Independent information Practical explanation Your rights come first
All explainer videos

DNA sample collection after conviction

After a conviction you can receive a notice to provide a DNA sample. Check what decision it is based on, when you must appear and what information is provided about objections.

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 article

Spoken transcript

Download the transcript

Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

After a conviction you can receive a notice to provide a DNA sample. Check what decision it is based on, when you must appear and what information is provided about objections.

The statutory objection concerns creating and processing the DNA profile. It does not automatically cancel the requirement to provide a sample. Ask your lawyer what the notice requires.

Short deadlines apply to DNA objections. Have your lawyer immediately check which deadline applies and when it starts. Don't wait for a complete folder if that means losing time.

A low sentence or a clean past does not automatically grant an exemption. Discuss which legal exception may be relevant and which concrete circumstances must be substantiated for this.

Keep the notice, the decision and information about any DNA sample collection. Record when you received documents and what happened. These facts can matter when an objection is assessed.

Ask who submits the objection and how receipt is confirmed. A telephone request for information is not automatically a valid objection. Have the next steps clearly recorded.

Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.

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.

  1. Public Prosecution Service: to whom does the DNA Testing of Convicts Act apply?Opens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/vraag-en-antwoord/dna-afname-bij-veroordeelden/voor-wie-geldt-de-wet-dna-onderzoek-bij-veroordeelden
  2. Public Prosecution Service: objection to determining and processing a DNA profileOpens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/d/dna-onderzoek/vraag-en-antwoord/dna-afname-bij-veroordeelden/kan-ik-bezwaar-maken-tegen-dna-afname
  3. Public Prosecution Service: DNA testing of convicts, legal categoriesOpens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/d/dna-onderzoek/wet-dna-onderzoek-bij-veroordeelden
The knowledge base

What are you looking for information about?

All topics

Start with your situation

What's going on right now?

Choose what suits you best. We point you to a clear starting point.

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.