The canton judge in Utrecht handles minor criminal cases, such as infractions. The procedure is often simple and a lawyer is usually not necessary. What can you expect?
What does the canton judge do?
The canton judge is a single judge who deals with infractions, the least serious criminal offences, and not felonies.
Key characteristics
| Characteristic | Canton Judge |
|---|---|
| Number of judges | 1 |
| Type of cases | Infractions |
| Maximum penalty | 1 year detention (not imprisonment) |
| Procedure type | Simple and quickly handled |
| Lawyer required? | Not mandatory, often unnecessary |
Which cases does the canton judge handle?
In Utrecht, the canton judge handles infractions from the Criminal Code and specific laws.
Examples of cases
- Traffic infractions (such as speeding or running a red light)
- Public intoxication
- Minor forms of nuisance
- Minor noise disturbances
- Violations of the General Local Ordinance (APV)
- Minor environmental offences
- Non-compliance with shop opening hours
Differences with the police judge
| Characteristic | Canton Judge | Police Judge |
|---|---|---|
| Type of offence | Infractions | Felonies |
| Seriousness of case | Minor | Moderately serious |
| Liberty deprivation | Detention (max. 1 year) | Imprisonment (max. 1 year) |
| Effect on criminal record | Often no registration | Usually yes |
How does the procedure proceed?
The process at the canton judge in Utrecht is straightforward.
Steps in the procedure
- Invitation by post (no formal summons)
- Verification of your identity
- Brief discussion of the facts
- Opportunity to defend
- Immediate judgment at the hearing
What if you do not appear?
For infractions in Utrecht, you can sometimes decide not to attend.
Options
- Default: not attending, the judge decides without your input
- Written response: submit your defence in writing
- Representation: have someone else speak for you
Which penalties can the canton judge impose?
The canton judge in Utrecht can only impose limited sanctions.
Possible sanctions
- Fine (often applied)
- Detention (maximum 1 year, rare)
- Community service (community service order)
- Driving disqualification (in traffic cases)
Possibility of appeal
Against a judgment of the canton judge in Utrecht, you can appeal on a limited basis.
Conditions for appeal
- Only for fines higher than €50 or other penalties
- Deadline for filing: 14 days
- Handled by the court of appeal
Practical advice
- Study the summons carefully: what are you charged with?
- Determine whether it is useful to appear
- For minor cases, a lawyer is often not necessary
- For high fines: consider mounting a defence
Local information for Utrecht
District Court Midden-Nederland, located at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, handles canton judge cases in Utrecht. For legal advice, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht, located at Catharijnesingel 55.