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.
Definition of Community Service
Community service means that a person performs unpaid labour for the public interest. This penalty is often carried out outside working hours or in free time.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 240 hours |
| Execution period | Often within 1 year |
| Type of work | Unpaid and socially relevant |
| Supervision | [Probation Service](https://rechtshulpdenhaag.nl/encyclopedie/reclasseringsrapport) |
Forms of Community Service
There are two main forms of community service that can be imposed.
Work Penalty
Under this, the convicted person performs unpaid work at an organisation or institution in Rijswijk or the surrounding area.
- Maintenance of public green spaces
- Work in a thrift store
- Support in care institutions
- Assistance with municipal tasks
Educational Penalty
An educational penalty consists of attending a course or programme to improve behaviour.
- Training for anger management
- Programmes on lifestyle
- Courses on road safety
- Information sessions on substance use
When Is Community Service Imposed?
Community service may be appropriate under specific circumstances and for certain offences.
Suitable Situations
- First offence
- Less serious crimes
- Personal circumstances call for a lighter penalty
- The convicted person shows willingness
Limitations on Community Service
Pursuant to Article 22b of the Criminal Code, community service is not possible for certain offences:
- Serious violent or sexual offences
- Crimes with a maximum penalty of 6 years or higher
- Except if combined with a custodial sentence
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If the community service is not or insufficiently carried out, this may lead to substitute detention.
Substitute Detention
- 2 hours community service = 1 day detention
- Maximum duration: 4 months
- Determined by the judge in the judgment
Combining with Other Penalties
Community service can be imposed together with other sanctions.
Possible Combinations
- Community service with conditional custodial sentence
- Community service alongside a fine
- Community service with a driving ban
Advantages of Community Service
- No imprisonment necessary
- Retention of job and social contacts
- The convicted person contributes to the community
- Lower chance of recidivism than with short-term detention
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Service in Rijswijk
How is it decided whether I get community service?
The judge at the District Court of The Hague determines whether community service is suitable, depending on the severity of the offence, your personal circumstances and motivation. For minor offences or a first offence, the chance is greater. Serious cases often exclude community service.
What kind of work can I expect with community service?
With a work penalty, you perform unpaid work that is useful to society, such as maintenance of green spaces or assistance in a care institution in Rijswijk. With an educational penalty, you attend a course, for example on behavioural change. The probation service 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 proceedings.