Community Service in Zoetermeer: Unpaid Work as Punishment

Community Service in Zoetermeer: Unpaid Work as Punishment

In Zoetermeer, a community service order is a popular community sanction where convicted individuals perform unpaid work for local institutions, organizations, or private individuals. This helps offenders take responsibility without imprisonment, particularly for minor offenses. The Zoetermeer District Court imposes this for up to a maximum of 240 hours, aligning with the region's focus on resocialization.

Why does the Zoetermeer District Court choose community service?

This penalty replaces traditional prison sentences and is imposed for offenses such as theft, graffiti, or minor traffic violations that pose little risk to the community. Benefits include: the individual remains free, learns from their mistake, and contributes to Zoetermeer, such as maintaining local parks. It saves on detention costs and strengthens society.

Legal Basis for Community Service

The community service order is provided for in the Criminal Code (Articles 22b to 22f Sr), introduced by the Community Service Act (2004). Key rules:

• Art. 22b Sr: Work or learning penalty, maximum 240 hours.
• Art. 22c Sr: Unpaid, involuntary work.
• Art. 22d Sr: Execution within one year, with possible deferral.
• Art. 22e Sr: Non-compliance leads to imprisonment (1 day per hour, max. 1 year).

Execution is handled by the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) and probation service. Consult the Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office for personal advice on community sanctions.

How does the Zoetermeer District Court impose community service?

Following a judgment by the Zoetermeer District Court, a probation report (pro justitia) assesses feasibility. Conditions:

1. Age over 18 (juveniles handled under juvenile criminal law).
2. Low risk of recidivism.
3. Consent of the convicted person (refusal often results in prison).
4. Suitable health.

Then, an intake with the probation service to assign a workplace, e.g., cleaning in Zoetermeer care centers or park maintenance for the Municipality of Zoetermeer.

Executing Community Service in Zoetermeer

Under probation supervision, in shifts of 4-8 hours, often evenings or weekends to accommodate work or studies. Local tasks:

• Cleaning in regional hospitals or shelters.
• Garden work for the Municipality of Zoetermeer.
• Assistance in Zoetermeer neighborhood centers or food banks.

DJI works with 800+ employers, including local ones. Sick leave requires proof; absenteeism risks sanctions.

Rights and Obligations under Community Service

Rights:

• Selection of workplaces where possible.
• Deferral for illness, pregnancy, or work issues (Art. 22d Sr).
• Travel expense reimbursement.
• Equal treatment.

Obligations:

• Completion on time.
• Attendance and rule compliance.
• Remaining sober (no drugs or alcohol).
• Reporting to supervisor.

Problems during execution?

The judge decides on alternatives. In 2022: 15,000 imposed nationwide, 85% success rate (DJI). Zoetermeer sees high compliance due to local support.

Local Examples from Zoetermeer

Example 1: Mr. Jansen from Zoetermeer steals from a shop (Art. 310 Sr). Zoetermeer District Court: 120 hours in a neighborhood center, repairing bikes for the elderly. Freedom retained.

Example 2: Ms. De Vries crashes while under the influence (Art. 8 WVW). 200 hours in a local clinic: cleaning and paperwork. Completion avoids prison.

Example 3: Young graffiti artists in a Zoetermeer neighborhood. 80 hours with the Municipality of Zoetermeer: restoring parks. No criminal record on success.

Comparison of Penalties

More about conditional sentences or prison terms? Check our guides or the Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office.

Frequently Asked Questions