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Juvenile law in Denmark focuses on protecting children and young people while responding proportionately to unlawful behavior. In Kalundborg, cases involving children and youths are handled within the national legal framework and delivered locally by the municipality, the police, the courts, and social services. Children under 15 are not criminally responsible and matters are addressed through child protection rules. Youths aged 15 to 17 can be charged in the ordinary courts, but the system emphasizes education, support, and rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.
Kalundborg Municipality plays a central role in prevention and early intervention through its schools, social services, and SSP collaboration, which is a structured partnership between schools, social services, and police. When offenses occur, the police and prosecution service handle the criminal case, while social authorities assess support needs. Specialized measures like the Youth Crime Board and the Children’s House model are available to protect the child’s rights and welfare at every stage.
If your child is suspected of an offense or has been charged, a lawyer can protect their rights, explain the process, and engage with the police and prosecution on their behalf. A lawyer can request or challenge pre-trial measures, negotiate outcomes, and develop a plan that prioritizes education, treatment, and family stability.
Legal help is also valuable if your family is dealing with social services involvement, including municipal assessments, safety plans, or proposed placements outside the home. A lawyer can advise you before meetings, help you prepare documents, and represent you before municipal committees and appeal bodies.
Parents and guardians often seek legal advice when their child is questioned by police, when school or social workers have made a mandatory report to the municipality, or when youth sanctions, community service, or secure placement may be on the table. Early legal guidance can prevent misunderstandings, ensure that statements are given lawfully, and reduce long-term consequences for education and employment.
Age of criminal responsibility: In Denmark the minimum age is 15. Children under 15 cannot be prosecuted. Concerns about harmful behavior by children under 15 are addressed under the Social Services Act through assessments and support measures by the municipality.
Youth offenders aged 15 to 17: Cases go to the ordinary district court for the area. For Kalundborg, criminal cases are heard at the district court that serves the municipality. Prosecutors may seek youth-appropriate sanctions such as conditional sentences with supervision, community service, or a youth sanction focused on treatment and structure.
Youth sanction framework: The Penal Code allows a structured youth sanction that typically runs for up to two years and can be extended by the court in special situations. It is delivered in phases, often starting with a period in a secure setting followed by residential placement or intensive support and a period of close supervision. The aim is to reduce reoffending and stabilize school or work participation.
Pre-trial detention and alternatives: For persons under 18, the system prefers alternatives to jail. Courts can order placement in a secure social institution instead of a remand prison when appropriate. Strict legal criteria apply and a defense lawyer can challenge any deprivation of liberty.
Police interviews and safeguards: When the police question a child or young person, there are special protections. The guardian and a lawyer are notified and the interview must be conducted in an age-appropriate manner. In sensitive cases, especially sexual offenses, interviews are often video recorded in a child-friendly setting to avoid repeated questioning.
Youth Crime Board: Denmark has a Youth Crime Board that can direct early, targeted measures for children and young people aged 10 to 17 who show serious or repeated offending behavior. The board coordinates with the municipality to set binding action plans. This is preventive and can apply even when the child is below the age of criminal responsibility.
Municipal child protection and mandatory reporting: Professionals such as teachers and health personnel must report concerns about a child’s safety to the municipality. Kalundborg’s Children and Family services assess the need for support. In serious cases the municipal Children and Young Persons Committee can decide on compulsory measures, with a right of appeal to the national Appeals Board.
Courts and police in the area: Kalundborg falls under the local district court jurisdiction and is policed by the regional police district serving Mid and West Zealand. These bodies handle charging decisions, court hearings, and enforcement of court orders.
Privacy and media: Danish rules limit publication of identifying information about suspects and convicted persons, especially when they are under 18. This protects the young person’s reintegration and safety.
Legal aid and appointed counsel: In juvenile criminal cases a defense lawyer is typically appointed and paid by the state if the charge is serious or if the young person is detained. In civil child protection matters, parents and sometimes children can receive free legal assistance or representation depending on the stage and type of decision.
Children under 15 are not prosecuted. The municipality will assess the situation under the Social Services Act and may offer voluntary support or propose measures to protect the child’s development. In serious cases, the municipal committee can decide on compulsory measures. You have rights to be heard and to appeal.
