Summoned before the police court
You received a summons. What exactly does it say? The summons states the day, time and place of the hearing. You will also find the facts for which you are being summoned. Read the document in full and contact us. We can go through the summons with you and discuss which preparation suits your case file.
Save the entire document and include every date on it.
What do you do first with this summons?
This page is specifically about a summons to the police court. The first step is not to predict what the judge will decide, but to organize the summons and your traffic case file in a useful manner.
Do
- Put the meeting details in your agenda and save the notice with the attachments.
- Briefly write down what happened in traffic and what consequences you now fear.
- Check whether you have legal expenses insurance and have the insurance details ready.
Don’t
- Do not wait until all possible documents have been collected before reporting the hearing date.
- Don't assume that your insurer will automatically arrange everything.
- Do not adopt a position from another traffic case without having your own documents read.
These first steps are general information. What preparation is required in your case will only become apparent from the complete summons and the case file.
Have these ready
This is a preparation list, not a procedure manual and not advice about your case file.
- The complete summons and all attachments
- The day, time and place of the hearing
- The facts stated in the summons
- An official report or other letters about the same case
- A brief explanation of what you think happened
If a piece is missing, please state what you do have and, above all, keep the hearing details at hand.
Discuss what you already have
Your driver's license is important for your work. What do you say first?
After a traffic incident, a driver receives a summons for the police court. A driver's license is important at work. The driver also has a letter from the insurer, but does not know whether legal assistance was granted. For an initial discussion, the full summons, the hearing details, the letter from the insurance company and your own factual timeline are the most useful start.
This is an illustrative example. It does not describe a client or actual case file.
How do we view a summons to the police court?
Flamend & Partners first reads the entire summons and then brings together the stated facts, available documents and personal consequences. We discuss whether additional information is needed, what assistance is available and what practical preparation you need to make for the hearing. We cannot predict a fine, driving ban or other court decision in advance.
Who can assess your traffic case file?
Gauthier Baudts handles traffic case files within the team and works together with Carine Flamend. After the first contact and the conflict check, the office will confirm who will take your case file.
From Zaventem to a police court in Brussels or Flanders
The office is located in Zaventem and receives clients from Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. The police court that is handling your case is stated on the summons. The location of the office does not change the competent court.
General information, not advice about your case file
Flamend & Partners publishes this explanation to help you organize your first questions and documents. A careful assessment starts with your facts, documents and personal circumstances.
What always depends on your case
- The possible sanction depends on the case file and the court's assessment.
- We check deadlines based on the complete documents.
- Whether insurance will intervene must be checked separately.
Questions about your summons to the police court
The summons and your personal situation determine the answer. These general answers will help you prepare for the first meeting.
Do I have to come to the police court myself?
That depends on the summons, the facts and the way your defense is organised. Please read the entire summons before deciding that representation is sufficient.
Can my legal expenses insurance reimburse a lawyer?
That depends on your policy and the acceptance of the case file by the insurer. Provide the policy details or insurance letter so that this can be checked separately.
What if I need my driver's license for work?
Mention this immediately and explain specifically why. It is relevant personal context, but it does not predict what decision the court will make.
Is this page also intended for other summons?
No. This page is about a summons for the police court. For a broad initial check of any summons, read the insight I have been summoned. What now?
Your situation first deserves clarity.
Briefly explain what is going on. We carefully consider which next step is appropriate.