Conditional Release in Rijswijk

Conditional Release in Rijswijk

Conditional release (VI) allows detainees in Rijswijk to be released early after serving two-thirds of their sentence under strict conditions. This promotes reintegration into Rijswijk society during a probationary period, where violations result in return to detention. For Rijswijk residents, VI is essential in Dutch criminal law to prevent recidivism. Contact Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk for personalized advice.

Why Conditional Release in Rijswijk?

Dutch criminal law emphasizes both punishment and resocialization, and VI fits perfectly. Good behavior in detention and a reintegration plan for Rijswijk enable early release. This supports employment with local employers and housing through the Municipality of Rijswijk. Without VI, serving the full sentence hinders reintegration into neighborhoods like Innen or Oud-Rijswijk. More on sentences? See our article on Prison sentence.

Legal Basis of VI for Rijswijk Residents

VI is governed by the Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw), Section 2.4 (articles 2:26-2:35). Article 15 of the Dutch Criminal Code (Sr) provides the option for unconditional sentences. The Act to Prevent Serious Recidivism 2017 tightens rules for sexual and violent offenses.

Key principles:

• VI is a privilege, not a right, based on advice.
• Public Prosecution Service (OM) must approve.
• Rijswijk District Court (enforcement judge) decides on revocation.

Conditions for VI in Rijswijk

Not everyone in Rijswijk qualifies for conditional release. Essential requirements:

1. Sentence length: At least two months, with at least one month remaining after VI.
2. Two-thirds rule: After two-thirds (sentences >6 months); shorter sentences have adjustments.
3. Detention behavior: Exemplary conduct, no incidents, active participation in programs.
4. Reintegration in Rijswijk: Address via Municipality of Rijswijk, job or debt assistance.
5. Exceptions: Excluded for life sentences, TBS, or VI ban (serious offenses).

Comparison of VI versus full sentence:

Procedure for VI Application from Rijswijk

The steps for conditional release:

1. Preparation: Reintegration plan with probation service, focused on Rijswijk.
2. ACVI Advice: Advisory College on Conditional Release advises after review of file and interview.
3. OM Approval: Within 10 days.
4. Ministerial Decision: Justis decides; if approved: release with probation period (remaining sentence +1 year).

Takes 8-12 weeks. Right to a hearing at ACVI; if denied, appeal to Rijswijk District Court.

Rights and Obligations during VI in Rijswijk

Rights

• Legal assistance via lawyer or Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
• Access to file.
• Appeal to Rijswijk District Court.

Obligations

Special conditions during probation period:

• Reporting requirement: To probation service in Rijswijk.
• Exclusion zone: Avoid risk areas in Rijswijk.
• Therapy/GPS: Mandatory participation.
• No offenses: Leads to revocation by Rijswijk District Court.

Violation: Return for remainder plus additional time.

Practical Examples from Rijswijk

Example 1: Mr. A from Rijswijk receives 3 years for theft in the city center. After 2 years, VI application: good behavior, job at local company, housing via municipality. Positive ACVI and OM advice: released with reporting requirement.

Example 2: Ms. B (2 years for assault) from Innen violates a contact ban after VI. Rijswijk District Court revokes: 8 months remainder + 3 months extra.

VI supports reintegration in Rijswijk but demands discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions for Rijswijk