Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in Delft

About Juvenile Law Law in Delft, Netherlands

Juvenile law in Delft covers legal matters affecting children and young people and their families. It includes two main branches - juvenile criminal law, which governs offences committed by minors, and youth care and family law, which covers protection, supervision, placement and parental responsibility. Cases are handled by local authorities, specialised youth services and the juvenile sections of the courts. Municipalities, national bodies such as the Child Protection Board and the Public Prosecution Service, and youth-care providers all play roles in how a case proceeds.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- If a child is suspected of committing a crime and police or the Public Prosecution Service are involved, a lawyer helps protect the childâs procedural rights and advises during questioning and court proceedings.

- If the Child Protection Board conducts an investigation and recommends measures - for example supervision, mandatory care or removal from the home - a lawyer can challenge or negotiate those measures and represent parents or guardians in court.

- In custody, parental responsibility or international relocation disputes, legal advice is important to protect the childâs best interests and parental rights.

- For administrative decisions about access to municipal youth care, placement, or contested care plans, a lawyer can help with appeals and ensuring correct procedures are followed.

- If a minor faces detention, psychiatric orders or compulsory treatment, a specialist lawyer ensures procedural safeguards are respected and explores alternatives.

Local Laws Overview

- Age and jurisdiction: Dutch juvenile criminal law primarily applies to persons under 18. The age of criminal responsibility in the Netherlands starts at 12. There are also special arrangements for young adults in some cases where the prosecutor may request juvenile measures for offenders aged 18 to 23.

- Jeugdwet - Youth Care Act: Since 2015 municipalities are responsible for arranging most youth care services - prevention, parenting support, ambulatory support, and placements. The law emphasises early help, family preservation and proportionality of interventions.

- Child protection and family law: The Raad voor de Kinderbescherming - Child Protection Board - investigates suspected risks to a child and gives advice to the juvenile court about measures such as supervision orders or placement outside the home. The court that decides is the juvenile section of the district court where the child lives.

- Jeugdstrafrecht - Juvenile criminal law: For minors who commit offences, the juvenile judge can impose specific sanctions and measures focusing on education and reintegration - for example community service, juvenile training orders or placement in a youth institution. The emphasis is often on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

- Parental authority and custody: Dutch civil law sets out parental authority rules, custody arrangements after separation and the conditions under which parental authority can be limited or withdrawn by the court for the welfare of the child.

- Confidentiality and data protection: Professionals and institutions must respect privacy rules when sharing information about a child, while also following legal obligations to report serious concerns to the relevant authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age of criminal responsibility in the Netherlands?

The age of criminal responsibility starts at 12 years. Children under 12 are not criminally responsible. Young people aged 12 to 17 are dealt with under the juvenile criminal system, which focuses on education and rehabilitation.

What should I do if my child is stopped by the police?

Stay calm and ask for clear information about the reason for the stop or arrest. Minors have the right to consult a lawyer and parents or guardians are normally involved. Request that a lawyer be present during questioning. Do not sign anything without understanding it and without legal advice.

Can the municipality place my child outside the home?

Yes - when there are serious concerns about a childâs safety, the Child Protection Board may advise the court to impose protective measures including placement outside the home. The court must consider the childâs best interests and placement is viewed as a last resort. You have the right to legal representation and to appeal decisions.

How do prosecutions of minors differ from adult prosecutions?

Proceedings for minors are typically more private and focused on rehabilitation. Sentences emphasise training, supervision and care rather than punishment. Juvenile courts can order educational or placement measures instead of or in addition to penalties.

Can parental authority be suspended or removed?

Yes. If a parent seriously endangers the childâs welfare, the court can impose measures including temporary suspension or termination of parental authority. Such steps are significant and require judicial findings; parents have rights to be heard and to legal representation.

What is the role of the Raad voor de Kinderbescherming - Child Protection Board?

The Child Protection Board investigates reports of risk to a child, conducts family assessments and advises the juvenile court on protective measures. It does not itself make court orders but plays an influential role in the decision-making process.

Can a minor be detained and for how long?

Minors can be detained in specific circumstances, for example during police investigation, for short-term custody measures, or following a court order imposing placement in a juvenile institution. Detention of minors is strictly regulated and should only occur when necessary. A lawyer can challenge unlawful or disproportionate detention.

Is legal aid available for juvenile cases in Delft?

Yes. Subsidised legal aid may be available depending on income, assets and the legal matter. Family and juvenile matters often qualify for partial or full legal aid. Contact the Legal Aid Board to check eligibility and apply. A local lawyer can also advise about the procedure for legal aid.

How long do juvenile court proceedings usually take?

Times vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, whether evidence must be gathered, and the type of intervention sought. Simple matters can be resolved quickly, while investigations and contested protection cases may take longer. Prompt legal advice can help manage timeframes and expectations.

Can an 18 to 23 year old be tried under juvenile law?

In certain cases the prosecutor may request that a young adult aged 18 to 23 be punished under juvenile measures rather than adult criminal law. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on the nature of the offence, the offenderâs maturity and the goals of rehabilitation.

Additional Resources

- Municipality of Delft - youth and family services and the local Centre for Youth and Family support for immediate non-legal assistance.

- Raad voor de Kinderbescherming - for information on investigations and protective measures.

- Public Prosecution Service - handles juvenile prosecutions and diversion options.

- Jeugdreclassering - youth probation services that design supervision and reintegration plans.

- District court - juvenile section - for information on where hearings take place and court practice in the region.

- Legal Aid Board - for checking eligibility for subsidised legal assistance.

- Local youth mental health and social care providers - for therapeutic support, family counselling and crisis assistance.

Next Steps

- Stay safe - if a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services and municipal crisis services without delay.

- Gather documents - collect school reports, medical records, police reports, official letters and any communications relevant to the case.

- Seek specialised legal advice - find an advocate experienced in juvenile law or family law. Ask about their experience with youth-care cases and juvenile criminal matters.

- Check legal aid - if finances are a concern, apply for subsidised legal assistance through the Legal Aid Board and mention the urgency of youth matters.

- Cooperate with professionals - engage with municipal youth services, social workers and the Child Protection Board while also protecting your legal rights through counsel.

- Keep clear records - note dates, conversations and actions taken by authorities. This helps your lawyer prepare an effective response.

If you are unsure where to start, contact the municipalityâs youth department or a local lawyer with a juvenile law focus for an initial consultation and guidance tailored to your situation.