Skip to content
Ask your question
Choose your legal topicThis website explains Dutch law. It does not provide legal advice about other countries.

Criminal law in the Netherlands: police, letters and legal assistance

What would you like help with?

If you are arrested or are to be questioned at short notice, ask for legal assistance immediately. Do not wait for an online answer.

Start with your position: are you a suspect, witness or victim? Next, it is important which document you have received and when you need to respond or appear. Do not share confidential case information in a public chat.

Frequently asked questions

I am being questioned as a suspect. What is important?

As a suspect, you have the right to remain silent and the right to assistance from a lawyer in connection with police questioning. Ask for an explanation of your position before the interview.

Invitation for police questioning

Why does the type of letter make a difference?

An invitation, penalty order and summons do not require the same response. Keep the full letter and check the sender, date and instructions. Seek advice before making a choice that may have consequences for your case.

Assessing a penalty order

What should I prepare if I have to appear?

Gather the summons and earlier correspondence. Write down questions for your lawyer and indicate in good time if language support is needed. Do not ignore the summons because you do not yet know what to say.

Received a summons

What can you do now?

  1. Check your role and the type of document.
  2. Note the date by which you must respond or appear.
  3. Discuss your situation with a lawyer in good time and keep the documents you receive.

Have this information ready

  • Invitation, penalty order or summons.
  • Earlier correspondence and proof of receipt.
  • Questions you want to discuss confidentially with your lawyer.

When should you seek help quickly?

If you are arrested or are to be questioned at short notice, ask for legal assistance immediately. Do not wait for an online answer.

In-depth articles

May the police ask for my identity document in the Netherlands?May a Dutch special enforcement officer ask for my ID?Can I withdraw my report to the police?What can I do if the police will not record my crime report?May the police search my clothing or body in the Netherlands?May a Dutch BOA arrest me?How do I get a copy of my police report?How do I request access to my personal data held by the Dutch police?Must I attend court as a witness and what are my rights?Can I obtain compensation after acquittal?How do I complain about police conduct?How do I recover property seized by police?My details are being shared to intimidate me: what should I do?My email account has been hacked: what should I do?I clicked a phishing link: what now?I am being threatened: what can I do?I was scammed through WhatsApp: what now?What should I do about a fake police officer calling or at my door?What if someone uses my identity for a bill or contract?How do I report a crime to Dutch police?How do I apply for a Dutch VOG?

Official sources and further information

Public Prosecution Service — rights of a suspect ↗

General information about Dutch law. The source pages may be in Dutch. This explanation is not an individual legal assessment.

Related topics

Traffic lawPersonal injury

Ask your legal question

Use the chat without sharing names, addresses or other identifying information.

Ask your legal question

Common questions on this topic

View questions and answers

Loading answers…