Laws
Gebied
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 1 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 1 - Scope
The Criminal Code is abbreviated as WSvR. WSvR applies to all cases described herein. Dutch law also applies as supplementary law.
WSvR has effect only within the city, waters, and airspace of …
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Geldigheid
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 2 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 2 - Validity
If the law changes after the moment an offence was committed, the most favorable provision for the suspect shall be applied.
Within the Netherlands, minors are treated the same as adults. Th…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Straf bepalen
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 3 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 3 - Determining punishment
Punishments are determined per article. Categories include: warnings, fines, driving bans, seizures, community service and prison sentences.
A punishment can never exceed what …
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Criminal record
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 4 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 4 - Criminal record
If a person is convicted of an offence where a prison sentence and/or community service applies, a criminal record will be issued.
A criminal record expires in accordance with Article…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Limitation of criminal record
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 5 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 5 - Limitation of criminal record
A criminal record lapses by limitation.
For offences with a total sentence between 1 and 25 months, it expires 7 days after the record is issued.
For offenc…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Clarification and general additions
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 6 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 6 - Clarification and general additions
“Goods” can be understood as anything that can be exchanged between two persons.
Anything that can be found in an inventory.
Anything that can be foun…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Seizure
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 7 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 7 - Seizure
If an offence was committed with goods, or goods were obtained from an offence, they are seized.
The decision to seize is at the discretion of the Police or the Royal Marechaussee.
…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Outstanding fines
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 8 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 8 - Outstanding fines
If during a stop or arrest the total outstanding fines exceed € 10,000,-, payment is mandatory under this article.
If this occurs when reclaiming seized goods or vehicles, it may be…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Complicity and co-perpetration
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel 9 · Chapter: Algemene informatie
– Article 9 - Complicity and co-perpetration
As accomplices are punished: persons who intentionally assist in committing the offence.
As accomplices are punished: persons who intentionally provide opportunity, mea…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Theft (310 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-1 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-1 Theft (310 CC)
A person is guilty of theft when goods or a vehicle are taken without the owner’s permission.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Robbery / Theft with violence (311&312 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-2 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-2 Robbery / Theft with violence (311&312 CC)
A person is guilty when taking goods without permission and using violence in any form.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Extortion (317 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-3 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-3 Extortion (317 CC)
A person is guilty of extortion when demanding data or goods from an innocent person by coercion.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Blackmail (318 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-4 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-4 Blackmail (318 CC)
A person is guilty of blackmail when demanding data or goods by threat, defamation, or disclosure of a secret.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Embezzlement (321 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-5 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-5 Embezzlement (321 CC)
A person is guilty of embezzlement when intentionally appropriating money or goods belonging to another, obtained not through crime.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Receiving stolen goods (416 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-6 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-6 Receiving stolen goods (416 CC)
A person is guilty when reselling or claiming goods originating from a crime, or profiting from them.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Money laundering (420bis CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-7 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-7 Money laundering (420bis CC)
A person is guilty of money laundering when mixing, or attempting to mix, criminal money or goods with legal funds and/or goods.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Valid explanation of cash origin (321 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel I-8 · Chapter: Vermogensdelicten
– Article I-8 Valid explanation of cash origin (321 CC)
If, during an arrest, Police or Royal Marechaussee finds more than € 15,000,- in cash, a valid explanation of its origin is required.
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:10
Resistance / obstruction (180 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-1 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-1 Resistance / obstruction (180 CC)
A person is guilty when using violence or violently resisting an on-duty officer.
ConvictionPrisonCommunity serviceFine
First convictionx10 hours…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Hostage taking (282 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-2 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-2 Hostage taking (282 CC)
A person is guilty of hostage taking when depriving someone of their freedom.
If the victim is an on-duty officer, the sentence is increased by 25%.
For an attem…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Threats (285 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-3 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-3 Threats (285 CC)
A person is guilty of threats when expressing violent or criminal threats against persons or property.
If the victim is an on-duty officer, the sentence is increased by 25%.
…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Manslaughter (287 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-4 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-4 Manslaughter (287 CC)
A person is guilty of manslaughter when intentionally taking another person’s life.
If the victim is an on-duty officer, the sentence is increased by 25%.
For an a…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Murder (289 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-5 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-5 Murder (289 CC)
A person is guilty of murder when intentionally and with premeditation taking someone’s life.
If the victim is an on-duty officer, the sentence is increased by 25%.
For …
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Assault (simple) (300 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-6 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-6 Assault (simple) (300 CC)
A person is guilty of simple assault when intentionally and unlawfully harming another, causing at most minor physical or mental injury.
Assault equals intentional damage t…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Assault (serious) (302 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-7 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-7 Assault (serious) (302 CC)
A person is guilty of serious assault when intentionally and unlawfully harming another, causing serious physical or mental injury.
Assault equals intentional damage to he…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13
Vandalism / Destruction (350 CC)
Wetboek van Strafrecht
· Code: Artikel II-8 · Chapter: Geweldsdelicten
– Article II-8 Vandalism / Destruction (350 CC)
A person is guilty of vandalism when intentionally and unlawfully destroying, damaging, rendering unusable, or removing property belonging wholly or partly to another.
…
Updated:
18-01-2026 19:13