Your rights when arrested
When arrested you have fundamental rights under Dutch law and the ECHR:
- Right to remain silent — don't answer questions (except name, address, date of birth)
- Right to a lawyer — before and during interrogation
- Right to information — reason for arrest, your rights, maximum detention time
- Right to an interpreter if you don't speak Dutch
How long can police hold you?
- Investigation: max 9 hours
- Police custody: max 3+3 days
- Court detention: max 14 days
- Extended detention: max 90 days
What to do and not do
Do: stay calm, use your right to silence, ask for a lawyer. Don't: make statements without a lawyer, resist arrest, consent to searches without legal advice.
Contact Arslan & Arslan Advocaten at 070 4500 300 — available 24/7.