Contact restrictions during pre-trial detention
A relative is in pre-trial detention and has restrictions. Ask the lawyer what restrictions apply and to which period and contacts they relate. Avoid assumptions about what is still allowed.
Duration: 1:41
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 relative is in pre-trial detention and has restrictions. Ask the lawyer what restrictions apply and to which period and contacts they relate. Avoid assumptions about what is still allowed.
Confidential contact between suspect and lawyer does not mean that the lawyer may pass on every message to the outside world. Respect the boundaries and discuss what information can be shared.
Do not attempt to direct prohibited contact through others, social media, or hidden messages. Discuss necessary communication through the lawyer and ask for a permitted route.
Make a short list of urgent care tasks, medical information and administration. Indicate why action is needed and who can help. Ask your lawyer to assess how this can be arranged without prohibited contact.
Discuss with the lawyer why restrictions still apply and whether assessment of them is possible. A general feeling that it will take a long time does not replace the assessment of the concrete decision.
Save decisions and note which communications are allowed. Have any ambiguities explained before you act. Normal visiting rules and restrictions within the criminal investigation are not automatically the same.
Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.
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