Assault involves the intentional infliction of pain or injury on another person. The legislation distinguishes various degrees, ranging from minor to serious assault, including cases with fatal outcome.
Minor Assault (art. 300 Sr)
Minor assault means that someone intentionally inflicts pain or injury on another person or impairs their health.
Penalty Imposition
| Type | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Minor assault | 3 years |
| With premeditation | 4 years |
| Against a public official in function | 4 years |
Serious Assault (art. 302 Sr)
Serious assault involves the intentional infliction of serious bodily injury on the victim.
Serious Bodily Injury
- Incurable illness
- Permanent work disability
- Loss of a sense or body part
- Serious disfigurement
- Loss of an unborn child
Penalty Imposition
| Type | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Serious assault | 8 years |
| With premeditation | 12 years |
| With fatal outcome | 10 years (15 years with premeditation) |
Penalty Increase for Assault
In specific cases, such as with certain victims, the penalty may be increased by one third.
Special Victims
- Public officials during duty (police, BOA)
- Care providers (ambulance staff, fire brigade)
- Persons with a public function
Domestic Violence in Zoetermeer
Assault in the private sphere presents unique challenges and requires a specific approach.
Characteristics
- Often recurring violence
- Possibility of house ban
- Protective measures for victims
- Specialized support
Frequently Asked Questions about Assault
What distinguishes minor from serious assault?
Minor assault (art. 300 Sr) involves pain or injury without serious consequences, with a penalty up to 3 years. Serious assault (art. 302 Sr) concerns severe injury, such as permanent disability, with a penalty up to 8 years. The severity of the injury determines the category.
What to do in case of domestic violence in Zoetermeer?
Call 112 in case of immediate danger. For advice, you can contact Veilig Thuis (0800-2000). A house ban can be imposed on the perpetrator. Victims can seek legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or a lawyer.
What is the penalty for assault with premeditation?
With premeditation (planned assault), the penalties are higher. For minor assault, this is up to 4 years (normally 3 years). For serious assault, this can rise to 12 years (normally 8 years). With fatal outcome, the penalty can increase to 15 years.
What is understood by serious bodily injury?
Serious bodily injury includes permanent illness, work disability, loss of a sense or limb, serious disfigurement, or loss of an unborn child. The court determines on a case-by-case basis whether the injury is classified as serious.
Is the penalty higher for assault on a police officer?
Yes, assault on a public official in function (e.g., police or care provider) results in the penalty being increased by one third. For minor assault, this means a maximum of 4 years instead of 3 years.
Relevant Agencies in Zoetermeer
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. Cases are handled by the Rechtbank Den Haag, under which Zoetermeer falls.