- Theme: effective repentance, as provided for in Article 15 of the Penal Code, and the concept of timely restitution
- Phrases: 22, of which 18 are from the team and 4 are popular sayings
- When to use: when studying the concept, when writing about the topic, or when thinking about how to correct a mistake
- Who it's for: students, curious minds, and anyone looking for insights on responsibility and reparations
"Effective repentance" is a term used in Brazilian criminal law, but the idea behind it is familiar to everyone: realizing one’s mistake and taking action in time to prevent the worst from happening. This text explains the concept in simple language and offers some thought-provoking quotes on the subject.
First comes the legal meaning, with the text of the law and the differences from similar concepts. Next are the phrases, organized by situation: turning back time, making amends, dealing with guilt, and reaching out to those who have been hurt.
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What is effective repentance?
The provision is set forth in Article 15 of the Penal Code (Decree-Law No. 2,848/1940), which also addresses voluntary withdrawal. The text of the law states: “A person who voluntarily withdraws from carrying out an act or prevents the result from occurring is liable only for the acts already committed.”
The second part of the article—“prevents the result from occurring”—is effective repentance. The person has already done everything in their power to commit the crime, but then acts of their own free will to prevent the result from occurring.
A common example in criminal law texts: someone injures another person with the intent to kill, but immediately afterward provides assistance, and the victim survives. In this scenario, the person is held liable for the injury already caused, not for attempted murder.
According to the article “Abandoned Attempt and Subsequent Repentance” on Jus.com.br, a person may withdraw or change their mind based on the suggestion or advice of another, and the legal concept remains applicable. What matters is that the withdrawal be of their own volition and not imposed by circumstances beyond their control.
The two most frequently cited requirements, as outlined in the Estratégia Concursos material, are that the act be voluntary and effective. “Effective” means that the result does not actually occur. If the result occurs despite the effort, Article 15 does not apply, although the Penal Code provides for circumstances that mitigate the penalty, such as attempting to prevent or lessen the consequences of the crime (Article 65).
Regarding the nature of the institution, the the prevailing doctrine, according to Empório do Direito, holds that it precludes the criminal elements of the crime the person intended to commit. Only the offense that was actually committed remains.
Effective repentance, voluntary withdrawal, and subsequent repentance
These terms are often confused. The table summarizes what the law says about each one, based on Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Penal Code.
| Institute | When it happens | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary withdrawal (Art. 15, first part) | During the act: the person stops what they were doing of their own accord | You are liable only for actions already taken |
| Effective Repentance (Art. 15, second part) | After the action is completed and before the result is known: the person stops it | You are liable only for actions already taken |
| Subsequent Regret (Art. 16) | In cases of crimes involving no violence or serious threat to a person, where the damage has been repaired or the property has been returned by the time the complaint or accusation is filed | Sentence reduced by one-third to two-thirds |
| Attempt (Art. 14, subparagraph II) | Once the act has begun, the crime is not completed due to circumstances beyond the person's control | As a general rule, the penalty for a completed crime is reduced by one-third to two-thirds |
In criminal law courses, voluntary withdrawal is often referred to as the “golden bridge,” and subsequent repentance as the “silver bridge,” as explained by the Competitive Exams Department. The image suggests that the law leaves the door open for those who back down or make amends.
Outside the courtroom, the same logic holds true. Stepping back before the fall and making amends afterward are choices about how to deal with a mistake. The following statements are based on this idea, without promising that making amends will erase what happened.
Phrases to go back in time
Quotes without an author listed are from the Mensagens que Inspiram team. Popular sayings are labeled as such.
- If you pull your hand away before the vase falls, you'll still have the vase. Use this when: you notice the error while it is still occurring.
- Admitting a mistake while it's still happening takes courage that no one applauds.
- There are decisions that only reveal their strength when it's time to take them apart.
- Better late than never. A popular saying.
- The message left unsent, the car left unstarted, the scream held back: small steps back that prevent major damage.
- It's better to be safe than sorry. A popular saying.
Quotes about making amends
Apologizing is a start, and making amends is usually the next step. These quotes speak to the difference between feeling and acting.
- Apologizing is just the beginning; making amends is what proves it.
- Regret that’s just a sigh doesn’t come in time. What runs arrives.
- Those who truly repent pick up the pieces before sweeping the room. Use this when: the damage can still be repaired.
- Making amends doesn't erase what happened, but it changes what happens next.
- There are 30-second phone calls that are worth more than a year of guilt.
- You learn by making mistakes. A popular saying.
Quotes about guilt and starting over
Facing one's mistakes without letting them destroy you is also a responsibility. Anyone who wants to explore the topic of resilience You can read the text about emotional resilience.
- Guilt that doesn't turn into action just takes up space.
- Facing up to a mistake without letting it destroy you is also a way to take responsibility.
- You can regret what you've done and still decide who you'll be tomorrow.
- No good thing lasts forever, nor does any misfortune last forever. A popular saying.
- An honest fresh start begins by calling what happened by its proper name.
Phrases for the person receiving the apology
Those who were injured also have their own story to tell. To read more about this side of the story, see the article on the power of forgiveness.
- Accepting an apology doesn't mean you have to forget.
- Everyone has their own time to listen to one forgiveness. Use this when: someone isn't ready to answer yet.
- Those who make amends deserve to be heard; those who have been hurt deserve to be respected.
- Reconciliation is a two-way street, and one side may take a while to come around.
- A time for repair is not a time to seek applause.
Not every mistake can be fixed, and not every remedy is accepted. Still, focusing on what is within our reach is already a form of responsibility.
See also: Messages on Self-Awareness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is effective repentance, in a nutshell?
This occurs when a person completes the acts involved in committing a crime but, of their own volition, prevents the result from occurring. They are liable only for the acts already committed, in accordance with Article 15 of the Penal Code.
What is the difference between effective repentance and voluntary withdrawal?
In voluntary desistance, the person stops the act. In effective repentance, the act has already ended, and the person takes action to prevent the outcome.
Are effective repentance and subsequent repentance the same thing?
No. The effective part occurs before the result, and the subsequent part occurs after the act is completed, when the damage is repaired or the item is returned, pursuant to Article 16.
Does this text serve as legal guidance?
No. It's just for informational purposes. For a specific case, consult a lawyer or the Public Defender's Office.
- Phrases: Quotes without a specified author are from the team; popular sayings are anonymous and are labeled as such.
- Office of the President of the Republic, Penal Code (Decree-Law No. 2,848/1940), Articles 14, 15, 16, and 65: Compiled Text (accessed on October 21, 2026)
- Empório do Direito, General Theory of Crime: Lesson 6 (accessed on October 21, 2026)
- Exam Preparation, The Difference Between Effective Withdrawal, Subsequent Withdrawal, and Voluntary Withdrawal (accessed on October 21, 2026)
- Jus.com.br, Abandoned Attempt and Subsequent Change of Mind (accessed on October 21, 2026)
- Strategy for Competitive Exams, Voluntary Withdrawal, and Ways to Withdraw (accessed on October 21, 2026)
Notice: This content is intended to be inspirational and informative and is not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare, psychology, legal, or financial professional. Quotes without an attributed author are from the Mensagens que Inspiram team; those attributed to authors include the title and year of the work and are from works in the public domain. Illustrative images, when created by artificial intelligence, do not depict real people.
