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Arrest & investigation

What to do in the event of an arrest?

Stopped by the police? Read about your rights, legal aid, the stages of detention and what a release means.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Arrest & investigation

Your rights during a police interrogation

Your rights as a suspect during a police interrogation. About the right to remain silent, preparation, legal assistance and checking your statement.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Receiving a summons: what now?

Received a summons in a criminal case? Read how to understand the call, prepare your file and what to expect at the hearing.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal record & Certificate of Good Conduct

A criminal record: what does that mean?

What does a criminal record say and what does that mean for a Certificate of Good Conduct? Explanation about registration, retention periods, inspection and correction.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Common criminal offences

Explanation of crimes and misdemeanors, evidence, circumstances and possible consequences. A suspicion is not yet an established guilt.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Legal assistance & costs

How much does a criminal lawyer cost?

How much does a criminal lawyer cost? About hourly rates, price agreements, additions, personal contributions and questions for the first conversation.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Appeal in a criminal case

Appeal in a criminal case: what is reassessed, what time limits may apply and how do you prepare a choice?

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

From arrest to verdict

How does a criminal case proceed? From investigation and decisions by the Public Prosecution Service to the criminal hearing, verdict and possible follow-up steps.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Legal assistance & costs

When are you entitled to a pro-deo lawyer?

The conditions for pro deo in a criminal case: regular addition, allocated assistance, income, assets and the documents for your application.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Legal assistance & costs

Personal contribution in a criminal case: what do you pay yourself?

Understand the difference between co-payment, attorney fees and cost recovery. With an explanation of your addition decision and a practical checklist.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Arrest & investigation

What does a picket lawyer do after your arrest?

A picket lawyer helps in the first phase after arrest. Read about the confidential conversation, interrogation assistance, your own lawyer and help after release.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Legal assistance & costs

Switch criminal lawyers without losing sight of your case

Choosing another criminal lawyer: arrange acceptance, file transfer, deadlines, addition and costs before the switch causes uncertainty.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Legal assistance & costs

Can you recover attorney's fees after an acquittal?

Lawyer's fees after acquittal or dismissal: conditions, the request for compensation, supporting documents and attention to the three-month period.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Arrest & investigation

A family member has been arrested: what can you do?

Practical help if a partner, child or other family member has been arrested: contact, lawyer, medical information, care responsibilities and what you should discuss first.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Arrest & investigation

Police are searching your home: what should you pay attention to?

Understanding a search or search: authority, consent, your own position, seized items and information for your lawyer.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Arrest & investigation

Witness or suspect: what position do you have with the police?

The difference between witness and suspect, volunteering to testify to the police, a summons from the judge and what you do if your position is unclear.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Requesting a postponement of a criminal hearing: this is how you go about it

Are you unable to go to the criminal hearing or is there no preparation time? Read about a reasoned postponement request, supporting documents and the judge's decision.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

View and prepare your criminal file with your lawyer

How do you get access to your criminal file? Read where you can request the documents, what you check and how you can specifically discuss missing information with a lawyer.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Received a criminal order: what does the Public Prosecution Service's decision mean?

A criminal order is a criminal decision. Read what you check before paying, how objection works and what registration can mean.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Opposition to a criminal order: term, letter and follow-up

Disagree with a criminal order? Read how to determine the objection period, what data is required and what can happen afterwards.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Invited to a Public Prosecution Service hearing: prepare your decision

What happens during a Public Prosecution Service hearing? About the file, lawyer, personal circumstances, telephone hearing and the possible punishment.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Cassation in a criminal case: what the Supreme Court does and does not assess

Cassation after a criminal verdict: explanation of legal complaints, the term, mandatory lawyer assistance and possible decisions of the Supreme Court.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Pre-trial detention: custody, detention and release

Explanation of pre-trial detention, the judge's decisions and the difference between appeal, termination and conditional suspension.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Case dismissed: what a dismissal does and does not conclude

A dismissal means that the Public Prosecution Service will not prosecute further. Read about grounds for dismissal, conditions, registration, complaints and saving your decision.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Procedure & ruling

Performing community service: agreements, problems and completion

Received community service? Read how implementation is arranged, what you do in the event of illness and why you must respond immediately to a conversion decision.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal record & Certificate of Good Conduct

A Certificate of Good Conduct with a criminal record: what Justis looks at

A criminal record does not automatically exclude a Certificate of Good Conduct. Explanation of position, screening profile, review period and careful preparation of your application.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal record & Certificate of Good Conduct

VOG refused: opinion, objection and appeal

Have you received an intention to reject or a refused Certificate of Good Conduct? Read which procedure applies to your letter, which deadlines apply and how to respond specifically.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving license revoked: what happens now?

