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Criminal law
Criminal law

Invited for police questioning

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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources

Invited for police questioning? Check whether you are being questioned as a suspect or witness and discuss your rights before the interview.

General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work

On this page

Read the invitation

Note the date, location, case number and your role. Ask for clarification if it is unclear what you are suspected of or why you have been summoned.

Arrange legal assistance

As a suspect, you have the right to consult a lawyer and to assistance during questioning. Also request an interpreter if you do not understand the language sufficiently; discuss costs and availability in advance.

Prepare carefully

Keep the invitation and relevant documents. As a suspect, you are not required to make a substantive statement. Discuss with your lawyer how to deal with questions and a written statement.

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?

Invitation and case number

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
Name in your overview
Privacy and storage

Up to 100 items. Each remains available for one year after saving or updating. You can delete it sooner. No automatic sharing with partners. A saved answer is a snapshot; rules and circumstances may change.

Privacy and storage
Clear entries

Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.

  • Invitation and case number
  • Your role in the investigation
  • Contact with a lawyer

Frequently asked questions

Must I answer everything because I have been invited?

As a suspect, you have the right to remain silent. The position of a witness is different. First make clear in which role you are being questioned.

Need personal assistance?

Request help through our chat. We assess which professional fits your question. Review your details before sending. A request is not yet an instruction to provide services.

Sources and further information

Public Prosecution Service — rights of a suspect ↗

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