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Voluntarily at the police station: can you leave?

You went to the police station voluntarily. That does not by itself establish your status throughout the visit. Ask clearly whether you are free to leave.

Duration: 1:26

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Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

You went to the police station voluntarily. That does not by itself establish your status throughout the visit. Ask clearly whether you are free to leave.

If you are told to stay, ask whether you have been arrested and on what basis. An informal description such as a short chat does not settle your legal position.

When questioned as a suspect, discuss legal assistance and your right to remain silent. Ask to speak privately with your lawyer before deciding whether to answer substantive questions.

Note when you arrived, when you asked to leave and what you were told. Distinguish your own recollection from information supplied later. Do not fill gaps with guesses.

Tell the police and your lawyer if you need an interpreter, medication or medical attention. Ask how urgent needs will be addressed while your situation is clarified.

Ask your lawyer to assess the decision and any restriction on your freedom. Avoid a physical confrontation. Keep available records so the course of events can be reviewed.

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.

  2. Police: interrogation, legal assistance and position of an arrested suspectOpens in a new tabpolitie.nlhttps://www.politie.nl/informatie/wat-gebeurt-er-tijdens-een-verhoor.html
  3. Police: police custody (inverzekeringstelling), duration, legal assistance and legality testOpens in a new tabpolitie.nlhttps://www.politie.nl/informatie/ik-word-inverzekering-gesteld.-wat-houdt-dit-in.html
  4. Police: file a complaint about a police officerOpens in a new tabpolitie.nlhttps://www.politie.nl/onderwerpen/klacht-over-een-politiemedewerker-indienen.html
  5. Central government: assistance from a lawyer, costs and subsidized legal assistanceOpens in a new tabrijksoverheid.nlhttps://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/recht-veiligheid-en-defensie/hulp-bij-juridisch-probleem/advocaat

Sources accessed at .

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

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