When it truly matters, we stand beside you
A suspect, arrested or summonsed? We defend you in criminal cases before every District Court and Court of Appeal in the Netherlands — discreet, sharp and relentless.
Without obligation · entirely confidential · same-day contact in urgent cases
You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a solicitor first. Make use of it. Do not make any statement before you have spoken to us.
Called in for an OM hearing? What you say there has consequences for the outcome. First read what you can expect — and never go unprepared.
Why you should engage a lawyer immediately
The first hours weigh the heaviest
What you say in the first police interview often determines the entire case. A statement is hard to withdraw later; a missed opportunity is usually impossible to recover.
We see what the Public Prosecution Service would rather keep hidden
Procedural errors, unlawfully obtained evidence, a wiretap that does not add up. We read the case file against the grain.
Calm, clarity and a single point of contact
You do not have to work it out on your own. We explain every step, remain reachable and speak on your behalf.
Specialists in criminal law
We deliberately confine ourselves to a single practice area. That focus is what sets us apart in the cases that matter most.
Drug offences
A drug case often begins with a raid, an intercepted consignment or a wiretap. What the Public Prosecution Service (OM) then presents as watertight evidence frequently is not. We read the case file against the grain.
Violent offences
From a quarrel that got out of hand to the most serious violence case: it often comes down to who started it, what your role was and whether the injury matches the complaint. Violence cases are punished heavily and taken up quickly — which is why you must speak to us before the interview.
Fraud
Fraud cases rarely begin with an arrest and often with an audit or an invitation from the FIOD (fiscal investigation service). It is precisely then, before the charge, that there is still room to steer.
Corporate criminal law
An inspection that develops into a criminal case, or a FIOD investigation into your company or into you as a director. We assist both the company and its management.
Traffic offences
Driving under the influence, failing to stop or an accident causing injury. Your driving licence and your job are at stake — the measurement is more often contestable than you might think.
Sexual offences
In sexual-offence cases reputation, relationships and work are at stake, often before anything has been proven. We work without publicity: no unnecessary third parties in the file, consultation where you want it, and nothing goes out until you decide.
From the first police interview to the verdict
A criminal case follows set stages. We make sure that at every moment you know where you stand and what the next step is.
Arrest or summons
You are arrested, invited for interview or receive a summons. From this moment you are a suspect and you have rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.
First assistance
We assist you before and during the first interview. Together we decide whether and what you say. You do nothing without consultation.
Case file & investigation
We request the complete case file, have witnesses heard by the examining magistrate and test every item of evidence for lawfulness and meaning.
Steering before the hearing
Where possible we steer towards dismissal, a favourable disposal or preventing a hearing. Early intervention pays off.
The hearing
We speak on your behalf: defence on procedural errors, evidence and sentence. You know exactly what will happen in advance.
Judgment and appeal
After the judgment we decide the next steps together.
Recent results from our practice
“Johan helped me fantastically and was always ready with expert advice and clear explanations. The eventual judgment turned out much lower than I had expected. Warmly recommended.”
“With Johan you are in good hands. He reads everything thoroughly, is honest about your chances and wrote a convincing defence. That is how we won my appeal with an acquittal.”
“Mr Keizer assisted me superbly during a very stressful period. Fast communication, clear advice and an excellent result. Absolutely recommended!”
“Through a complaint you had already argued off half the sentence, and at the OM meeting too I got almost half the fine off. Thank you for your direct, no-nonsense guidance!”
“I was contacted quickly and the guidance before and during the interview was very pleasant.”
“The explanation was very transparent and clear — you knew immediately where you stood.”
“Reassuring and a quick response. As far as I can judge so far: satisfied.”
“Good to have support behind me.”
“Good advice.”
Brief and clear
I have been arrested. What should I do first?
Invoke your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. You need not and must not make any statement before you have spoken to us. Contact us as soon as possible; we respond the same day.
What does a criminal law lawyer cost?
That depends on your case and income. If you are eligible for legal aid (a toevoeging), we arrange it through the Legal Aid Board. Otherwise we make clear arrangements about the costs in advance.
Am I eligible for legal aid (pro deo)?
With a lower income and assets, often yes; on arrest, in many cases a lawyer is assigned automatically. We test your situation and apply for the legal aid on your behalf.
Is my conversation with you confidential?
Entirely. Everything you share with us falls under our duty of confidentiality. We may not and will not disclose it to anyone.
Must I cooperate with an interview?
No. You have the right to remain silent and that may never be used against you. Whether, when and what you say, we decide together on the basis of the case file.
How quickly can you take action?
We respond the same day. If you contact us during the day, we will get in touch with you that day. If you contact us at night, we will message you the next day.
Are you a suspect in a criminal case?
Get in touch with us. We respond the same day.