Viewing and correcting your criminal records

Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

You want to see what is recorded about a criminal case. Access to judicial records, the criminal case file and police data follows different routes. First identify the records you need.

Check the official procedure of the Dutch judicial information service for judicial records. Do not assume a general police request provides the same information or a complete record.

Identify the entry you believe is wrong and the information that should replace it. Keep the judgment or other supporting decision. Explain a concrete factual error rather than simply saying the record is unfair.

A correction request is not a new criminal appeal against the underlying decision. Ask which route fits the issue. Disagreement with a conviction and an incorrect administrative entry are different matters.

Save the request, supporting documents and response. Ask for clarification if a disputed entry remains. Do not assume that sending a correction request has already altered the record.

A record's accuracy, retention period and relevance to a VOG application are separate questions. Discuss each specifically. A correction or elapsed period does not automatically determine every other procedure.

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