Minors can now be fined rather than appear in court

Brussels-City council has amended the legislation around its administrative sanctions, known as SAC fines. Minors aged 16 and 17 can now be given one of the fines in lieu of appearing in court.

SAC fines are legislated at the local level and so are not the same in every municipality. In Brussels-City, anyone under 18 had to appear in juvenile court rather than be given a fine.

That is no longer the case for certain offences, including: noise nuisance, minor assault, covering up one’s face, vandalism (except of security cameras and vehicles) and verbal abuse.

The change was made in response to a request from the public prosecutor in order to free up the courts for more serious offences. The prosecutor has made the request of all of Brussels’ 19 municipalities.

Photo ©Paul-Henri Verlooy/BELGA