While some people deem the usage of cannabis as a youthful indiscretion, for others, it is a criminal offence that should be punished. German law clearly regulates, among other things, the production, trafficking and related activities concerning the drug. Nevertheless, cannabis is considered the most trafficked and consumed drug in Germany in the past [...]
On 1 July 2021, the "Act on the Further Development of the Code of Criminal Procedure and on the Amendment of Other Provisions" of 25 June 2021 came into force. Old regulations have been amended with this law, and new regulations have been introduced into the German Criminal Procedure Code (StPO). The changes are [...]
If a provisional arrest is made during a preliminary investigation, or even if an arrest warrant already exists, it is necessary to take the right steps. One way of escaping arrest or pre-trial detention is to provide bail. Bail is also known as a bail bond. Details are regulated in § 116a StPO (German [...]
Being able to maintain independent mobility as an EU citizen or third-country national in Germany plays a significant role not only for professional or tourist purposes, but also for general, personal reasons. The entire stay in Germany can often be ruined if the foreign driving licence is not recognised. Equally problematic is the imposition [...]
The Covid-19 coronavirus crisis has not only had an enormous impact on our health but has also driven many people into economic hardship. Coronavirus support funds have been put in place to provide uncomplicated and rapid assistance to those in need of them. While the subsidies were intended to help people out of their [...]
German criminal procedure is designed to allow the accused to comment on an accusation. This opportunity is initially provided in the context of a police interrogation. However, if this may initially appear to be suitable to exonerate oneself, statements by the accused often lead to the accused incriminating himself. Therefore, you should not directly follow [...]
The accusation of unlawful receipt of child benefit can result in criminal proceedings. This can come to a shock of many parents who aren't aware of this fact. Many are also not aware that should they or their children move abroad then they may lose their entitlement to child benefit. Not informing the "Familienkasse" (the [...]
From the end of April the Road Traffic Act in Germany will be amended leading to changes in traffic offences. These amendments will become law on April 28th 2020. For motorists in Germany it is crucial to be aware of this new piece of legislation as these traffic offences will have a big impact. This [...]
Registration for short-time work allowance (Kurzarbeit) is a German government initiative to avert the dismissal of employees in tense economic situations by temporarily reducing working hours. As a result, the loss of earnings is reimbursed by the Federal Employment Agency with the short-time working allowance. Please see our article on COVID-19 Coronavirus: Economic Measures in [...]
The COVID-19 crisis grows more serious by the day. Many people in Germany have had to self-isolate and quarantine themselves due to fear that they will share the virus. Breaking quarantine can have a serious effect as we will see in this article. The need to quarantine may be because a person has returned [...]