Preparing your own timeline before questioning
A timeline can help you prepare for a lawyer's consultation. Record what you personally remember and distinguish it from documents, other people's accounts and your own conclusions.
Duration: 1:30
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.
A timeline can help you prepare for a lawyer's consultation. Record what you personally remember and distinguish it from documents, other people's accounts and your own conclusions.
Use approximate times only when you identify them as estimates. Leave unknown moments open. A clear gap is more reliable than a precise time you cannot genuinely remember.
Keep original messages, receipts and documents lawfully and without alteration. Note which source supports each event. Preserve earlier versions of your notes instead of silently rewriting them.
Do not coordinate your recollection with possible witnesses or other suspects. Write down your own account independently and discuss questions about contacting others with your lawyer.
Preparing notes does not mean they must all be given to the police. Discuss with your lawyer what is relevant and whether information should be submitted as a statement or document.
Bring the timeline and original records to your consultation. Ask which uncertainties matter, whether records need preserving urgently and what needs checking before any interview.
Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.
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