Our lawyers at Galen Rechtsanwälte advise and defend clients not only in white-collar and tax criminal law, but also in general criminal law. We represent clients in Berlin and throughout Germany at all stages of proceedings: from the initial police interview to defense in the main trial and the filing of appeals.
Our main focus in general criminal law lies on the classic property offenses of the Fraud and infidelity. In addition, we also advise and defend clients in all other areas of general criminal law.
Practically relevant offenses in general criminal law
In practice, the following offenses are particularly common:
- Resistance against law enforcement officers (Sections 113 et seq. of the German Criminal Code)
- Breach of the peace (§§ 123 ff. StGB)
- False testimony and perjury (§§ 153 ff. German Criminal Code)
- Sexual coercion and rape (§§ 177 ff. StGB)
- Insult and defamation (§§ 185 ff. StGB)
- Violation of personal privacy and secrecy (§§ 201 ff. German Criminal Code)
- Murder, manslaughter and negligent homicide (§§ 211, 212, 222 StGB)
- Bodily harm (§§ 223 ff. StGB)
- Stalking (§ 238 StGB)
- Coercion (§ 240 StGB) and threats (§ 241 StGB)
- Theft and embezzlement (§§ 242, 246 StGB)
- Robbery and extortion (§§ 249 ff. StGB)
- Aiding and abetting and receiving stolen goods (§ 257, § 259 StGB)
- Fraud and breach of trust (§§ 263 ff., 266 StGB)
- Forgery of documents (§ 267 StGB)
- Illegal gambling (Sections 284 et seq. of the German Criminal Code)
- Criminal damage (§ 303 StGB)
- Arson (Sections 306 et seq. of the German Criminal Code)
- Traffic offenses (§§ 315b ff. StGB)
- Acceptance of advantages and bribery (§§ 331 ff. German Criminal Code)
- Bodily harm in office (§ 340 StGB)
Representation of victims of sexual assault and harassment
Another focus of ours is representing victims in proceedings concerning sexual offenses.
After sexual harassment and assault, victims often face a double burden: the traumatic experience itself and the demands of criminal proceedings. Legal counsel can make a significant difference in this situation. Our lawyers provide compassionate and consistent advice and representation to victims of sexual assault and harassment at every stage of the proceedings.
In particular, we support them in filing criminal charges, review case files, represent them as co-plaintiffs, and assess whether an adhesion procedure is advisable. Joining the prosecution as a co-plaintiff allows victims to assert their own rights in the proceedings, participate in shaping the trial, and thus represent their own interests in the criminal proceedings. The adhesion procedure offers the opportunity to assert claims for pain and suffering and damages directly within the criminal proceedings.
In cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, we also advise on claims under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
Those accused of a crime are usually made aware of an investigation through the receipt of a questionnaire, a summons, or measures such as a search. A defense attorney can clarify whether proceedings have been initiated and what role you play in them.
A summons from the police as a suspect does not obligate you to appear. However, you must appear if summoned by the public prosecutor's office or a court. In any case, you have the right to remain silent! We recommend that you do not make any statements about the matter without reviewing the case file and that you seek legal advice before contacting any law enforcement authorities. Early consultation can be crucial for the further course of the proceedings.
Have the search warrant presented to you, do not resist, and do not make any statements about the matter. Contact a lawyer immediately.
A penal order is a simplified form of criminal conviction without a court hearing. You will usually receive the penal order by mail, along with information on your right to appeal and a notice that you have 14 days from the date of delivery to file an objection. The delivery date is typically printed on the yellow envelope in which the penal order was sent to you. If you let this 14-day period expire, the penal order becomes legally binding, meaning that, in principle, no further action can be taken against the imposed sanction, such as a fine, a driving ban, or a suspended sentence, even if you did not commit the alleged offense. It is therefore important to seek legal advice immediately upon receiving the penal order. If you missed the deadline for filing an objection through no fault of your own, you can apply for reinstatement of your previous legal status. We advise recipients of penal orders, particularly on filing an objection, and represent you in the subsequent proceedings.
Victims of certain crimes – including, in particular, certain sexual offenses – can join the criminal proceedings as a private prosecutor. This makes it easier for them to pursue their own interests in the criminal proceedings. As a private prosecutor, you have the opportunity to actively participate in the proceedings and influence the outcome: Private prosecution allows you to submit motions for evidence, question witnesses, and make statements. Private prosecutors can retain legal counsel or be represented by one.
If you learn that you may be the subject of an investigation, it is advisable to seek legal counsel. At the latest, you should contact a lawyer immediately upon receiving a summons, a search warrant, or a penal order. Early legal action allows you to set a strategic course and avoid unnecessary risks.
Yes. Our law firm is based in Berlin, but represents clients nationwide before all criminal courts, from the local court to the Federal Court of Justice.