German Criminal Defence Lawyers

As a full-service law firm, we offer individuals comprehensive advice and representation in criminal law. Our services cover the entire range of criminal law: whether your case is directly related to your person or your assets, or whether it concerns aspects of cybercrime, technology, driving offences or drug possession and related matters – our lawyers will support you with their expertise and many years of experience as criminal defence lawyers.

If a preliminary investigation is already pending against you and you are threatened with pre-trial detention or if you fear a search of your private or business premises, please do not hesitate to contact us. For victims of a crime as well as for accused persons it is of crucial importance to react to the given situation immediately, but also with caution – especially with regard to the preservation of evidence. Our lawyers are ready if you want to challenge an existing court decision: we have many years of negotiating experience in both instance and appeal proceedings in order to achieve the best possible result for you.

Arson is generally defined as the intentional or malicious setting of property on fire. As this offence involves a number of complex offences and varying degrees of liability, it is crucial to consult an experienced criminal lawyer in the event of an allegation. This is all the more urgently recommended as arson cases are usually very high-profile, and unfounded suspicions can result in irreparable reputational damage.

Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte supports you in cases of suspected offences, such as

• Attempted arson,
• Aggravated arson,
• Death by arson,
• Negligence in connection with arson,
• Intensification of a fire,
• Insurance fraud related to arson.

Blackmail is defined as wilful damage to property through coercion. In the event of a conviction, a fine or a prison sentence of up to five years may be imposed, depending on the severity of the offence. However, the law provides a significantly higher penalty for “particularly serious cases“. For example, if the perpetrators are gang members or organised crime. When sentencing, aggravating factors such as violence and danger are considered.

Blackmail can have a particularly damaging effect on a company’s reputation, significantly if the leaked information is compromising internal information. Blackmailers usually try to obtain essential company data. This is often simple information such as email addresses and credit card details of business customers. However, once they have found this information, they can threaten the company with publication. Such threats are usually aimed at companies rather than private individuals.

Our team will consider all the legal options available to your company. If this appears desirable, we will endeavour to find an out-of-court solution to your matter. We are also available to advise private individuals in such cases.

Capital crimes or offences include intentional homicide offences such as murder and manslaughter, as well as other forms of homicide. As it is often difficult for laypersons to grasp or understand the difference between the various homicide offences, it is imperative in such cases to have a legal advisor who is experienced and knowledgeable in their specialist field at your side.

In no other area is the pressure on law enforcement authorities greater. Due to the severe consequences of the offence and the public pressure, the view of the prosecuting authorities and the court is often clouded. However, when external pressure influences the decision-making process, mistakes are inevitable. It is the task of the defence lawyer to point out such errors so that a fair decision is ultimately made.

The technological changes and developments of recent decades have influenced many aspects of our lives, including criminal activity. Fraudulent activities in connection with cybercrime are constantly on the rise. If you have been the victim of such fraud or any other cybercrime offence in Germany, it is highly advisable to seek legal advice immediately. Our lawyers will provide you with comprehensive information about your rights and obligations and advise you on how to proceed.

It is not uncommon for accusations and investigations in connection with cybercrime to be directed at the wrong person. In such cases, it is advisable to contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately to ensure that the case does not permanently damage your reputation. Whether you are facing allegations of cyberstalking, online harassment, copyright infringement or other online offences, our lawyers will advise and defend your rights with the necessary commitment. Please do not hesitate to contact our legal team to find out more about our cybercrime services.

Defamatory statements – whether written or verbal – can cause considerable damage to other people. If defamatory statements remain unchallenged, they can seriously affect the professional career and private life of the person concerned. False accusations of criminal offences or misconduct in the workplace can have serious consequences – as can lies about a person’s private life. It is necessary to seek expert legal advice as soon as you become aware of them to prevent such incidents from taking on such threatening proportions in the first place.

When weighing up interests, however, the freedom of opinion and freedom of the press guaranteed in Article 5 of the German Constitution must also be considered. Protection against libel, slander and defamation must not be used irresponsibly to prevent opinion-forming debates and discussions. This applies in particular to matters concerning influential personalities such as politicians and events of public interest. Consequently, the question regularly arises as to how a fair balance can be struck between the competing interests of protecting personal rights and the right to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

Whether in cases of slander, defamation, libel or insult, our lawyers will work on your behalf to ensure that your rights and interests as a victim or defendant are always protected.

Whether a traffic offence is classified as a criminal or administrative offence depends on the circumstances of the individual case. Various factors play an essential role here, such as whether it is a repeat offence, how much alcohol was consumed while driving under the influence and whether there were any injuries in the traffic accident. High penalties can be imposed in administrative proceedings, including heavy fines and driving bans of up to several months. In criminal proceedings, however, the penalties can be considerably higher, including prison sentences and the withdrawal of driving licences.

Traffic offences committed in Germany can also affect you outside German territory. For example, a driving ban imposed in Germany usually has far-reaching consequences even after you return to your home country. If you find yourself in such a situation, contact us to have your case examined by our legal team.

Anyone suspected of being guilty of possession of drugs or a drug-related offence in Germany, is generally held responsible under German law. The severity of the charge depends on the type of drug, the nature of the offence and, for example, whether the offence was committed commercially or for personal use. In terms of the type of drug, for example, there is a significant difference between possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine for personal use.

Being accused of a drug offence can have a huge impact on a person’s professional and personal life. The question of how to act in such situations can be difficult for many victims to answer at first, which is why working with an experienced criminal defence lawyer is the best way to protect yourself and your rights in such a case.

