Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

As a victim, you may need information, practical support or legal representation. Clarify the task first. Free practical support is not automatically the same service as a lawyer acting in a procedure.

For some serious violent or sexual offences, publicly funded victim assistance can be available under special conditions without the ordinary financial assessment. Eligibility still needs checking for the actual case.

Ask whether ordinary legal aid, insurance or a fee agreement applies if the special rules do not. The type of case, legal need and scope of the work can matter.

Agree which proceedings and tasks the lawyer will handle. Ask what the funding decision or fee arrangement covers and whether additional costs can arise. Keep the explanation in writing.

Discuss the lawyer's experience with the type of victim case and any funding requirements. Do not assume practical support and legal representation are interchangeable when a court deadline is approaching.

Keep notices, hearing dates and any compensation deadline together. Confirm who will take each next step and how costs are arranged. A first inquiry is not the same as an accepted instruction.

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