General criminal law

We are specialists in criminal law and have experience with all kinds of cases within general criminal law. That includes the so-called classic offences: violent offences, property offences and sexual offences, but also weapons and drug cases and traffic offences. General criminal law is broader than these examples, however. So do feel free to contact us about any kind of case.

You can come to us for the following matters, among others.

Property offences

Property offences are offences that affect another person’s property. They cover a wide range of conduct, such as theft, handling stolen goods, extortion and fraud. Someone who commits such an offence usually does so in order to gain financially.

The possible consequences depend on a number of factors. In property offences it is above all the scale of the financial loss that carries weight. The theft of an expensive car is therefore viewed more seriously than the theft of a bicycle. These offences are also sometimes accompanied by violence, as in a street robbery. In those cases a heavier sentence generally follows.

The circumstances in which the offence was committed count as well: whether there was a break-in, whether a home was involved, whether you acted alone or with others, and whether you have been convicted of similar offences before. In addition, an injured party often comes forward wanting to recover their loss from you. We assess whether that claim is properly substantiated and, where necessary, argue against it.

Drug offences

In drug cases you are suspected of breaching the Opium Act. That can range from importing drugs to a cannabis plantation in a house. The Act distinguishes between soft drugs and hard drugs. With soft drugs such as cannabis, the state assumes that the risks to public health are smaller than with hard drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy. That distinction can make a great difference to the sentence that follows. Where large quantities are involved, the response is often severe: you can be arrested and pre-trial detention can be applied.

Even where smaller quantities are involved, the Public Prosecution Service may decide to prosecute, for instance by issuing you with a punishment order. There too it is advisable to contact one of our lawyers before you accept such an order. It can have consequences for your criminal record and so, later on, for obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Weapons and ammunition offences

Dealing in weapons and ammunition, or for instance having a firearm in your possession, is a breach of the Weapons and Ammunition Act. That Act sets out various categories of weapon, and one category is punished more severely than another. Possession of imitation weapons is also governed by the Act and may be prohibited. Some weapons you are allowed to own, but you need a licence to do so; without a licence, possession is prohibited. Our lawyers have extensive experience in cases under the Weapons and Ammunition Act.

Homicide and violent offences

In homicide and violent offences, a person loses their life or violence is used. The best known examples are murder and manslaughter, but threats or criminal damage also fall within this category. If you are suspected of a serious violent offence, that has an enormous impact on everyone involved. As a suspect you face attention from all directions. Public interest in such a case is often considerable, and victims or surviving relatives may play a part in your criminal case as well. There is frequently a great deal at stake. For murder, for instance, you can receive a life sentence.

Our lawyers study your case file carefully. With our experience and our commitment we make sure the strategic approach is the right one. Which choices are the right ones in your case is something you discuss with us.

Sexual offences

Sexual offence cases concern offences such as rape or the possession of child pornography. These are sensitive subjects. It is therefore important to engage a lawyer with experience of the dynamics of this kind of criminal case. Our firm has that experience and is glad to represent you.

Sexual offence cases are often difficult in terms of evidence. Your account generally stands against that of the other person and the evidence consists mainly of witness statements. Our lawyers analyse those statements carefully and put to the court why there may be reason to doubt them.

How a statement came about can matter here: when was it first spoken about, with whom, and did the account change in the course of the investigation? Sometimes it is necessary to have the complainant or other witnesses questioned again before the investigating judge, or to have an expert examine the statements.

The consequences of a suspicion are far-reaching in sexual offence cases as well: before any court has ruled, your work, your family and the people around you may already have been affected. We take that into account in the way we approach your case.

Traffic offences

The Road Traffic Act and a number of other statutes set out the offences committed in traffic. A traffic incident arises in a fraction of a second, while its consequences can be severe. It may concern speeding, driving under the influence or causing an accident, whether or not with fatal consequences.

If you are suspected of such an offence, your driving licence may be seized. We can lodge a complaint with the district court on your behalf asking for the licence to be returned. Once the investigation has been completed, the public prosecutor may, depending on the seriousness of the case, issue you with a punishment order or send the case to court.

For some traffic offences the court can impose substantial sentences, particularly where you have caused an accident in which someone was injured. You may also be faced with a claim for compensation from the victim or from surviving relatives. Our lawyers have extensive experience in this field and guide you throughout the whole process.