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Criminal law explainer videos

Short videos about your rights, criminal proceedings and legal assistance in the Netherlands. Watch the explanations and read the related articles and sources.

1:07

What should you do after an arrest?

Arrested in the Netherlands? Ask what you are suspected of. Suspicion does not mean that guilt has been established.

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1:13

Your rights during police questioning

Invited for police questioning in the Netherlands? Check your role. This explanation concerns questioning as a suspect, rather than as a witness.

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1:13

Received a summons: what happens next?

A Dutch criminal summons calls you to court. The Public Prosecution Service presents an accusation; the judge decides the case.

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1:15

How does a Dutch criminal case proceed?

A Dutch criminal case does not always follow the same route. Identify the decision you have received and the appropriate response.

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1:12

Appealing a criminal judgment

In the Netherlands, an appeal may bring your case before the Court of Appeal. First check exactly which decision you received.

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1:15

Finding a lawyer with subsidised legal aid

Concern about money need not stop you from asking for legal help in a Dutch criminal case. Ask about funding options.

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1:14

When can you receive subsidised legal aid?

Legal aid conditions in the Netherlands depend on your situation. Start by checking which funding arrangement applies to your case.

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1:13

Your personal contribution to legal aid

A bill alongside Dutch subsidised legal aid may be a personal contribution. First check exactly what you are being asked to pay.

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1:17

What does a criminal defence lawyer cost?

A Dutch criminal defence lawyer's fees depend on the assignment, the time needed and the funding arrangement. Clarify the scope first.

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1:11

Finding a suitable criminal defence lawyer

To find a suitable Dutch criminal defence lawyer, explain your situation and identify the letter, appointment or decision that currently matters.

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1:15

Received a prosecution penalty order?

A Dutch prosecution penalty order is a criminal decision issued by the Public Prosecution Service, without a court hearing beforehand.

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1:11

Objecting to a prosecution penalty order

Disagree with a Dutch prosecution penalty order? The legal remedy is an objection submitted to the Public Prosecution Service, following the proper procedure.

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1:18

Driving licence seized: what happens next?

Dutch police have taken your driving licence. The prosecutor then decides whether to retain it or return it provisionally; check the decision.

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1:17

Requesting the return of your driving licence

Want your driving licence returned in the Netherlands? Collect the seizure receipt, any letter about retention and your case number before choosing the procedure.

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1:19

Criminal records, access and conduct certificates

A Dutch criminal record contains information about criminal cases. Check which case and exactly which decision have been recorded before drawing conclusions.

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This video summarizes the main points. The full article provides more detail, exceptions and official sources. The information concerns adult suspects and does not replace advice about your case.

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Understand the supporting sources

Sources and supporting information

Here you can find the sources for this page. Open the original publication for the full explanation, conditions and exceptions.

  4. From arrest to verdictOn this website
  6. Pro deo: find a lawyerOn this website
  10. Find a criminal lawyerOn this website

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A source reference does not constitute a legal review of this page.

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Driving license center Driving license & trafficPractical preparation Route guide and worksheet for your driving license caseArrest & investigation What to do in the event of an arrest?Arrest & investigation Your rights during a police interrogationProcedure & ruling Receiving a summons: what now?Criminal record & VOG A criminal record: what does that mean?Criminal offenses & youth Common criminal offensesLegal assistance & costs How much does a criminal lawyer cost?Procedure & ruling Appeal in a criminal caseProcedure & verdict From arrest to verdictLegal assistance & costs When are you entitled to a pro-deo lawyer?Legal assistance & costs Personal contribution in a criminal case: what do you pay yourself?Arrest & investigation What does a picket lawyer do after your arrest?Legal assistance & costs Change criminal lawyer without losing sight of your caseLegal assistance & costs Can you get back attorney's fees after an acquittal?Arrest & investigation A family member has been arrested: what can you do?Arrest & investigation Police search your home: what should you pay attention to?Arrest & investigation Witness or suspect: what position do you have with the police?Procedure & ruling Asking for a postponement of a criminal hearing: this is how you go about itProcedure & ruling View and prepare your criminal file with your lawyerProcedure & ruling Receiving a criminal order: what does the Public Prosecution Service's decision mean?Procedure & ruling Opposition to a criminal order: term, letter and follow-upProcedure & ruling Invited to a Public Prosecution hearing: prepare your decisionProcedure & ruling Cassation in a criminal case: what the Supreme Court does and does not assessProceedings & ruling Pre-trial detention: custody, detention and releaseProcedure & ruling Case dismissed: what a dismissal does and does not concludeProcedure & ruling Performing community service: agreements, problems and completionCriminal record & VOG A VOG with a criminal record: what Justis looks atCriminal record & VOG VOG refused: opinion, objection and appealDriving license & traffic Driving license recovered: what happens now?Driving license & traffic Driving license confiscated due to alcoholDriving license & traffic Driving license confiscated due to speedingDriving license & traffic Driving license confiscated after a drug testDriving license & traffic Reclaiming your driving license: request and complaintDriving license & traffic Driving suspension and CBR: two routes next to each otherCriminal offenses & youth Suspected assault: evidence, interrogation and consequencesCriminal offenses & youth Suspected of threats: words, context and evidenceCriminal offenses & youth Suspected of theft: from accusation to criminal caseCriminal offenses & youth Fire and fire excess: when does self-defense count?Criminal offenses & youth Suspected drug possession: policy, evidence and consequencesCriminal offenses & youth Suspected of fraud: understand the investigation and your positionCriminal offenses & youth Reclaiming seized items: the steps and considerationsCriminal offenses & youth Juvenile criminal law: a lawyer and overview for young people and parentsDriving license & traffic CBR course required: EMA, EMG, LEMA, LEMG or EMDDriving license & traffic CBR test on fitness to drive: preparation and resultsDriving license & traffic Objection to the CBR: term, file and urgent procedureDriving license & traffic Driving license declared invalid by the CBR: what now?Driving license & traffic Driving license has been recovered and needed for your workDriving license & traffic Driving suspension: start, end and surrendering driving licenseDriving license & traffic Foreign driving license seized in the NetherlandsDriving license & traffic Costs of a driving license lawyer and pro deoSubsidized legal aid Pro deo find a criminal lawyerAppropriate legal assistance Find a criminal lawyer
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I have been arrested Your rights and the first steps.I have to go for a police interrogation Information about the interrogation and assistance.I have received a summons Understand the summons and the criminal hearing.I have received a criminal order The decision, consequences and opposition.My driving license has been confiscated Understand the criminal case, restitution and the CBR.I'm concerned about lawyer's fees View the route to subsidized legal aid.There has already been a ruling Read about appeal.I just want to get my bearings View all topics in the knowledge base.