If the police and judicial authorities state that your child has committed a criminal offense, the case can be settled in various ways. The most common are a settlement through the HALT agency (if it is the first time, a (conditional) dismissal, a sentence and a subpoena to appear before the juvenile court judge). The way in which the case will be settled depends on a number of factors. The most important factor is the available evidence, but also previous judicial infringements, your child’s personality, and possible damage and victims.
It is important that you do not stand alone during this process but have the help of a specialized juvenile lawyer. This is especially important as the settlement and punishment will be placed on your child’s judicial documentation and may have repercussions for the VOG (statement of conduct), future education, job or obtaining a visa.