What is the WOTS procedure?
The Transfer of Enforcement of Criminal Sentences Act (WOTS) is a Dutch law that provides the legal basis for international cooperation in the transfer of criminal sentences. This law makes it possible for a person sentenced to prison abroad to serve that sentence in the Netherlands, and vice versa. The WOTS plays an important role in promoting international cooperation in criminal justice and ensuring legal certainty for convicted persons. The WOTS is different from the WETS.
The procedure for transferring a criminal judgment under the WOTS begins with a request from a foreign state or from the convicted person himself. The request is reviewed by the Ministry of Justice and Security, which decides whether to consider the request. The case is then submitted to the court, which assesses whether the transfer meets the legal criteria.
The court decides whether the sentence can be executed in the Netherlands and whether adjustments are needed. If the transfer is approved, the Netherlands takes over responsibility for carrying out the sentence. The convicted person is then transferred to a Dutch prison or undergoes the sentence in another way, depending on the nature of the conviction.
Need an attorney WOTS?
Do you have questions or would you like to seek legal help immediately? If so, please contact our office. You can email us at info@klpadvocaten.nl or contact us by phone during business hours at 020-6731548. For urgent matters, such as an upcoming arrest, please reach us at our emergency number 06-24428734.
Would you like to read more about the surrender procedure or extradition procedure?