Yes, in most criminal cases involving youths a defense lawyer is appointed and paid by the state, especially if the offense is not minor or if detention is sought. You can also choose a specific lawyer if the court approves the appointment.
The police must safeguard the child’s rights and notify the guardian and the defense lawyer. Interviews are conducted with special care. In many cases a guardian or another suitable adult will be present and the interview may be video recorded, especially in sensitive cases.
A youth sanction is a structured program ordered by the court for serious youth offending. It focuses on control, treatment, schooling, and supervision. It often starts with a secure phase and continues with residential or community-based support, usually lasting up to two years, with possible extension in special cases.
Some youth convictions appear on the criminal record depending on the offense and the type of certificate. Retention periods vary. A lawyer can explain which record types apply and how long entries remain.
The Youth Crime Board can order early interventions for 10 to 17 year olds with serious or repeated offending behavior. It sets binding action plans with the municipality. This is preventive and can apply even if the child is under the age of criminal responsibility.
Pre-trial detention for under 18s is restricted and courts prefer alternatives. Many youths are placed in secure social institutions rather than remand prisons if detention is necessary. A defense lawyer can challenge detention and its length.
Professionals must report serious concerns. The municipality will assess and may offer support. You have the right to be heard and to legal advice. If compulsory measures are proposed, the case can go to the municipal committee and later be appealed to the national Appeals Board.
Youth criminal cases from Kalundborg are handled by the local district court serving the municipality. Hearings are adapted to the age of the young person and scheduled with consideration of schooling and well-being.
A lawyer can prepare your child for police contact, attend interviews, present mitigating information to the police or prosecutor, seek diversion to social measures, and help set up education or treatment plans that can influence charging and sentencing decisions.
Kalundborg Municipality Children and Family services - handles assessments, support plans, and child protection decisions for local families.
SSP Kalundborg - local school-social services-police collaboration focused on prevention, guidance, and early intervention for youth.
Regional police district serving Mid and West Zealand - investigates offenses and works with the municipality on youth cases.
Local district court for Kalundborg area - hears youth criminal cases and child protection related court matters.
National Appeals Board - reviews appeals against certain municipal child protection decisions.
Children’s House in Region Zealand - child-friendly setting for interviews and coordinated services for children in serious cases.
Agency of Family Law and the Family Court - handles parental responsibility and contact disputes that can intersect with youth welfare concerns.
Victim Support Denmark - confidential support for victims and families affected by crime, including youths.
National Council for Children - independent body that promotes children’s rights and welfare in Denmark.
Local legal aid services and lawyer duty schemes - offer initial free advice and referrals to specialized juvenile or criminal defense lawyers.
Stay calm and gather information. Write down dates, names, and what was said by police, school, or social workers. Keep copies of letters, emails, and any plans or assessments.
Contact a lawyer with juvenile and criminal law experience in the Kalundborg area. If the police have contacted your child, ask the court to appoint a defense lawyer or request a specific lawyer to be appointed.
Do not let your child give a detailed statement before speaking with a lawyer unless there is an urgent safety issue. You and your child should attend any police interview with the lawyer and, where appropriate, a suitable adult or guardian.
Engage constructively with the municipality. If social services request a meeting, take your lawyer’s advice, attend on time, and bring relevant documents. Ask for written copies of any assessments or plans.
If detention or a strict measure is proposed, ask your lawyer to challenge it when appropriate and to suggest alternatives, such as enhanced supervision, schooling plans, or treatment.
Focus on education, routines, and support. Courts and authorities look favorably on concrete steps like school attendance, apprenticeships, counseling, and stable daily structure. Your lawyer can help coordinate this with the municipality.
If a decision is made that you disagree with, discuss appeal options and deadlines with your lawyer. Many child protection and youth justice decisions have short time limits for objections or appeals.
Seek support for the whole family. Practical and emotional support from local services can reduce stress and improve outcomes for the child.
For urgent safety concerns outside office hours, contact the police or the municipal emergency social service for immediate assistance.
Early, informed action with professional guidance is the best way to protect your child’s rights and future in the juvenile law system in Kalundborg.
