Community service is a form of penalty whereby the convicted person performs unpaid work for the benefit of society. It serves as an alternative to a prison sentence for less serious offences.
Definition of Community Service
Community service consists of performing unpaid labour for the public interest. This penalty is generally carried out outside working hours or in free time.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 240 hours |
| Execution period | Often within 1 year |
| Type of work | Unpaid and socially relevant |
| Supervision | [Probation Service Leiden](https://rechtshulpdenhaag.nl/encyclopedie/reclasseringsrapport) |
Forms of Community Service
There are two main forms of community service that can be imposed.
Work Penalty
Here, the convicted person performs unpaid labour at an organisation or institution in the Leiden region.
- Maintenance of green spaces
- Working in second-hand shops
- Assisting in care institutions
- Support for municipal tasks
Educational Penalty
This penalty involves following an educational programme or course.
- Training in aggression management
- Programmes for lifestyle change
- Courses on road safety
- Information on substance abuse
When Is Community Service Imposed?
Community service is applied in specific offences and situations.
Suitable Situations
- First offence (first offender)
- Less serious crimes
- Personal circumstances call for a lighter penalty
- The suspect shows motivation
Limitations on Community Service
According to Article 22b of the Criminal Code, community service is not possible for certain crimes:
- Serious violent or sexual offences
- Crimes with a maximum penalty of 6 years or higher
- Unless combined with a prison sentence
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If the community service is not or insufficiently carried out, substitute detention may follow.
Substitute Detention
- 2 hours community service = 1 day detention
- Maximum: 4 months
- Determined by the judge in the judgment
Combining with Other Sanctions
Community service can be imposed together with other penalties.
Possible Combinations
- Community service with conditional prison sentence
- Community service alongside a fine
- Community service with driving disqualification
Advantages of Community Service
- No incarceration necessary
- Retention of job and social contacts
- The convicted person contributes to society
- Lower chance of recidivism than with short-term detention
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Service in Leiden
How is it decided whether I get community service?
The judge in Leiden determines whether community service is appropriate, taking into account the nature of the offence, your situation and motivation. For minor offences or a first misstep, the chance is greater. Serious crimes often exclude community service, unless combined with a prison sentence.
What work do I have to do for community service?
For a work penalty, you do socially useful work, such as green maintenance or helping in a care institution in the Leiden region. For an educational penalty, you follow a course, for example on behavioural change. The probation service arranges a suitable placement.
Can I refuse community service?
A community service imposed by the judge cannot simply be refused. Non-execution leads to substitute detention: 2 hours community service equals 1 day in prison. Objection can be made through legal proceedings.
Where can I get help in Leiden?
For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases regarding community service.