Summons to appear before the criminal court
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Received a criminal summons? Check what you are accused of, when the hearing is and whether you must appear. Seek legal assistance in time.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
On this page
Check the details
Read what you are accused of: this is stated in the charge. Also check which court you must attend and on what date and time. Keep the envelope and all attachments. Do not confuse a summons with a penal order: a different route applies to that.
Ask for help with your defence
Discuss the case file, possible witnesses and your personal circumstances with a criminal defence lawyer. Have any inaccuracies in the summons assessed immediately.
Prepare for the hearing
Check whether personal attendance is mandatory and what is needed if you cannot attend. A request for postponement does not automatically mean that the hearing will be cancelled.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
Summons and envelope
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 3 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Summons and envelope
- Case file and evidence
- Arrangements with your lawyer
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip the hearing if I disagree?
Do not do so without advice. The case may have consequences if you do not appear; check the summons and discuss attendance or representation.