Criminal Law in the Netherlands — Your Rights

What falls under Criminal Law?

Criminal law (strafrecht) determines which behaviours are punishable and what penalties apply. It covers everything from minor offences like illegal parking to serious crimes like violence or theft. Criminal law also determines how the police, Public Prosecution Service, and courts must operate. It protects both victims and suspects by establishing clear procedures and rights. Dutch criminal law is codified in the Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Wetboek van Strafvordering).

Your most important rights

As a suspect or victim, you have important rights protected by Dutch law. These rights ensure you're treated fairly throughout the entire process.

Common situations

In daily life, you encounter criminal law in various ways. These are the most common situations where people seek help in the Netherlands.

What can you do?

Dealing with a criminal law matter in the Netherlands? It's important to act quickly and with good information. First, gather all relevant information and documents you have. Think of police reports (proces-verbalen), fines, summons, or evidence of the crime. Get legal help in time, especially if you're suspected of a crime. For serious cases, you have the right to a lawyer under Dutch law, sometimes free through legal aid (rechtsbijstand).

Help and authorities

The Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) offers free initial help with criminal law questions in the Netherlands. For more complex cases, you can engage a lawyer — often free through legal aid (rechtsbijstand) for low incomes. The police, Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie), and courts are the key authorities in Dutch criminal law. MijnRecht.AI analyses your situation and explains what rights you have, what to expect, and which steps are best to take under Dutch law.