Youth criminal law applies to juvenile suspects and emphasises education and reintegration into society, with specific penalties and procedures that differ from adult criminal law.
Application and Age Criteria
In Westland and the rest of the Netherlands, youth criminal law applies to young people between 12 and 18 years old.
Age Classification
| Age Group | Criminal Law System |
|---|---|
| Under 12 years | Not criminally liable |
| 12-15 years | Exclusively youth criminal law |
| 16-17 years | Youth criminal law, except in exceptional cases |
| 18-22 years | Adult criminal law, sometimes adolescent criminal law |
Basic Principles
Youth criminal law adheres to its own core values and principles.
Key Aspects
- Focus on education and societal reintegration
- Penalty tailored to age and mental development
- Swift handling of cases
- Limited public access to cases
- Often no criminal record under 18 years
Types of Sanctions
Specific penalties and measures apply within youth criminal law.
Overview of Sanctions
| Type of Sanction | Maximum Duration/Amount |
|---|---|
| Juvenile detention | 12 to 24 months |
| Community service (community service order) | Maximum 200 hours |
| Fine | Limited amount |
| PIJ measure (youth detention institution) | 7 years, with possibility of extension |
| Behavioural intervention (GBM) | Dependent on the situation |
Halt Procedure
For minor offences by young people, Halt offers an alternative resolution without court involvement.
Halt Conditions
- Age between 12 and 17 years
- First or second offence
- Minor crimes such as theft or damage
- Acknowledgement of guilt by the young person
The Juvenile Judge in Westland
Youth criminal cases are handled by a specialised juvenile judge, often at the District Court of The Hague, which covers the district for Westland.
Characteristics of the Hearing
- Handling without public
- Presence of parents or guardians
- Advice from the Child Care and Protection Board
- Relaxed and informal atmosphere
Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Criminal Law
From what age is criminal prosecution possible?
In the Netherlands, a young person can be criminally prosecuted from the age of 12. Below this age, prosecution is not possible. For 12- to 15-year-olds, youth criminal law always applies, while for 16- to 17-year-olds, adult criminal law may be applied in some cases.
What penalties can a young person receive?
In youth criminal law, sanctions such as juvenile detention (maximum 12-24 months), community service orders (up to 200 hours), limited fines, PIJ measures (up to 7 years, extendable) and behavioural influence measures are possible. The focus is on guidance and education.
What does a Halt procedure entail?
Halt is an alternative to criminal prosecution for young people aged 12-17 who commit a minor offence, such as petty theft or vandalism. Upon acknowledgement of guilt and successful completion, no criminal record follows.
Does a young person get a criminal record?
In general, a young person under 18 does not get a criminal record, except in cases of very serious offences or measures such as PIJ. After the 18th birthday, a conviction may sometimes be recorded.
How does a hearing before the juvenile judge work?
The hearing takes place without public, with parents present. The atmosphere is informal, and the Child Care and Protection Board provides advice to the judge.
Relevant authorities in Westland: For legal support, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Westland. Cases are generally handled by the District Court of The Hague, which covers the district for Westland.