Criminal Law
Maxi Conze | Alexander S. K. Gruner | Lukas von Gierke
“Criminal proceedings take away one’s freedom of action. Defense means reclaiming that freedom – before the proceedings exhaust it.”
Legal defense for managing directors and board members · Companies and compliance officers · Suspects, sffected parties, and witnesses · individuals in complex proceedings
Criminal proceedings disrupt everyday life. For corporate executives, this often has consequences for their position, reputation, and livelihood all at once.
Investigation, search, interrogation, trial, appeal. Each phase has its own rules, its own risks, and its own consequences. In criminal law, power to act therefore means: We act proactively and decisively before we are forced to react passively. We are so proficient in criminal defense that proceedings do not spiral out of control. We always adopt a clear defense strategy that provides you – as an individual, a business owner, or a person in a position of responsibility – with new and clear perspective after the proceedings.
Criminal defense does not begin with the closing statement – it begins with the first phone call. Helping to shape the case where cooperation or negotiation can influence the outcome of the proceedings. We take a combative stance wherever your rights are at risk, where there is a threat of prejudgment, or ultimately sanctions.
Our Services:
Discontinuation of investigations
Protection of reputation
Support during interrogations and searches
Expertise and passion in court
Appeals with a holistic approach
-
Individual Defence
German criminal law centres on the personal responsibility of the individual. We consistently advocate for your rights and aim to resolve proceedings swiftly and discreetly. From the very beginning, our approach is designed to resolve the case as quickly as possible, makingefficient use of all available resources. Should an amicable solution with the investigating authorities prove impossible, we resolutely defend our clients’ interests—including at trial and through all levels of appeal.Corporate Defence
Companies, too, can come under the scrutiny of investigating authorities. Searches of business premises and production facilities, as well as the seizure of documents and data, are not uncommon. In addition, there are financial risks such as asset seizures or fines. Our team supports companies in all proceedings related to commercial and tax criminal law, as well as administrative proceedings. We also advise companies acting as third parties and assist with or coordinate internal investigations.Representation of Witnesses
As a witness in criminal proceedings, you often find yourself in a challenging situation. We help you understand and exercise your rights and obligations. Whether you are preparing for a statement or seeking protection against unfair pressure—we’re here to support you with expertise and reliability. With our experience and dedication, we guide you safely through the entire process to best protect your interests.Representation of Victims of Criminal Offenses
Our team provides comprehensive support to victims of criminal offenses. We represent you with legal expertise and determination, without ever losing sight of empathy and a human touch. We advocate for your rights – from asserting claims in criminal proceedings, and bringing a private prosecution, to seeking compensation under civil law. With a clear strategy, we guide you through every stage of the proceedings and ensure that your interests are heard and upheld.Drafting Criminal Complaints
Drafting a criminal complaint requires care and legal expertise to clearly and precisely analyze and present the facts of the case. Our team supports you in effectively representing your interests from the very beginning. We analyze the facts, draft the complaint in a legally sound manner, and guide you through the subsequent steps of the proceedings. In this way, we ensure that your concerns are heard by the investigating authorities and that your rights are consistently protected.
-
White Collar Crime and Criminal Tax Law
We represent both individuals and companies—including their governing bodies, managing directors, and senior executives—in all matters relating to white collar crime and criminal tax law. Criminal proceedings pose a significant risk in all areas of business life. Our team provides comprehensive advice on matters involving criminal law related to embezzlement and fraud, corruption and competition criminal law, as well as insolvency criminal law, and supports you in proceedings involving tax evasion, tax underpayment, customs offenses, and subsidy fraud. We assist individuals and companies that were harmed and coordinate internal investigations to uncover legal breaches.Medical Criminal Law
Medical criminal law is a complex and multifaceted area of law that requires in-depth specialized knowledge. In addition to advising healthcare facilities, our team also advises members of all healthcare professions, including physicians, pharmacists, nursing staff, and therapeutic professionals (speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physical therapists, etc.).Compliance
When advising companies, we assist with drafting the necessary criminal complaints and with proactively preventing criminal offenses through the implementation of compliance systems. We provide you with comprehensive support in meeting all regulatory requirements.