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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.

Duration: 1:11

Further reading and sources

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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Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

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

Use the official Dutch lawyer register and search for criminal law. Ask about experience with the particular type of case you face.

If a police interview or hearing is approaching, mention the date straight away. Ask whether the firm can assist in time.

Discuss who will handle your case, how you will stay in touch and what needs to happen before the next step.

Ask about the work included, the price and possible subsidised legal assistance. Have the financial agreement confirmed clearly in writing.

Agree the next step and ask for confirmation. Appearing in the register does not mean that a firm can accept your case.

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

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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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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. Nederlandse orde van advocaten: the official lawyers registerOpens in a new tabzoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nlhttps://zoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nl/zoeken?filters%5Brechtsgebieden%5D=%5B56%5D
  2. NOvA: agreements between lawyer and clientOpens in a new tabadvocatenorde.nlhttps://www.advocatenorde.nl/voor-advocaten/wet-en-regelgeving/gedragsregels/gedragsregels-advocatuur/de-advocaat-de-verhouding
  3. Legal Aid Board: conditions for subsidized assistanceOpens in a new tabrechtsbijstand.nlhttps://www.rechtsbijstand.nl/mediation-rechtsbijstand/voorwaarden/
  4. Public Prosecution Service: legal assistance during arrestOpens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/v/verdachte/vraag-en-antwoord/verdachte/wat-zijn-mijn-rechten-bij-aanhouding

Consultation date not recorded.

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

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