Juvenile criminal law applies to underage suspects and focuses on education and reintegration into society, with unique sanctions and processes compared to adult criminal law.
Application and Age Criteria
In Utrecht and throughout the Netherlands, juvenile criminal law applies to young people between 12 and 18 years old.
Age Categories
| Age Group | Criminal Law Regime |
|---|---|
| Under 12 years | Not prosecutable |
| 12-15 years | Always juvenile criminal law |
| 16-17 years | Usually juvenile criminal law, sometimes adult criminal law |
| 18-22 years | Adult criminal law, sometimes adolescent criminal law |
Basic Principles
Juvenile criminal law in Utrecht follows specific guidelines aimed at the development of the young person.
Key Features
- Focus on education and reintegration
- Sanctions tailored to age and mental development
- Fast handling of cases
- Limited public access to cases
- No criminal record under 18 years (in most cases)
Types of Sanctions
In juvenile criminal law, specific sanctions are applied that suit the young person's situation.
Overview of Sanctions
| Type of Sanction | Maximum Duration/Amount |
|---|---|
| Juvenile detention | 12-24 months |
| Community service (community sanction) | 200 hours |
| Fine | Limited amount |
| PIJ measure (juvenile institution) | Maximum 7 years, extendable |
| Behavioral intervention (GBM) | Depending on the situation |
Halt Procedure in Utrecht
The Halt program offers an alternative solution for young people who commit a minor offense and have no prior offenses.
Criteria for Halt
- Age between 12 and 17 years
- First or second minor offense
- Minor crimes such as theft or damage
- Admission of guilt by the young person
The Role of the Juvenile Court Judge
In Utrecht, the juvenile court judge handles cases within juvenile criminal law. This judge is specialized in youthful suspects.
Features of the Procedure
- Hearings without public
- Presence of parents or guardians
- Advice from the Child Protection Board
- Relaxed and informal atmosphere
Local Information Utrecht
For juvenile criminal cases in Utrecht, you can go to the Central Netherlands District Court, located at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1. For legal advice, the Utrecht Legal Desk is available at Catharijnesingel 55.
Frequently Asked Questions about Juvenile Criminal Law in Utrecht
From what age can a child be prosecuted criminally?
In the Netherlands, including Utrecht, a child can be prosecuted from the age of 12. Under 12 years, criminal prosecution is not possible. Between 12 and 15 years, juvenile criminal law always applies, while for 16-17 years, adult criminal law may be applied in some cases.
What sanctions are possible within juvenile criminal law?
Sanctions include juvenile detention (12-24 months), community sanctions (maximum 200 hours), fines (limited), PIJ measures (up to 7 years, extendable), and behavior-influencing programs. The focus is on guidance and development.
What does the Halt program entail?
Halt is an alternative procedure for young people (12-17 years) who commit a minor offense, such as petty theft or vandalism. Upon admission of guilt and successful completion, no criminal record is created.
Does a young person get a criminal record in juvenile criminal law?
Generally not under the age of 18, except for serious offenses. After 18 years, a conviction may sometimes be recorded in a criminal record, depending on the case.
How does a hearing at the juvenile court judge in Utrecht work?
The hearing is informal and not public. Parents are present and the Child Protection Board advises. The judge takes into account the young person's situation.