When your child is a suspect, their future weighs most heavily
When a minor is interviewed, there is more at play than a single incident. Juvenile criminal law looks to the future, and we safeguard that future together with you.
A distinct system, geared towards perspective
For young people aged 12 to 18, juvenile criminal law applies, with its own sentences and measures such as the behavioural intervention order and, in the most extreme case, the PIJ order (juvenile detention with treatment). Recovery and development come first.
Around the age boundary, adolescent criminal law can also be applied to young adults. Which regime applies makes a big difference.
Tailored sentences and measures
Juvenile criminal law has lighter and more development-oriented sanctions: a fine or community service order, youth detention, the behavioural intervention order (GBM) and special conditions with youth probation.
We aim for the least intrusive outcome that does justice to the situation, with an eye to school, home and treatment.
Adolescent criminal law: 16 to 23
For young adults up to the age of 23 the court can apply juvenile criminal law if their development gives cause for it; conversely, for 16- and 17-year-olds adult criminal law can sometimes apply.
Which regime is chosen determines the nature and severity of the sanction. We run a substantiated defence on that.
HALT and out-of-court disposal
Lighter offences can be dealt with via HALT (youth diversion scheme), without a judicial entry on successful completion. Whether that is appropriate and feasible we assess case by case.
A dismissal or a disposal without a hearing is also among the possibilities; we actively seek those out.
Parents, the Board and youth probation
The Child Care and Protection Board, youth probation and sometimes HALT play a major role. Their reports weigh heavily with the court; we ensure they give a fair and complete picture.
Parents belong in it. We involve you closely and explain every step.
Your child’s future
A juvenile case must not have unnecessary knock-on effects for education, work placement, a part-time job or travel. For young people, more lenient starting points apply to the VOG, but care remains warranted.
We direct the defence towards an outcome that burdens your child’s future as little as possible.
When to call us
- Your minor child has been arrested or summoned for interview
- There is a HALT referral or a summons from the OM
- The Child Care and Protection Board is conducting an investigation
- Your child is dealing with youth probation or special conditions
- Youth detention or a PIJ order is threatened
- Your child has been summoned before the juvenile court judge
Frequently asked questions
May my child be interviewed without a lawyer?
Minors have the right to assistance from a lawyer before and during the interview. Never let your child make a statement alone; call us straight away.
What is HALT and is it favourable?
HALT is an out-of-court disposal for lighter offences, without a criminal record on successful completion. Whether it is appropriate we assess case by case.
Will my child get a criminal record?
That depends on the disposal and the age. We deliberately steer towards outcomes that burden the future — education, work placement, travel — as little as possible.
What is the PIJ order?
The PIJ (juvenile detention with treatment) is the heaviest juvenile measure, for serious offences. We run an intensive defence to prevent it where possible.
May I as a parent be present at the interview?
For minors, parents are in principle involved. We discuss with you and your child how you can best provide support and what your role is.
What is adolescent criminal law?
It allows juvenile criminal law to be applied up to the age of 23, or conversely adult criminal law for older minors. The choice determines the sanction; we run a defence on that.
Does a juvenile case count towards a VOG?
For young people more lenient starting points apply, but a serious offence can have knock-on effects. We keep that interest in view from the outset.
Can the case be dealt with out of court?
Sometimes, via HALT, a dismissal or a disposal without a hearing. We assess whether that is feasible in your child’s interest.