Criminal Law

Maxi Conze, Alexander S. K. Gruner, Lukas von Gierke

“Criminal proceedings take away one’s freedom. A defense means reclaiming that freedom – before the proceedings consume it.”

Legal Defense for Managing Directors and Board Members · Companies and Compliance Officers · Defendants, Affected Parties, and Witnesses · Private Individuals in Complex Proceedings

A criminal proceeding disrupts everyday life. For corporate executives, it often has consequences for their position, reputation, and livelihood all at once.

Investigation, interrogation, search, trial, appeal. Each phase has its own rules, its own risks, and its own consequences. In criminal law, the ability to take action 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 have a clear defense strategy in place that provides you – whether as an individual, a business owner, or a person in a position of responsibility – with new and clear options after the proceedings are concluded.

Criminal defense doesn’t begin with the closing argument—it begins with the first phone call. We take a collaborative approach when cooperation or negotiation can influence the outcome of the proceedings. We take a combative stance when your rights are at risk, when there is a threat of prejudgment, or when sanctions are looming.

Our Services:

  • Discontinuation of Preliminary Investigations

  • Reputation Protection

  • Accompaniment During Interrogation and Searches

  • Expertise and Passion in the Courtroom

  • Audit with a Big-Picture Perspective

    • Individual Defense 
      At the heart of German criminal law lies the personal responsibility of the individual. We consistently advocate for your rights and strive for a swift, discreet resolution of your case. From the very beginning, our approach is designed to resolve the case as quickly as possible through the efficient use of all available resources. Should an amicable solution with the investigating authorities prove impossible, we resolutely defend our clients’ interests—including during trial proceedings and through all levels of the court system.

    • Corporate Defense
      Companies, too, can come under scrutiny by investigative 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 forfeiture or fines. Our team supports companies in all proceedings related to commercial and tax criminal law, as well as in 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’re preparing to testify or seeking protection from improper 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 the human aspect of the case.  We advocate for your rights—from asserting claims in criminal proceedings and bringing a private prosecution to seeking compensation for damages 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 document 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.

    • Commercial and Tax Criminal Law
      We represent both individuals and companies—including their governing bodies, managing directors, and senior executives—in all matters involving commercial and tax criminal law. Criminal law risks play a role in all areas of business life and in dealings with taxes, customs duties, levies, and subsidies. Our team provides comprehensive advice on matters involving criminal law related to embezzlement and fraud, corruption and antitrust law, as well as criminal insolvency law, and supports you in proceedings involving tax evasion, tax underpayment, customs offenses, and subsidy fraud. We assist aggrieved individuals and companies and coordinate internal investigations to uncover legal violations.

    • 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 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 in drafting necessary criminal complaints and in proactively preventing criminal offenses through the implementation of compliance systems. We provide you with comprehensive support in meeting all regulatory requirements.

Your Contacts for Criminal Law: