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A settlement offer from the Public Prosecution Service

You will receive a transaction proposal from the Public Prosecution Service. This is an offer with conditions to avoid prosecution. That is different from a prosecutorial penalty order with its own legal remedy.

Duration: 1:38

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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.

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Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

You will receive a transaction proposal from the Public Prosecution Service. This is an offer with conditions to avoid prosecution. That is different from a prosecutorial penalty order with its own legal remedy.

Read which allegation the offer relates to and which conditions apply. Check the case number and all deadlines. Discuss unclear parts before deciding.

Sometimes an offer contains multiple conditions. Payment alone does not have to be sufficient. Record which actions are required and how you can demonstrate that you have performed them.

No criminal hearing does not automatically mean that there can be no registration, VOG question or civil consequence. Discuss these consequences with your lawyer and consider the specific situation.

Discuss the accusation, the available information and possible alternatives with your lawyer. A quick conclusion is not the only consideration. Decide based on what the proposal actually entails.

If you accept the offer, check how the conditions should be fulfilled. Keep receipts and other confirmations. Ask what is recorded about the disposition of the case.

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. Criminal Code: descriptions of offences, age and conditionsOpens in a new tabwetten.overheid.nlhttps://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0001854/
  2. OM: distinguish between criminal order, transaction, dismissal and summonsOpens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/organisatie/organisatie-van-het-om/het-werk-van-het-om/strafzaak
  3. Judicial Information Service: registrations, correction and relationship to the VOGOpens in a new tabjustid.nlhttps://www.justid.nl/onderwerpen/s/strafblad-en-het-justitieel-documentatie-systeem/veelgestelde-vragen
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