Snelrecht

Expedited proceedings constitute a special procedure in Dutch criminal law designed to dispose of straightforward criminal cases swiftly and efficiently. They are applied primarily to offences such as shoplifting, public-order disturbances or minor acts of violence. The accused is ordinarily brought before the police judge within three to six days of arrest.

The procedure is of particular relevance because it shortens the duration of criminal proceedings and alleviates the burden on the ordinary criminal justice system. At the same time, it affords accused persons earlier certainty as to the outcome of their case and may exert a preventive effect through its rapid resolution.

In practice, expedited proceedings are frequently employed in larger municipalities to address street crime effectively and to relieve the workload of the Public Prosecution Service and the judiciary.