In Rijswijk and surrounding areas, minor suspects fall under youth criminal law. This legal system focuses on guidance, education and return to society, with different penalties and processes compared to adult criminal law.
Application and Age Categories
Youth criminal law applies to young people between 12 and 18 years old in Rijswijk.
Age Criteria
| Age Group | Criminal Law Framework |
|---|---|
| Under 12 years | Not criminally liable |
| 12-15 years | Exclusively youth criminal law |
| 16-17 years | Youth criminal law, except in exceptional cases adult criminal law |
| 18-22 years | Adult criminal law, sometimes adolescent criminal law |
Basic Principles
Youth criminal law in Rijswijk applies specific principles for young people.
Key Aspects
- Focus on education and societal reintegration
- Penalty tailored to age and personal development
- Fast handling of cases
- Limited public access to cases
- No criminal record under 18 years (in most cases)
Types of Sanctions
In youth criminal law, alternative penalties are applied.
Overview of Sanctions
| Type of Sanction | Maximum Duration/Amount |
|---|---|
| Juvenile detention | 12 to 24 months |
| Community service | Maximum 200 hours |
| Fine | Limited amount |
| PIJ measure | 7 years, with possible extension |
| Behaviour-influencing measure (GBM) | Dependent on situation |
Halt Procedure in Rijswijk
For minor offences, Halt in Rijswijk offers an alternative handling for first-time offenders.
Conditions for Halt
- Age between 12 and 17 years
- First or second offence
- Minor offence, such as theft or damage
- Admission of guilt by the young person
The Juvenile Judge in The Hague
Youth criminal cases for Rijswijk are handled by the juvenile judge at the District Court of The Hague, an expert in this field.
Characteristics of the Procedure
- Hearings are not public
- Parents or guardians are present
- Advice from the Child Care and Protection Board
- Relaxed and informal setting
Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Criminal Law in Rijswijk
From what age is criminal prosecution possible?
In the Netherlands, including Rijswijk, a young person can be criminally prosecuted from the age of 12. For children under 12 years, this is not possible. Between 12 and 15 years, youth criminal law always applies, while for 16- and 17-year-olds, adult criminal law may be applied in exceptional cases.
What penalties are possible within youth criminal law?
In youth criminal law, penalties such as juvenile detention (max. 12-24 months), community service (up to 200 hours), fines (limited), PIJ measures (up to 7 years, extendable) and behaviour-influencing measures can be imposed. The focus is on guidance and development.
What does a Halt procedure entail?
Halt is an alternative to criminal prosecution for young people aged 12-17 in Rijswijk who commit a minor offence, such as vandalism or petty theft. Upon admission of guilt and successful completion of the procedure, no criminal record is entered.
Will my child get a criminal record?
In general, a young person under 18 does not get a criminal record, except in serious offences. In cases of juvenile detention or a PIJ measure, this may be different. After turning 18, previous convictions may sometimes be recorded.
How does a hearing before the juvenile judge work?
The hearing before the juvenile judge in The Hague is informal and held in closed session. Parents are present and the Child Care and Protection Board provides advice on the case and the young person.