Driving license confiscated by the police? Understand seizure, the decision of the Public Prosecution Service, restitution and the separate CBR procedure.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving license confiscated due to alcohol

Lost your driver's license after an alcohol test? Read about measured values, novice drivers, the Public Prosecution Service, refunds and individual CBR measures.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving license revoked due to speeding

Lost your driver's license after a speed check? Read about the corrected speed, seizure, withholding, work interests and the follow-up of the case.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driver's license confiscated after a drug test

Lost your driver's license after a drug test? Organize the saliva test, blood results, any seizure and the individual decisions of the CBR.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Reclaim driving license: request and complaint

Reclaiming your driving license from the Public Prosecution Service or court: supporting documents, complaint, no message within ten days, rejection and the inspection after provisional return.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving ban and CBR: two routes next to each other

What is the difference between a driving ban, seizure, CBR suspension and invalid driver's license? Explanation about authorities, objections and being allowed to drive again.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Assault suspect: evidence, interrogation and consequences

A report of abuse against you? Read about the suspicion, pain and injury, evidence, emergency defense, legal assistance and the possible criminal proceedings.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Threat Suspect: Words, Context, and Evidence

When can an expression be a threat? Explanation for suspects about WhatsApp, context, intent, evidence, interrogation and the continuation of the criminal case.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Suspected of theft: from accusation to criminal case

Suspected of theft or shoplifting? Read about removal, intent, camera images, interrogation, a first time, damage claims and possible registration.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Emergency and emergency excess: when does self-defense count?

Self-defense after violence? Read about immediate attack, necessary defense, proportionality, emergency defense excess and collecting relevant information.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Suspected drug possession: policy, evidence and consequences

Drug possession, tolerance policy and criminal law are different questions. Read about the suspicion, evidence, interrogation and possible consequences.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Suspected of fraud: understand the investigation and your position

A suspicion of fraud requires insight into the accusation, the administration and your legal position. About investigation, interrogation, evidence and assistance.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Reclaiming seized items: the steps and considerations

Phone, money or car seized? Understand the basis, the request for return, the complaint and the meaning of waiver.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Criminal offenses & youth

Juvenile criminal law: a lawyer and overview for young people and parents

A young person suspected of a criminal offence? About legal assistance, interrogation, parents, the juvenile court, Halt and consequences for the future.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

CBR course mandatory: EMA, EMG, LEMA, LEMG or EMD

Received a mandatory CBR course? Understand the difference between EMA, EMG and EMD, payment terms, participation, objection and the validity of your driver's license.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

CBR fitness to drive test: preparation and results

A CBR investigation into alcohol, drugs or fitness to drive imposed? Read about preparation, report rights, results, second examination and objection.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Objection against the CBR: term, file and emergency procedure

Would you like to object to a CBR decision? Read how to monitor the term, organize grounds and evidence and assess a provisional measure if urgent.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving license declared invalid by the CBR: what now?

The CBR has declared your driving license invalid. Read about the reason, commencement date, objection, urgency and the conditions for being allowed to drive again later.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving license has been recovered and needed for your work

Do you need a driving license as an employee, driver or self-employed person? Substantiate your work interests with concrete journeys, an employer's statement and researched transport alternatives.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving suspension: start, end and surrender of driver's license

Have you been disqualified from driving? Read about the notification, surrender, deduction of seizure, suspended sentence and the inspection before you drive again.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Foreign driving license seized in the Netherlands

A Polish, German or other foreign driver's license confiscated by the Dutch police? Read about the Public Prosecution Service, refund, accessibility and the control of your driving licence.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation Driving license & traffic

Driving licence lawyer fees and legal aid (pro deo)

How much does help with a suspended driver's license cost? Compare the assignment, fixed price and hourly rate. Read how pro deo is assessed per Public Prosecution Service, court and CBR process.

Last edited by our editorial teamNot yet reviewed by a legal professional or lawyerRead the explanation
Understand the supporting sources

Sources and supporting information

This overview links to our articles. Specific source references appear in each article; below are the official starting points for procedures, rights and legal aid.

