Article 255 Dutch Criminal Code

Artikel 255 Wetboek van Strafrecht (Sr) – unofficial English translation

Book Two · Title XV. Abandonment of persons in need of care

Any person who intentionally places or leaves in a helpless state a person whom he is obliged under the law or an agreement to maintain, nurse or care for is liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine of the fourth category.

Unofficial translation. This English text is an unofficial translation provided for information only. Only the Dutch text is legally authentic: Artikel 255 Wetboek van Strafrecht. Checked against the Dutch text in force on 12 October 2026.

Dutch case law

118 Dutch court rulings cite this article. View the rulings (in Dutch)