Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

Pre-trial detention can cause problems with work, rent, income and care responsibilities. With a reliable helper, create an overview of urgent payments, appointments and people who need to be informed.

An employment contract or rental obligation does not automatically end due to pre-trial detention. Have the concrete consequences assessed separately. Discuss what information is needed and who can contact you on your behalf.

Report detention via the correct route to the authorities involved. Benefits and health insurance have their own rules. Ask for confirmation and do not assume that all authorities will automatically inform each other.

A family member cannot simply arrange all your affairs. Discuss what authorization or consent is required. In case of restrictions, check which communications can take place via an permitted route.

Collect documents about home, work, children and health. These can provide practical assistance and be relevant to a request about your freedom. Personal need does not replace the statutory detention test.

Record who acts for each urgent task and what confirmation is required. Discuss with your lawyer what needs to be assessed legally and what a helper can practically do.

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