Your child is questioned by police
The police want to speak to your child. Ask whether your child is being questioned as a suspect and what the reason is. Discuss what legal assistance has been arranged before substantive questions are answered.
Duration: 1:36
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.
The police want to speak to your child. Ask whether your child is being questioned as a suspect and what the reason is. Discuss what legal assistance has been arranged before substantive questions are answered.
The presence of a parent or confidant does not replace the legal assistance of a lawyer. Ask what support is needed for this minor suspect and how it is organised.
Tell the lawyer if your child struggles to understand questions, has health problems or needs special support. Discuss what helps your child follow the interview without answering for them.
Help your child distinguish what they remember from what they do not know for sure. Do not rehearse a story that fits the allegation. Let the lawyer discuss rights and whether to give a statement.
Discuss in advance what role you have during the interrogation and what you can do if you do not understand. A parent is not a substitute for the suspect and does not answer substantive questions on behalf of the child.
Record contact persons and appointments made. Afterwards, ask which documents or decisions follow and who monitors deadlines. Also discuss what practical care or guidance your child needs.
Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.
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