(analítico)The objective of this paper was to analyze the construction of fatherhood in adolescents who are in conflict with the law through an exploratory and qualitative study. Life stories were developed using the in-depth interview technique. The sample consisted of four adolescents in conflict with the law. Through interpretative content analysis, we obtained seven categories, including: emotional context of family origin, family functioning, witnessing family violence and the expression of masculinity by transgressing the law and using drugs. Paternity allows these young fathers to reflect on their own experiences during childhood and develop a paternal role during their transition process out of detention. The main role they assume in their paternity is that of provider, but they also make space to satisfy the affective needs of their children. Palabras clave: Adolescence, law transgression, fatherhood, masculinities, life stories.