Requesting witnesses for your defence
You think a witness could help your defence. Write down what that person may know firsthand and how it relates to the allegation. A name alone does not explain the relevance.
Duration: 1:35
Further reading and sources
This video summarises the main points. The full article provides more detail, exceptions and official sources. This information does not replace advice about your case.
Read the full articleSpoken transcript
Download the transcriptCriminal Law in the Netherlands.
You think a witness could help your defence. Write down what that person may know firsthand and how it relates to the allegation. A name alone does not explain the relevance.
Tell your lawyer if the witness has already made a statement used against you. Discuss whether you have had a proper opportunity to question that account and which issues remain open.
Provide available contact details and the topics to be addressed. Separate the witness's own observations from things they heard from others. Your lawyer can assess the appropriate procedural request.
Ask when and how the request must be made. Simply emailing a name or bringing someone to court does not always replace a formal request. Do not assume a request has been accepted.
Do not pressure a possible witness or agree on a shared story. Preserve existing communications without changing them. Discuss any contact with your lawyer before taking action.
Keep the request and the response. Ask your lawyer what a refusal means and whether further steps are appropriate. The importance of the witness must be assessed in the context of the case.
Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.
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