What are the costs for a court-appointed lawyer?
In criminal proceedings, affected individuals should seek a lawyer or criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Even at the beginning of the preliminary proceedings, the accused can enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney. If it is a case of mandatory defense, the court will appoint a defense attorney. Prior to this, the […]
Summons for Computer Fraud, Section 263a German Criminal Code
The offense of computer fraud was introduced into the German Criminal Code in 1986 when the legislator recognized the importance of technical devices. At that time, computers were far from being commonplace. Today, computer fraud is a relatively common offense. Nevertheless, a police summons on suspicion of computer fraud should be taken very seriously. A […]
Sexual Abuse of Children, § 176 StGB
Sexual abuse of children repeatedly generates significant media attention and causes outrage and frustration among the public. In this context, accused individuals are often prematurely pilloried – in many cases unjustly. The accusation of sexual abuse of children is a serious one that can destroy an entire life. German law provides for severe penalties. […]
Bodily Injury: When Is Compensation for Pain and Suffering Available?
A bodily injury can have many health consequences—and many legal ramifications as well. Victims often suffer not only damage to their health and body, but also psychological impairments. Even the mere humiliation caused by a bodily injury can be considered a form of harm. A criminal conviction of the perpetrator does not always provide sufficient […]
Sexual Abuse of Wards, Section 174 of the German Criminal Code (StGB)
The sexual abuse of wards is increasingly becoming a topic in the media. Minors in particular enjoy special protection not only in our society, but this is also reflected in current laws. There are a variety of specific regulations for the protection of children and young people. However, especially in sexual criminal law, false accusations […]
Maltreatment of Wards, § 225 StGB
The maltreatment of wards is found in German criminal law under offenses against physical integrity. It is not to be confused with sexual offenses directed against minors or wards. This offense therefore usually does not receive as much public attention as other offenses against children or wards. Nevertheless, it is important to take this offense […]
Sexual Coercion: What is the Potential Penalty?
The allegation of sexual coercion is not as commonly known to the public as other sexual offenses, but it should not be taken any less seriously. The criminal offense of sexual coercion was significantly shaped by the sexual criminal law reform in 2016, which tightened the penalties in sexual criminal law. Since then, criminal liability […]
Is stealthing a criminal offense?
Stealthing is a term that has repeatedly made its way into public discussion and the courtroom in recent months. However, stealthing itself is not a separate criminal offense. The question that repeatedly arises in the media and among judges is: To what extent is removing a condom during sexual intercourse a punishable act? The legislature […]
Sexual assault: What is the potential penalty upon conviction?
The criminal law reform has brought several changes to the law on sexual offenses, particularly stricter penalties and the introduction of additional criminal offenses. This includes the offense of sexual assault; since then, behavior that was previously not punishable is now relevant under criminal law. The offense of sexual assault is difficult to prove and […]
Legalization of Cannabis – Exceeding the Permitted Amount
The legalization of cannabis is approaching—a decision made by the Federal Government in August 2023. This measure is intended to establish controlled access to cannabis products for adults within specified quantities. The objective is to enhance health protection, curb the illicit market, and ensure the quality of cannabis in Germany. However, unlike alcohol and nicotine, […]
