The German Criminal Code (StGB) distinguishes between serious and less serious offenses (section 12 StGB). Serious criminal offenses are punishable by imprisonment of at least one year or more, while less serious offenses are pubishable by a lesser minimum term of imprisonment or by a fine and usually heard in district court.
Are you being suspected or accused of a crime?
You have the right to consult a lawyer of your choice at any stage of the proceedings—better sooner than later. You should definitely make use of this right, as in criminal law, this decision cannot be used to your disadvantage by the police or public prosecutor.
Every defense begins with access to the files. As your lawyers, we are given access to the criminal file, more precisely: the investigation files of the police and public prosecutor's office. We can thus gain an overview of allegations made against you and of the evidence presented by the police and prosecution. Based on these facts, we give you an honest assessment of the situation, without making empty promises.
Criminal defense is a matter of trust.
As lawyers, we are bound to confidentiality. You can therefore discuss any problem with us; no concern needs to make you feel uncomfortable. As criminal defense lawyers, we are independent and exclusively committed to our clients.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Across All Practice Areas.
From general criminal law to white-collar crime, healthcare defense, tax criminal law, and international matters – we provide specialized representation across the full spectrum of criminal defense with nationwide reach.
Multilingual Representation for International Clients.
Our attorneys serve clients in multiple languages, ensuring clear communication and comprehensive legal representation for domestic and international cases requiring cross-border expertise.
Award-Winning Excellence in Criminal Defense.
Recognized as a leading criminal defense firm by WirtschaftsWoche, Handelsblatt, Best Lawyers, brand eins, Stern, and Focus Business for outstanding expertise in criminal and white-collar defense.
Why Choose a Certified Criminal Defense Specialist?
As a firm exclusively focused on criminal and white-collar defense, all our attorneys are specialized accordingly. In Germany, an attorney earns the title "Certified Specialist in Criminal Law" (Fachanwalt für Strafrecht) by demonstrating substantial practical experience and ongoing continuing education in criminal law. This certification requires proof of forty or more trial days, conducted at minimum before regional courts with lay judges.
Additionally, extensive theoretical knowledge across all areas of criminal justice is required, acquired through specialized training programs. Therefore, only a certified specialist in criminal law guarantees the necessary expertise and competence in criminal defense. In criminal cases, everything is often at stake for the client – and the costliest mistake is choosing inadequate counsel. Don't make that error. Trust expertise, not just any attorney. Criminal defense driven by conviction. Fueled by passion.
Professional criminal defense today requires more than specialized knowledge of criminal law and procedure – it demands persistence, keen judgment of character, and life experience. These are qualities no certification program can teach. We stand resolutely by your side to achieve the best possible outcome. As attorneys, we are bound by strict confidentiality. You can discuss everything with us – no concern is off-limits. In no other area of law do opposing interests clash as dramatically as in criminal law – the state's duty to prosecute versus the citizen's right to freedom. The principle of "in dubio pro reo" (when in doubt, in favor of the accused) often carries little weight in practice.
Prosecutors and courts often form "their truth" about a defendant based solely on case files before trial even begins. The defense attorney's task is to challenge this conviction and restore the presumption of innocence to the proceedings. As anyone can imagine, this is no easy undertaking.
Our Criminal Law Expertise
Beyond general criminal defense, our core competencies include:
Cybercrime and Internet Criminal Law (IT Criminal Law)
Media Law and Defamation Defense
Healthcare and Medical Criminal Law
Sexual Offense Defense, particularly in word-against-word cases
White-Collar Crime
Each of our attorneys maintains rigorous continuing education in criminal law. This ongoing professional development is essential to maintaining our certification as specialists in criminal defense.
Preliminary consultation without obligation.
Contact us for an initial consultation. We will review your case and outline possible defense strategies – confidential, professional, and without demanding your prior commitment.
