Received a Penal Order (Public Prosecutor's Penal Order)? Accept or object?
Have you received a penalty order from the Public Prosecution Service? It often seems like a quick fix: pay up and move on. What many people don't know is that a penalty order—officially a Public Prosecution Service penalty order —can have major legal consequences.
Every day, people search for "receiving a penalty order, " "accepting or appealing a penalty order from the Public Prosecution Service ," and "penalty order criminal record." In this blog, we clearly explain what a penalty order is, what the consequences are, and when it is wise to appeal.
What is a penalty order (OM penalty order)?
A penalty order is a penalty imposed by the Public Prosecutor's Office without the intervention of a judge. That is why it is also referred to as a Public Prosecutor's Office penalty order.
The Public Prosecution Service may impose a penalty if it believes that:
the criminal offense can be proven,
and a judge is not necessary.
By accepting a penalty order, you agree to the penalty imposed.
What penalties can be included in a penalty order?
A penalty order may impose the following penalties or measures, among others:
a fine
community service
a driving disqualification
a compensatory measure
Just because you don't have to go to court doesn't mean the consequences are limited.
Will you receive a criminal record if you receive a penalty order?
In many cases: yes.
A penalty order will be included in your criminal record. This means that:
you could get a criminal record,
this may have consequences for a Certificate of Good Conduct application,
and for work, study, or travel.
Many people only realize this after the fact, when the penalty order has already been accepted.
Paying a penalty order = agreeing to the terms
Will you pay the fine or serve the sentence imposed? Then:
Do you accept the penalty order?
your right to defend yourself against this will lapse,
and the case is definitively closed.
That is why it is important not to pay automatically without legal advice.
When can you appeal against a penalty order?
You may appeal a penalty order within:
14 days after receipt.
If you file an objection in a timely manner, then:
the case will still be brought before the court,
the evidence is examined,
may result in acquittal or a reduced sentence.
Whether resistance is wise varies from case to case. This requires a substantive legal assessment.
Why seek legal advice first?
A penalty order often seems like an easy solution, but it can have major consequences in the long term. A specialized criminal lawyer can:
assess whether the penalty order is legally justified,
assess whether opposition is likely to succeed,
and help prevent a criminal record.
Just before you pay or agree, a lawyer can make all the difference.
Received a penalty notice? Don't make a hasty decision
After receiving a penalty notice, the deadline will pass quickly. Do not let it expire without knowing what the consequences are.
👉 Have you received a penalty order (OM penalty order) and would you like to know what is advisable in your situation? Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation. We will put you in direct contact with a specialized criminal defense attorney.