Received a subpoena for the plural chamber?
What is a plural chamber hearing?
A multiple chamber hearing is a hearing in which three judges are present; they, unlike the police judge the larger and more complex cases. A multiple chamber hearing takes place for somewhat more serious crimes. A multiple chamber hearing also often takes place in appeal.
How does a plural chamber hearing proceed?
- The president of the court will conduct the hearing open by asking for the defendant's name, date and place of birth and current address information. After this, the chairman will indicate that you have the right to remain silent.
- Subsequently, the Prosecutor discuss what's on the indictment, this is a brief summary of the facts the accused is suspected of.
- Then the president of the court will speak again, who will Ask the defendant what happened and the court will have the opportunity to ask questions about it. The defendant's attorney and the prosecutor will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the defendant.
- If there is a aggrieved party will also discuss the injured party's claim. At that time, the injured party will also have the opportunity to make use of the right to speak, which means that the injured party may make clear what impact the events have made on him/her.
- The requisition involves the prosecutor speaking, in which the prosecutor will argue which facts can be declared proven and why. To conclude the indictment, the prosecutor will demand the punishment.
- Next, the defendant's attorney is given the floor; this will be the plea mentioned. The attorney will respond to the prosecutor's indictment and he will defend against it, on behalf of the defendant.
- The reply and rejoinder are an optional component. In fact, the prosecutor is given the opportunity to respond to the plea, this is the rejoinder. After this, the defendant's attorney is given the opportunity to respond to the reply, which is the rejoinder.
- As a final component, the defendant is given the last word, in this, for example, the defendant can put forward something new or respond to the prosecutor. The last word is not mandatory.
- The president of the court will close the hearing, after which in principle fourteen days after the hearing there will be another hearing at which the verdict will be pronounced. If you disagree with the judgment then you have fourteen days to appeal set.
What penalties at plural chamber hearing?
The plural chamber has the ability to impose higher sentences than, for example, the police judge, this is due to the fact that the plural chamber handles larger and more complex cases. You can think of murder cases, drug cases or vice cases.
The plural chamber may impose penalties such as community service, a fine, damages, a prison sentence (unconditional), a treatment measure (e.g. TBS Whether the ISD measure) or a combination of different punishments.
Lawyer plural chamber hearing needed?
It is very wise to contact an attorney if you have received a subpoena for a hearing before the plural chamber. A lawyer can request the file and can prepare a defense based on it. A lawyer can also advise you on whether or not it is convenient to appeal. Should you appeal, the lawyer can also assist you in this matter. Please read this link more about the lawyer's role in the criminal process.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in multi-chamber cases. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact our office. You can send an e-mail to info@klpadvocaten.nl or (during office hours) call 020-6731548. In case of emergency (you or someone you know may soon be arrested), please contact us at our emergency phone number 06-24428734.
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