Colombia’s “Devil’s Advocate” Lawyer Juan José Roldán Challenges Criminal Justice System
Bogotá, Colombia – November 22, 2023 – In a story rapidly gaining traction as breaking news, Colombian criminal defense attorney Juan José Roldán is making waves not just within the legal community, but across the nation. Known as “The Devil’s Advocate” for his tenacious defense of even the most complex cases, Roldán is pushing boundaries and sparking debate about the integrity of the Colombian justice system. This story is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
From Client Nickname to National Reputation
The moniker, Roldán explains in an interview with Infobae Colombia, originated with a client – whose identity he’s protecting – and quickly spread due to his assertive courtroom style and impressive success rate in handling structural cases of organized crime. It’s a title he doesn’t shy away from. “’The devil’s advocate’, at the end of the day, is that person who confronts a giant, a system,” he stated. He sees himself as a necessary counterweight to potential overreach and flaws within the prosecution and judicial processes.
Uncovering “False Positives” and Defending the Accused
Roldán’s reputation isn’t built on defending guilt, but on ensuring due process. He highlighted a particularly impactful case involving “false positives” – instances where the Prosecutor’s Office presented fabricated evidence to implicate individuals beyond those truly responsible for a crime. This practice, he argues, fosters impunity and undermines the pursuit of genuine justice. He is currently leading the defense in the high-profile case of Maximiliano, a child murdered in Antioquia, emphasizing his role as a defender of the human person, not a justification of criminal acts.
The Importance of Strategic Litigation in a Complex Legal Landscape
Criminal litigation is notoriously challenging, demanding specialized expertise and a relentless commitment to detail. Roldán’s success underscores the critical role of strategic litigation – a proactive, analytical approach to legal defense that anticipates and addresses potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This isn’t simply about winning; it’s about ensuring a fair trial and holding the system accountable. The rise of strategic litigation as a specialized field reflects a growing awareness of the need for sophisticated legal defense in the face of increasingly complex criminal investigations.
Sharing Expertise: Lectures, Podcasts, and International Recognition
Roldán isn’t keeping his knowledge to himself. He regularly conducts courses for aspiring lawyers, offering a glimpse into the realities of defending clients “on the other side of power.” He’s scheduled to present further talks between November 28 and December 6, 2025, and plans to launch a podcast next year aimed at educating young legal professionals about the challenges of criminal law in Colombia. His expertise has also garnered international recognition, leading to an invitation to speak at the first International Congress of Criminal Law and Strategic Litigation in La Paz, Bolivia, from November 20-23. The congress, featuring jurists from across Latin America, will showcase Roldán’s experience in defending complex, high-impact cases, including those involving transnational crime.
A System Under Scrutiny: The Future of Criminal Justice in Colombia
Juan José Roldán’s work isn’t just about individual cases; it’s about systemic change. His willingness to challenge the status quo and expose potential flaws in the justice system is forcing a critical conversation about accountability, due process, and the pursuit of true justice in Colombia. As he continues to share his expertise and advocate for his clients, “The Devil’s Advocate” is poised to remain a pivotal figure in the ongoing evolution of Colombian criminal law. His upcoming presentations and podcast promise to further empower the next generation of legal professionals to navigate the complexities of the system and champion the rights of the accused.