  1. Judiciary: criminal proceedings for adultsOpens in a new tabrechtspraak.nlhttps://www.rechtspraak.nl/organisatie-en-contact/rechtsgebieden/strafrecht/procedures/strafrechtelijke-procedure
  2. Public Prosecution Service: rights upon arrestOpens in a new tabom.nlhttps://www.om.nl/onderwerpen/v/verdachte/vraag-en-antwoord/verdachte/wat-zijn-mijn-rechten-bij-aanhouding
  3. Legal Aid Council: income, assets and personal contributionOpens in a new tabrechtsbijstand.nlhttps://www.rechtsbijstand.nl/mediation-rechtsbijstand/hoeveel-betalen/eigen-bijdrage
  4. Dutch Bar Association: official lawyer finderOpens in a new tabzoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nlhttps://zoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nl/

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A source reference or text editing does not count as legal approval.

Last committed edit: October 18, 2026Version 1

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Driving license center Driving license & trafficPractical preparation Route guide and worksheet for your driving license caseArrest & investigation What to do in the event of an arrest?Arrest & investigation Your rights during a police interrogationProcedure & ruling Receiving a summons: what now?Criminal record & VOG A criminal record: what does that mean?Criminal offenses & youth Common criminal offensesLegal assistance & costs How much does a criminal lawyer cost?Procedure & ruling Appeal in a criminal caseProcedure & verdict From arrest to verdictLegal assistance & costs When are you entitled to a pro-deo lawyer?Legal assistance & costs Personal contribution in a criminal case: what do you pay yourself?Arrest & investigation What does a picket lawyer do after your arrest?Legal assistance & costs Change criminal lawyer without losing sight of your caseLegal assistance & costs Can you get back attorney's fees after an acquittal?Arrest & investigation A family member has been arrested: what can you do?Arrest & investigation Police search your home: what should you pay attention to?Arrest & investigation Witness or suspect: what position do you have with the police?Procedure & ruling Asking for a postponement of a criminal hearing: this is how you go about itProcedure & ruling View and prepare your criminal file with your lawyerProcedure & ruling Receiving a criminal order: what does the Public Prosecution Service's decision mean?Procedure & ruling Opposition to a criminal order: term, letter and follow-upProcedure & ruling Invited to a Public Prosecution hearing: prepare your decisionProcedure & ruling Cassation in a criminal case: what the Supreme Court does and does not assessProceedings & ruling Pre-trial detention: custody, detention and releaseProcedure & ruling Case dismissed: what a dismissal does and does not concludeProcedure & ruling Performing community service: agreements, problems and completionCriminal record & VOG A VOG with a criminal record: what Justis looks atCriminal record & VOG VOG refused: opinion, objection and appealDriving license & traffic Driving license recovered: what happens now?Driving license & traffic Driving license confiscated due to alcoholDriving license & traffic Driving license confiscated due to speedingDriving license & traffic Driving license confiscated after a drug testDriving license & traffic Reclaiming your driving license: request and complaintDriving license & traffic Driving suspension and CBR: two routes next to each otherCriminal offenses & youth Suspected assault: evidence, interrogation and consequencesCriminal offenses & youth Suspected of threats: words, context and evidenceCriminal offenses & youth Suspected of theft: from accusation to criminal caseCriminal offenses & youth Fire and fire excess: when does self-defense count?Criminal offenses & youth Suspected drug possession: policy, evidence and consequencesCriminal offenses & youth Suspected of fraud: understand the investigation and your positionCriminal offenses & youth Reclaiming seized items: the steps and considerationsCriminal offenses & youth Juvenile criminal law: a lawyer and overview for young people and parentsDriving license & traffic CBR course required: EMA, EMG, LEMA, LEMG or EMDDriving license & traffic CBR test on fitness to drive: preparation and resultsDriving license & traffic Objection to the CBR: term, file and urgent procedureDriving license & traffic Driving license declared invalid by the CBR: what now?Driving license & traffic Driving license has been recovered and needed for your workDriving license & traffic Driving suspension: start, end and surrendering driving licenseDriving license & traffic Foreign driving license seized in the NetherlandsDriving license & traffic Costs of a driving license lawyer and pro deoSubsidized legal aid Pro deo find a criminal lawyerAppropriate legal assistance Find a criminal lawyer
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I have been arrested Your rights and the first steps.I have to go for a police interrogation Information about the interrogation and assistance.I have received a summons Understand the summons and the criminal hearing.I have received a criminal order The decision, consequences and opposition.My driving license has been confiscated Understand the criminal case, restitution and the CBR.I'm concerned about lawyer's fees View the route to subsidized legal aid.There has already been a ruling Read about appeal.I just want to get my bearings View all topics in the knowledge base.