Aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights, freedom, and future.
When you're facing criminal charges, the stakes couldn't be higher. Your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. At De Vries Legal Group, our criminal defense team provides strategic, aggressive representation to protect your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process.
From minor offenses to serious felonies, we approach each case with meticulous attention to detail, challenging evidence, questioning procedures, and building the strongest possible defense. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and a deep understanding of the Dutch criminal justice system.
Criminal matters don't always happen during business hours. Our criminal defense team is available 24/7 for emergency consultations and police station representation.
Successful Case Outcomes
Criminal Cases Defended
Years of Experience
Successful Outcomes
Emergency Defense
Comprehensive legal defense for all types of criminal charges.
Strategic defense against serious violent crime charges, with a focus on challenging evidence and exploring all possible defenses.
Experienced representation for drug-related charges, focusing on search and seizure issues and proportionate sentencing.
Sophisticated defense strategies for complex financial and business-related criminal charges.
Discreet, thorough defense for those accused of sexual offenses, with careful attention to evidence and procedural rights.
Effective defense against property crime charges, with emphasis on restitution and alternative sentencing when appropriate.
Dedicated defense for driving-related offenses, challenging evidence collection procedures and breathalyzer accuracy.
Specialized representation for cross-border criminal matters, extradition proceedings, and international arrest warrants.
Assistance with clearing or sealing criminal records to help clients move forward with their lives without the burden of past mistakes.
How we build strong defenses to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
We conduct comprehensive investigations, examining every detail of your case. This includes reviewing police reports, analyzing evidence collection procedures, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts when necessary.
We scrutinize every aspect of your case for potential rights violations, including improper searches and seizures, coerced confessions, Miranda rights violations, and other procedural errors that could lead to evidence suppression.
We develop customized defense strategies based on the specific facts of your case, the prosecutor's approach, and the judge assigned to your case. This may include negotiation, motion practice, or preparing for trial.
We work with top forensic experts to challenge prosecution evidence, including DNA analysis, fingerprints, ballistics, digital evidence, and other scientific evidence that may be presented against you.
When appropriate, we negotiate with prosecutors to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or case dismissals. Our reputation and relationships within the legal community strengthen our negotiating position.
When your case goes to trial, we provide powerful courtroom representation, challenging the prosecution's case, cross-examining witnesses effectively, and presenting compelling arguments to judges and juries.
Understanding the criminal justice system in the Netherlands.
The process begins with a police investigation. If you're arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. We can represent you from this critical early stage, protecting your rights during questioning.
Police can hold you for questioning for up to 6 hours (or 9 hours for certain offenses). The prosecutor may then request pre-trial detention. We challenge unnecessary detention and work to secure your release when possible.
During this phase, the prosecutor builds their case while we conduct our own investigation, review evidence, file motions, and negotiate with prosecutors. This is a crucial time for building your defense strategy.
Dutch criminal trials are primarily conducted through written submissions, with shorter court hearings than in some other countries. The judge takes an active role in questioning. We present your defense through compelling written and oral arguments.
The judge delivers the verdict and, if convicted, determines the sentence. Dutch law emphasizes rehabilitation alongside punishment, offering various sentencing alternatives that we can advocate for when appropriate.
If you're convicted, you have the right to appeal. We can represent you through the appeals process, challenging legal errors, procedural issues, or new evidence that may affect your case.
Having an attorney from the earliest stages of a criminal case can significantly impact the outcome. Early intervention allows us to protect your rights during questioning, preserve evidence, and begin building your defense immediately.
24/7 Emergency Defense: Call our criminal defense hotline immediately if you're arrested or under investigation.
How our criminal defense strategies have made a difference for our clients.
Evidence Suppression
Successfully argued for the suppression of evidence in a major drug trafficking case due to an illegal search and seizure. All charges against our client were dismissed after we demonstrated that police conducted the search without proper authorization.
Self-Defense Claim
Secured a full acquittal for a client charged with assault after presenting compelling evidence of self-defense. Through witness testimony and surveillance footage analysis, we demonstrated that our client acted only to protect himself from imminent harm.
Alternative Sentencing
Negotiated a significant reduction in charges for a client facing serious fraud allegations. Through careful case preparation and effective negotiation, we secured a plea to a lesser offense with no prison time, allowing our client to maintain employment.
