How we work

1. First contact

You can call us or leave your details using the contact form. A family member can also contact us. During that first conversation, we briefly establish what has happened: what decision was made, when you received it and how it affects you. This lets us assess straight away whether urgent action is needed.

2. Assessing your case

We then request the written decision and the supporting documents, such as reports, records and recommendations. We assess whether the correct procedure was followed, whether you were given an opportunity to be heard and whether sufficient reasons were given for the decision. We give you an honest assessment: if a case has little chance of success, we will tell you.

Deadlines come first

If a deadline is about to expire before the documents arrive, we first submit a written complaint (klaagschrift) or notice of appeal (beroepschrift), which we can supplement later. This protects your rights.

3. Agreeing on costs

Before we start work, we make clear arrangements about costs. Publicly funded legal aid is available in many detention cases. If it is not available in your case, we tell you in advance what rate applies. You can read more on the Costs page.

4. Submitting the documents

We prepare the written complaint (klaagschrift), notice of objection (bezwaarschrift) or notice of appeal (beroepschrift), supporting it with the relevant rules and rulings by the Council for the Administration of Criminal Justice and Protection of Juveniles (RSJ) that apply to your situation. Where necessary, we also submit a request for suspension (schorsingsverzoek), so that a decision with serious consequences can be put on hold temporarily.

5. The hearing

We attend your complaint hearing (beklagzitting) and speak on your behalf. We discuss what will be covered with you beforehand, so you know what to expect. Appeals before the Council for the Administration of Criminal Justice and Protection of Juveniles (RSJ) are often dealt with in writing; we keep you informed at every step in those cases too.

6. After the ruling

You receive the ruling with a plain-language explanation: what was decided, what it means in practice and what further steps are possible. If an appeal is worthwhile, we again keep track of the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

How do we stay in contact during detention?

We stay in contact by telephone, post and visits to the institution. Correspondence to and from your lawyer is privileged and, as a rule, its contents may not be checked.

Can my family arrange things for me?

Family members can contact us and pass on information. However, we need your own consent to handle your case.

Do you also handle urgent cases?

Yes. If you are currently in segregation, your leave has been withdrawn or you face an immediate transfer, a request for suspension (schorsingsverzoek) can be submitted at short notice.

This page draws on the expertise of Mr. S.P.C. (Stan) Broekmans, a specialist in detention law at Hameleers Antonides Advocaten. Do you have a question about your own situation? Please get in touch; an initial assessment is free.