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Transferring your file to a new criminal lawyer

You want to change lawyers. Asking a new firm for help does not mean it has accepted your case. Confirm who is responsible before assuming the transfer is complete.

Duration: 1:39

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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 want to change lawyers. Asking a new firm for help does not mean it has accepted your case. Confirm who is responsible before assuming the transfer is complete.

Gather hearing dates, deadlines and unanswered requests. Ask who will handle each urgent task during the handover. A change of lawyer does not automatically postpone the case.

A useful handover includes original attachments, requests, responses and important correspondence as well as the case file. Note missing material so the new lawyer can identify what still needs obtaining.

Agree which work the new lawyer accepts, when responsibility starts and what information is needed. Discuss costs and any publicly funded legal assistance separately rather than assuming they transfer automatically.

If the handover becomes stuck, explain the specific obstacle to both lawyers. Ask about the appropriate professional route. Do not wait for a fee disagreement to put an urgent defence step at risk.

Save the acceptance, handover confirmation and updated contact details. Verify upcoming appointments and deadlines with the lawyer responsible. A clear written allocation helps prevent tasks being missed.

Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.

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Invited for police questioning in the Netherlands? Check your role. This explanation concerns questioning as a suspect, rather than as a witness.

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Received a summons: what happens next?

A Dutch criminal summons calls you to court. The Public Prosecution Service presents an accusation; the judge decides the case.

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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. NOvA: rule of conduct 28, consultation when taking over and issuing the fileOpens in a new tabadvocatenorde.nlhttps://www.advocatenorde.nl/voor-advocaten/wet-en-regelgeving/gedragsregels/gedragsregels-advocatuur/de-advocaat-de-1
  4. Dutch Bar Association: rules of conduct, relationship to the client and rule 17 feeOpens in a new tabadvocatenorde.nlhttps://www.advocatenorde.nl/voor-advocaten/wet-en-regelgeving/gedragsregels/gedragsregels-advocatuur/de-advocaat-de-verhouding
  5. Dutch Bar Association: office complaint, dispute committee and deanOpens in a new tabzoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nlhttps://zoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nl/niet-tevreden-over-uw-advocaat

Sources accessed at .

A source reference does not constitute a legal review of this page.

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