In Zoetermeer, juvenile criminal law applies to underage suspects, a system focused on education and reintegration into society, with specific penalties and procedures that differ from adult criminal law.
Application of Juvenile Criminal Law
Juvenile criminal law applies to young people between 12 and 18 years old in Zoetermeer and surrounding areas.
Age Categories
| Age | Criminal Law Regime |
|---|---|
| Under 12 years | Not criminally prosecutable |
| 12-15 years | Exclusively juvenile criminal law |
| 16-17 years | Usually juvenile criminal law, sometimes adult criminal law |
| 18-22 years | Adult criminal law, possibly adolescent criminal law |
Basic Principles
Juvenile criminal law in Zoetermeer follows its own core principles aimed at the development of the young person.
Important Aspects
- Focus on education and reintegration
- Penalty measure tailored to age and personal development
- Swift handling of cases
- Limited public access to cases
- No criminal record before 18 years (in most cases)
Types of Sanctions
In juvenile criminal law, specific penalties and measures are applied.
Overview of Sanctions
| Type of Sanction | Maximum Duration/Amount |
|---|---|
| Juvenile detention | 12 to 24 months |
| Community service (community service order) | Maximum 200 hours |
| Fine | Limited amount |
| PIJ measure (juvenile institution) | Maximum 7 years, extension possible |
| Behavioral intervention (GBM) | Depending on the situation |
Halt Process in Zoermeer
The Halt program offers an alternative resolution for young people who commit minor offenses and have few prior violations.
Criteria for Halt
- Age between 12 and 17 years
- First or second offense
- Minor offense, such as shoplifting or vandalism
- Admission of guilt by the young person
The Role of the Juvenile Court Judge
In Zoetermeer, juvenile criminal cases are handled by a juvenile court judge, a judge with special knowledge of juvenile law.
Characteristics of the Procedure
- Hearings without public
- Presence of parents or guardians
- Advice from the Child Protection Board
- Relaxed and informal setting
Frequently Asked Questions about Juvenile Criminal Law in Zoetermeer
From what age is criminal prosecution possible?
In the Netherlands, and thus also in Zoetermeer, a young person can be criminally prosecuted from the age of 12. For children under 12, this is not possible. Between 12 and 15 years, a case always falls under juvenile criminal law, while for 16- and 17-year-olds, adult criminal law may sometimes apply in serious offenses.
What penalties are possible within juvenile criminal law?
Specific penalties include juvenile detention (maximum 12-24 months), community service orders (up to 200 hours), limited fines, the PIJ measure (up to 7 years in a juvenile institution, extendable), and behavior-influencing measures. The focus is on guidance and development.
What does a Halt process entail?
Halt is an alternative to court proceedings for young people aged 12-17 in Zoetermeer for a first or second minor offense, such as vandalism. The young person must admit guilt and cooperate. If successful, no criminal record is entered.
Does a young person get a criminal record in juvenile criminal law?
In general, a young person under 18 does not get a criminal record, except in very serious cases. After the age of 18, prior convictions may sometimes be included in a criminal record, depending on the situation.
How does a hearing before the juvenile court judge in Zoetermeer work?
The hearing takes place without public, parents are present, and the Child Protection Board provides advice. The atmosphere is less formal, and the judge takes the young person's situation into account.
Relevant Authorities: For juvenile criminal cases in Zoetermeer, cases fall under the District Court of The Hague. For legal advice, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.