Community service is a form of penalty whereby the convicted person performs unpaid work for the benefit of society. It serves as an alternative to a custodial sentence for less serious offences.
What Does Community Service Entail?
Community service means that you perform unpaid labour for the public interest. This penalty is generally carried out outside working hours or in your free time.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 240 hours |
| Execution period | Often within 1 year |
| Type of work | Unpaid and socially relevant |
| Supervision | [Reclassering Utrecht](https://www.reclassering.nl) |
Forms of Community Service
There are two types of community service penalties that can be imposed in Utrecht.
Work Penalty
This involves performing unpaid work at a local organisation or institution.
- Maintenance of public spaces
- Work in second-hand shops
- Support in care institutions
- Assistance with municipal tasks
Learning Penalty
This involves following an educational programme or course.
- Training in aggression management
- Programmes for lifestyle change
- Courses on road safety
- Information on substance abuse
When Is Community Service Imposed?
In Utrecht, community service can be applied in specific situations and offences.
Suitable Situations
- First offence
- Less serious crimes
- Personal circumstances call for a lighter penalty
- The suspect shows motivation
Restrictions on Community Service
Pursuant to Article 22b of the Criminal Code, community service is not possible in cases of:
- Serious violent or sexual offences
- Offences with a maximum penalty of 6 years or higher
- Unless combined with a custodial sentence
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If the community service in Utrecht is not properly executed, this may lead to substitute detention.
Substitute Detention Arrangement
- 2 hours community service = 1 day detention
- Maximum: 4 months
- Determined by the judge in the judgment
Combination with Other Sanctions
Community service can be imposed in Utrecht together with other penalties.
Possible Combinations
- Community service and conditional detention
- Community service with a fine
- Community service and driving ban
Advantages of Community Service
- No imprisonment required
- Retention of job and social contacts
- Giving back to the Utrecht community
- Lower chance of recidivism compared to short prison sentences
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Service in Utrecht
How is it decided whether I get community service?
The judge in Utrecht, often at the District Court of Midden-Nederland, determines whether community service is appropriate. This depends on the severity of the offence, your personal circumstances and motivation. For minor offences or a first offence, the chance is greater. Serious cases usually rule out community service.
What kind of work can I expect with community service?
With a work penalty, you do community work in Utrecht, such as maintenance of parks or helping in local care institutions. With a learning penalty, you follow a course, for example on behavioural change. The probation service in Utrecht arranges a suitable placement.
Can I refuse community service?
A community service penalty imposed by the judge cannot simply be refused. In case of non-compliance, it is converted to detention: 2 hours community service equals 1 day in prison. Objection can be made through legal assistance, for example at the Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Legal Support in Utrecht
For questions or help with community service, you can go to:
- District Court of Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht