative jurisdiction. Additionally, tutela actions may apply when fundamental rights are violated.

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