Dr. MICK came, saw, and conquered! After the proceedings had already been ongoing for three years, the situation for my son was no longer looking good! But Dr. Mick managed, with a single statement in the intermediate proceedings, to achieve the best possible outcome for us! Yes, he is not cheap, but he is worth every single cent!" - via Google (translated)
"I can only recommend Mr. Eggers! From the very first consultation to the conclusion, I felt excellently taken care of. He is not only extremely competent and professionally skilled, but also empathetic and always approachable. Thanks to his dedicated and focused work, my matter was resolved to my complete satisfaction. I felt well taken care of at all times." - via Google (translated)
"Always approachable, with excellent communication. Clear agreements that were kept. I received outstanding professional advice and support, and I always had the feeling that my concerns were understood (Ms. Leweke and Mr. Schneider). The result was exactly as desired. A clear recommendation — the investment in good lawyers was worth it." - via Google (translated)
"Attorney Ms. Leweke was very committed, empathetic, extremely competent, very friendly, and always handled my case promptly and successfully! The many helpful tips led to the avoidance of criminal proceedings. Through the firm’s portal, communication was absolutely secure and easy to follow!" - via Google (translated)
"Dear Dr. Schneider, I went through a very difficult time. There were moments when I almost gave up. Thanks to you, I can prove my innocence and I am very grateful. This lawyer is not only fast, but also precise and very flexible. A huge THANK YOU!!" - via Google (translated)
"Ms. Hellmig represented me very professionally, reliably, and ultimately successfully in a case. She answered each of my questions thoroughly and patiently. Furthermore, she responded immediately to inquiries, both by phone and by email. In summary: I felt very well taken care of by Ms. Hellmig. She gave me a sense of security at all times, and I believe that is the most important thing in such a proceeding." - via Google (translated)
Dr. MICK came, saw, and conquered! After the proceedings had already been ongoing for three years, the situation for my son was no longer looking good! But Dr. Mick managed, with a single statement in the intermediate proceedings, to achieve the best possible outcome for us! Yes, he is not cheap, but he is worth every single cent!" - via Google (translated)
"I can only recommend Mr. Eggers! From the very first consultation to the conclusion, I felt excellently taken care of. He is not only extremely competent and professionally skilled, but also empathetic and always approachable. Thanks to his dedicated and focused work, my matter was resolved to my complete satisfaction. I felt well taken care of at all times." - via Google (translated)
"Always approachable, with excellent communication. Clear agreements that were kept. I received outstanding professional advice and support, and I always had the feeling that my concerns were understood (Ms. Leweke and Mr. Schneider). The result was exactly as desired. A clear recommendation — the investment in good lawyers was worth it." - via Google (translated)
"Attorney Ms. Leweke was very committed, empathetic, extremely competent, very friendly, and always handled my case promptly and successfully! The many helpful tips led to the avoidance of criminal proceedings. Through the firm’s portal, communication was absolutely secure and easy to follow!" - via Google (translated)
"Dear Dr. Schneider, I went through a very difficult time. There were moments when I almost gave up. Thanks to you, I can prove my innocence and I am very grateful. This lawyer is not only fast, but also precise and very flexible. A huge THANK YOU!!" - via Google (translated)
"Ms. Hellmig represented me very professionally, reliably, and ultimately successfully in a case. She answered each of my questions thoroughly and patiently. Furthermore, she responded immediately to inquiries, both by phone and by email. In summary: I felt very well taken care of by Ms. Hellmig. She gave me a sense of security at all times, and I believe that is the most important thing in such a proceeding." - via Google (translated)
FAQ
How does the initial consultation work?
During the initial consultation, you present your situation to us. We review the available documents and provide a first assessment of possible defense strategies. At the end, you decide whether to formally engage us.
What does the initial consultation cost?
The consultation is fee-based, but there is no obligation to retain us afterwards. The fee depends on the scope and complexity of the case.
Do you handle cases outside of Hamburg and Berlin?
Yes. We represent clients throughout Germany in all criminal matters.
What happens if criminal proceedings are already underway?
We immediately request access to the investigation files to examine the allegations and the evidence. Based on this, we develop the appropriate defense strategy.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
In urgent matters, we can arrange appointments on short notice. Please call us or use our contact form to schedule a meeting.
Do you also defend corporations?
Yes. In addition to individual defense, we also advise and represent corporations, for example in white-collar crime matters or compliance issues.