VOG Refused? This is what you can do and these are your chances.
Have you received a letter stating that your Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) has been refused? This can have major consequences for your work, studies, or internship. Many people think that a refusal is final, but that is not always the case.
Every day, people search for "VOG refused, " "VOG appeal, " and "didn't get a VOG, what now?" In this blog, we explain clearly and practically why a VOG is refused and what you can do about it.
What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is a statement showing that your criminal record does not constitute an obstacle to a specific job or activity. Employers, educational institutions, and authorities often request this certificate.
In its assessment, Justis considers:
your legal documentation,
the type of function,
and the risk to society.
Why would a Certificate of Good Conduct be denied?
A Certificate of Good Conduct may be refused if:
you have a criminal record,
a relevant criminal offense has been recorded,
the fact fits within the screening profile of the position.
Important:
Not every criminal offense automatically leads to a refusal. The context and the time that has elapsed play a major role.
VOG refused due to a criminal conviction?
Many people are shocked when it turns out that:
a penalty order,
or a public prosecutor's penalty order,
has led to a refusal of the Certificate of Good Conduct. People were often unaware of these consequences when accepting the punishment.
Can you appeal against a refusal of a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)?
Yes. If your Certificate of Good Conduct application is denied, you can:
file an objection within 6 weeks.
In your objection, you may argue, among other things:
that the criminal offense is not relevant to the position,
that there has been a lapse of time,
that you are disproportionately affected (e.g., loss of work).
A well-founded objection significantly increases the likelihood of approval.
What are the chances that an objection will be successful?
The chances of success depend on:
the nature of the offense,
how long ago this is,
your personal circumstances,
and the importance of the position.
In practice, we see that objections are often successful, provided they are legally well-founded.
Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
A VOG procedure is legally complex and directly affects your future. A criminal defense attorney can:
analyze your legal documentation,
substantiate the objection legally,
and assess whether further steps are appropriate.
Customization is crucial, especially in VOG cases.
VOG denied? Act quickly
Don't ignore a rejection. The deadline for filing an objection is strict, and without action, the decision will become final.
👉 Has your Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) been refused and would you like to know what your options are? Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation. We will put you in direct contact with a specialized criminal defense attorney.