Arrest and interrogation in Belgium: your rights as a suspect
When you are arrested or summoned for questioning by the police, it is essential that you know your rights. In Belgium, every suspect has the right to the assistance of a lawyer from the first interrogation.
The right to the assistance of a lawyer (Salduz Act)
The Salduz Act guarantees every suspect the right to a confidential interview with a lawyer prior to the initial interrogation. You also have the right to request the presence of your lawyer during the interrogation. This right applies during both voluntary interrogation and arrest.
Rights at arrest
Upon arrest, you will be informed immediately of the reasons for the arrest. You have the right to remain silent - you are not required to make statements that may incriminate you. You have the right to notify a family member or trusted person of your arrest.
Aanhouding langer dan 48 uur
Sinds de grondwetsherziening van 2017 bedraagt de maximale duur van een vrijheidsberoving zonder rechterlijk bevel 48 uur (artikel 12 van de Grondwet). Daarna kan u enkel langer worden vastgehouden mits een aanhoudingsbevel van de onderzoeksrechter. Dit bevel kan slechts worden uitgevaardigd bij ernstige aanwijzingen van schuld en indien u een gevaar vormt voor de openbare orde of als er vluchtgevaar is.
Arrested or summoned for questioning? Contact Novex Advocaten immediately for legal assistance.