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The Dutch ZSM process after arrest

After an arrest, your case may be assessed through the Dutch ZSM process for common criminal cases. ZSM is a way of working, not a separate criminal court or a type of punishment.

Duration: 1:37

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.

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Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

After an arrest, your case may be assessed through the Dutch ZSM process for common criminal cases. ZSM is a way of working, not a separate criminal court or a type of punishment.

Ask what decision or proposal is being considered. A prosecutorial penalty order, transaction or summons has a different meaning. Discuss with your lawyer what is specifically requested.

A quick settlement may have consequences for sanctions and registration. Discuss the suspicion and the available information before making a choice. Don't let speed replace understandable explanations.

Tell your lawyer which practical circumstances are important. Where possible, substantiate this with reliable data. Information about your personal situation does not replace the assessment of the evidence.

Save all decisions and write down when you get them. Check which legal remedies information is included. A verbal statement that the case will be concluded quickly does not reveal all the legal consequences.

Let your lawyer explain what should happen after the decision. Discuss payment, any conditions and possible legal remedy separately. Determine who monitors the important deadlines.

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

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1:07

What should you do after an arrest?

Arrested in the Netherlands? Ask what you are suspected of. Suspicion does not mean that guilt has been established.

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1:13

Your rights during police questioning

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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1:13

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.

Watch the video
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. Public Prosecution Service: common crime and the ASAP working methodOpens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/v/veelvoorkomende-criminaliteit-zsm
  3. Public Prosecution Service: Instruction for Public Prosecution Service penalty order (2022A003), parts 2.4 and 3Opens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/b/beleidsregels/aanwijzingen/executie/aanwijzing-om-strafbeschikking-2022a003
  5. Judicial Information Service: dismissal and acquittal of a crimeOpens in a new tabjustid.nlhttps://www.justid.nl/onderwerpen/s/strafblad-en-het-justitieel-documentatie-systeem/sepot-strafbeschikking-en-vrijspraak
  6. Police: the task of a lawyer before and during the interrogationOpens in a new tabpolitie.nlhttps://www.politie.nl/informatie/wat-is-de-taak-van-de-advocaat-van-de-verdachte.html
  7. Probation Service Netherlands: advice on risks, conditions and assistanceOpens in a new tabreclassering.nlhttps://www.reclassering.nl/naar-de-reclassering/advies/

Sources accessed at .

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

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