Received a summons? From now on every day counts!
A summons means the Public Prosecution Service is bringing you before the court. The letter states what you are accused of and when you must appear. The sooner we have the case file, the more we can do for you.
Note the hearing date and contact us today
The time until the hearing is the time we have to build your defence: request the case file, have witnesses heard, have investigations carried out. Every day earlier counts.
Throw nothing away and respond to nothing
Keep the summons, the envelope and all earlier letters. Do not contact complainants, witnesses or co-suspects before you have consulted us.
We request the complete case file
Only with the case file do we know what the OM actually has. On that basis we decide the strategy: arguing for acquittal, contesting evidence, or steering towards the lightest possible disposal.
You appear prepared — or we go on your behalf
We go through the hearing with you step by step, so that you know exactly what is coming. In some cases we can also represent you by authorisation without you being present yourself.
What is actually in a summons?
The summons states the charge (exactly what you are accused of, with statutory articles), the District Court, the date and the time. It also states your rights, such as the right to nominate witnesses.
The charge requires precision: the OM must prove exactly what is stated. We read it for weak spots — and there are more of those than you think.
Before the hearing there is often still room to steer
Up to the hearing we can have witnesses and experts heard, request additional investigation and enter into talks with the public prosecutor about the disposal. Sometimes a case can still be dismissed or dealt with out of court.
Not appearing without a lawyer is the worst option: the court can then dispose of the case in default (verstek), without anyone having told your side.
Single judge or full-bench chamber?
Lighter cases come before the police judge (politierechter): one judge, a hearing often finished within an hour, and usually judgment on the spot. Heavier or more complex cases go to the full-bench chamber (meervoudige kamer): three judges, a more extensive hearing and judgment as a rule two weeks later.
Which judge hears your case is stated in the summons — and it says something about how the prosecution weighs your case. We tailor the defence accordingly: before the police judge a sharp, compact story counts; before the full-bench chamber the case is explored in full breadth.
The hearing step by step
The judge first checks your details and the prosecutor presents the case. The judge then discusses the file and asks you questions — you may answer, but the right to remain silent applies in court as well. Next the public prosecutor demands a sentence, after which we speak and present the defence plea.
You always have the last word. That moment seems small, but judges listen to it closely. We prepare it together with you, like every other step — so that you walk into the courtroom without surprises.
What outcomes are possible?
The court can acquit, discharge from all prosecution or convict. Within a conviction the differences are large: a fine, community service, a (partly) suspended sentence or imprisonment — and the severity is not automatic, but the outcome of the story that has been told about you.
We steer not only towards the final judgment, but also towards what it means for your life afterwards: your judicial documentation, your certificate of conduct (VOG) and therefore your work. Outcomes that look comparable on paper can differ greatly in that respect.
Disagree with the judgment? Fourteen days
Against a conviction an appeal is as a rule available, but the time limit is short: fourteen days after the judgment (or after you became aware of it in the case of a judgment in absentia). Immediately after the judgment we advise you whether an appeal is promising and wise in your case.
Veelgestelde vragen
Must I come to the hearing myself?
Usually that is wise: the court takes your personal account into account. In certain cases we can represent you by authorisation. We discuss that together on the basis of the case file.
How long does it take until the judgment?
At the single-judge court (politierechter) the judgment usually follows immediately after the hearing. At the full-bench chamber usually two weeks later. We then discuss straight away whether an appeal is wise.
Can the hearing be postponed?
Yes, if there are good reasons — for instance because the case file was received late or witnesses still have to be heard. We submit that request with substantiation.
What if I only saw the summons late?
Call us straight away, even if the hearing has already taken place: against a default judgment an objection or appeal is often still open, but the time limits are short.
What do I wear and what do I bring to the hearing?
Neat and simply yourself; a suit is not required. Bring your identity document, the summons and any documents about work or income. Everything of substance we will already have prepared and submitted.
Am I entitled to an interpreter at the hearing?
Yes. If your command of Dutch is insufficient, the hearing is held with an interpreter, free of charge. Let us know in good time and we make sure it is arranged.
Can the accusation still change at the hearing?
The prosecutor can request an amendment of the indictment. We watch this closely: an amendment can make the case heavier, but sometimes also gives the right to an adjournment so the defence can be adapted.
What does assistance with a summons cost?
Depending on your income and assets you are often eligible for subsidised legal aid; we apply for it for you. Otherwise we make a clear price agreement in advance, so you never face surprises.