Meet the experienced attorneys who will fight for your rights and freedom.
Head of Criminal Defense
Former prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience. Pieter specializes in serious felony defense and has successfully handled numerous high-profile cases. Known for his strategic approach and commanding courtroom presence.
Drug Offense Specialist
Sophia focuses on drug-related offenses and has extensive experience challenging evidence collection procedures. She has secured numerous dismissals and charge reductions through her meticulous approach to case preparation.
White Collar Crime Expert
With a background in finance and law, Thomas specializes in defending clients against fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crime charges. His understanding of complex financial matters provides a significant advantage in these cases.
Hear from those we've helped through difficult legal challenges.
"When I was facing serious drug charges that threatened my future, Pieter and his team were my lifeline. They meticulously examined every detail of my case, found critical flaws in the evidence collection process, and ultimately got the charges dismissed. Their knowledge of the law and dedication to my case was truly exceptional."
Drug Offense Client
"As a business professional facing fraud allegations, I was terrified about the potential impact on my career and reputation. Thomas provided not just legal expertise but also emotional support through the entire process. His understanding of financial matters was crucial in explaining the complexities of my case to the prosecutor, resulting in a favorable resolution."
White Collar Defense Client
Get answers to common questions about criminal defense in the Netherlands.
If you're arrested in the Netherlands, you should: 1) Exercise your right to remain silent - you're not obligated to answer questions beyond providing your name and address; 2) Request an attorney immediately - you have the right to legal representation before questioning begins; 3) Do not sign any documents or make any statements without your attorney present; 4) If you're a foreign national, request that your embassy or consulate be notified. Our 24/7 emergency defense line can provide immediate assistance and representation at the police station.
The Dutch criminal justice system has several distinctive features: 1) It's an inquisitorial rather than adversarial system, with judges taking an active role in questioning and fact-finding; 2) There are no jury trials - cases are decided by professional judges; 3) There's a strong emphasis on rehabilitation alongside punishment; 4) Pre-trial detention is used more selectively than in some countries; 5) Prosecutors have significant discretion (the "opportunity principle") to decide whether to prosecute; 6) Court proceedings rely heavily on written submissions with shorter hearings; 7) Sentences tend to be more moderate compared to countries like the United States, with greater use of alternative sanctions.
A criminal conviction in the Netherlands can result in various consequences: 1) Imprisonment - from short-term detention to life sentences for the most serious offenses; 2) Fines - often calculated based on the severity of the offense and your financial situation; 3) Community service - a common alternative to short prison sentences; 4) Probation with conditions; 5) Criminal record - which can affect employment opportunities, housing, and travel; 6) For non-citizens, potential immigration consequences including deportation; 7) Professional licensing issues; 8) Restitution to victims; 9) Confiscation of property connected to the crime. The specific consequences depend on the nature of the offense, your criminal history, personal circumstances, and other factors.
The duration of criminal proceedings in the Netherlands varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the type of offense, and court schedules. Minor offenses (overtredingen) may be resolved within a few months, while more serious crimes (misdrijven) typically take 6-12 months from arrest to verdict. Complex cases involving financial crimes, multiple defendants, or international elements can take several years. If pre-trial detention is ordered, the case generally moves more quickly, with statutory time limits for bringing the case to trial. Appeals can add another 6-18 months to the process. Throughout this time, we work to ensure your case progresses as efficiently as possible while still building the strongest defense.
In the Netherlands, criminal records are not technically "expunged" but rather have limited visibility over time. Records are maintained in the Judicial Documentation System (Justitiële Documentatie), but access to this information becomes more restricted as time passes. For most offenses, after 20-30 years, the conviction will no longer appear on most background checks. For minor offenses, this period is shorter. However, certain serious offenses may remain visible longer. For specific purposes like working with children, even older convictions may be disclosed. While complete expungement isn't available, we can help you request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) despite past convictions by demonstrating rehabilitation and explaining the context of the offense. We can also assist with pardon applications in appropriate cases.
Don't face the criminal justice system alone. Our experienced defense attorneys are ready to protect your rights, freedom, and future.
24/7 Criminal Defense Hotline
+31 68 605 164324/7 emergency defense services
Track record of successful defenses
Customized defense strategies