Threatening messages: what needs checking?
You are suspected of making a threat through messages. The content and circumstances need assessment. Saying you were angry or joking does not by itself decide whether the conduct was criminal.
Duration: 1:38
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.
You are suspected of making a threat through messages. The content and circumstances need assessment. Saying you were angry or joking does not by itself decide whether the conduct was criminal.
Discuss who had access to the account and what is known about authorship and receipt. A screenshot does not automatically resolve every question about sender, completeness and context.
Save the existing conversation and relevant files lawfully. Keep surrounding messages and dates. Do not delete exchanges or present an edited fragment as the complete original conversation.
Record your own recollection and identify what comes from records or other people. Do not invent an explanation for a message you cannot reliably place in context.
Do not contact the recipient or witnesses to agree on a story or seek a changed statement. Discuss any necessary practical contact and any restriction with your lawyer first.
Ask your lawyer which legal elements and factual issues matter. Discuss whether additional material or investigation is needed. A suspicion must be assessed on the evidence, not only the label attached to a message.
Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.
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