As a multidisciplinary, full-service law firm specialising in narcotics law, we are able to provide both expert and dedicated legal assistance in all matters relating to drugs and narcotics. As soon as we are entrusted with your case, we will work with you to develop a strategy and explain the next steps. We will advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of the proceedings and will endeavour to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Allegations of fraud can have a damaging effect on your reputation, both personally and professionally. In such situations, the experienced criminal defence lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte are at your side for expert legal defence. Our team of attorneys will advise you on German criminal proceedings and explain what to expect during a trial. We will thoroughly analyse your case and offer solutions that are carefully adapted to the specifics of your case to achieve the best possible result for you.

Careful pre-trial planning often proves crucial to the outcome of criminal proceedings. For this reason, it is essential to contact a defence lawyer immediately in the event of criminal charges. Schlun & Elseven guarantees you the most accurate preparation of your case and will, of course, explain all essential aspects of the criminal proceedings.

Our lawyers also advise clients in the following fraud cases:

• Subsidy fraud,
• Bitcoin and cryptocurrency fraud,
• Investment fraud and
• Litigation fraud.

Accusations of sexual offences are being made more and more frequently these days. However, these can cause enormous damage to the life of the accused if they are not guilty of the alleged offence. Such a matter is very sensitive for everyone involved. After all, it is not uncommon for judgements to be affected by the attention given to such cases. If you have been accused of sexual assault or any other sexual offence, contact our criminal law team as soon as possible.

Our lawyers regularly advise victims of sexual assault and assist them in enforcing their rights.

Our criminal law team advises clients on all issues relating to white-collar and capital market crime, as well as environmental criminal law. As a full-service law firm, we ensure that your company receives skilled and committed support at every stage of your proceedings.

Whether your case involves fraud, tax offences, embezzlement, money laundering or any other criminal offence, you can always rest assured that your matter will be handled by proven experts in criminal law who can draw on in-depth specialist knowledge and many years of experience. We support companies in the development and implementation of preventive measures to defend against criminal offences.

Our business criminal law practice group supports your company in cases of suspected criminal offences:

Our lawyers will support you at every stage of your criminal proceedings and trial. We will also be happy to explain to you how best to proceed if you are merely suspected of having committed a criminal offence and how you should react to an indictment if necessary. In the event of criminal proceedings, we will of course defend your rights and interests and are also there for you in international cases.

Due to our in-depth expertise and many years of experience in dealing with the criminal prosecution authorities and courts, we are able to guarantee our clients the best possible results. Contact us today to find out more about our legal services, your legal options and how to proceed in your case.

For anyone who has never been involved in criminal proceedings before, such a situation represents an enormous emotional burden and a legal challenge – not least because of the way the criminal prosecution authorities work and the criminal law procedure. Before a court hearing takes place, house searches, interrogations and police summonses can be ordered. Having a criminal defence lawyer at your side during this time who is characterised by both expertise and commitment is crucial for a positive outcome to your case.

Criminal law cases usually follow specific patterns. There are certain rules for each individual aspect – from the summoning of witnesses and experts to the presentation of evidence and the question of whether bail is to be paid. Our experienced criminal defence lawyers will be happy to explain how the investigation and main proceedings work in detail and what rights and obligations you have as the accused. We will stand up for you!

Knowing your rights as a defendant during house searches and police seizures is of existential importance. If you are unfamiliar with German criminal law and your rights and do not know how to behave in such a situation, you may expose yourself to further legal problems. In addition, the state’s move to search your property is a significant action that requires compliance with applicable rules and regulations. If the authorities do not follow these rules and regulations, the defendant can, in turn, take legal action.

An audit by tax investigators in the form of a house search can also pose a problem for companies. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or anxious at the prospect of an investigation, even if you are aware of your innocence. Tax audits can also be triggered by mistakes made by the tax authorities or system irregularities. Expert advice from our lawyers will prepare you for the impending business or home search.

As part of a preliminary investigation, the public prosecutor’s office can apply to the competent investigating judge for an arrest warrant to detain the accused (pre-trial detention). A mandatory requirement for the issuing of a pre-trial detention order is the existence of grounds for detention. According to § 112 (2) Code of Criminal Procedure, a reason for detention exists, for example, if the accused:

• is a fugitive or has absconded,
• there is a risk of absconding or
• there is a risk of collusion.

Pre-trial detention regularly represents a serious interference with a person’s rights and should, therefore, only be used if justified and appropriate. Even if the correct documentation is available, these measures must be carried out correctly.

Contacting our criminal defence team as early as possible is the best way to defend yourself against law enforcement authorities effectively, as only your lawyer can effectively check whether the requirements for detention are met. It is not uncommon for less onerous measures to be available so that the stated reasons for pre-trial detention appear disproportionate, and thus the detention itself may be excessive.

Due to their enormous legal complexity, extradition cases always require the legal assistance of an experienced extradition lawyer. The team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience handling international extradition cases – especially those related to removing Interpol Red Notices. Thanks to our expertise and worldwide contacts, we have successfully challenged our clients’ extradition orders in countless cases.

Clients threatened by extradition proceedings find themselves in an exceptional situation that often affects their life, liberty and physical integrity. Legal representation that is both competent and committed is essential in such cases to ensure that their rights as the accused are protected. The German extradition and Interpol lawyers at Schlun & Elseven can always be relied upon in such emergency situations.