Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

Received a no-contact order from the Dutch Public Prosecution Service? Start with the document. Does it say behavioural direction and Article 509hh of the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure? If so, it concerns a specific decision under criminal law that may apply even before a court has ruled.

Check three things: whom must you not contact, which forms of contact are prohibited and from when does the direction apply? Also check whether you must avoid certain places.

Make problems involving children, belongings or work specific. Write down what needs to be arranged and what safe solution might be possible. Do not visit the person yourself or send a message through an acquaintance to circumvent the prohibition.

An invitation from the other person does not automatically change the direction either. A lawyer can assess whether clarification, amendment or an appeal to the district court is appropriate.

Keep the direction, any extensions and relevant messages for that purpose. Filing a request does not mean you may already make contact. Finally, pay attention to the difference between the end date of this direction and other prohibitions that may apply.

Have this checked before resuming contact. If there is immediate danger, call 112. The criminal case and the no-contact order each require attention.

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