Law firm sign with SCHNEIDER II MICK branding at the office entrance
Criminal proceedings do not stop at national borders.
An international arrest warrant or criminal proceedings conducted abroad pose challenges that go beyond those in domestic criminal proceedings. As one of the few specialized boutique law firms in Germany, we represent our clients in cross-border criminal law matters. Whether you are facing a European arrest warrant, an Interpol alert, or proceedings conducted in several countries simultaneously, we stand ready to assist you with our professional and linguistic expertise and our worldwide network of reliable colleagues.
Extradition and European arrest warrant.
One state can request the surrender of a person from another state by means of an extradition request. Extradition may be requested in order to prosecute a person or to enforce a sentence that has already been imposed. We defend our clients against extradition requests for criminal prosecution and enforcement of sentences, with Germany being the requesting or the requested state. Whether extradition is possible depends on which countries are involved, the reason for extradition, and the circumstances to be expected in the destination country. Germany has concluded bilateral or multilateral extradition agreements with many countries, which regulate the conditions for extradition in both directions. However, Germany may also extradite to countries with which it has not concluded an agreement. Within the European Union, member states have simplified extradition proceedings amongst them: By issuing a European arrest warrant (EAW), one EU member state can request the arrest and extradition of a person from another EU member state. The requirements for issuing an EAW and the decision on extradition within the EU are governed by special rules in EU law that the individual member states apply within their legal systems. The defense against an extradition request or an EAW requires knowledge of EU rules and international extradition treaties as well as expertise in German law and practice. If you contact us because you or someone close to you risks to be extradited, we will check whether the arrest warrant has been issued correctly and whether there are any obstacles to extradition. Obstacles to extradition may be invoked for example if a fair trial cannot be expected in the country that requests extradition or if there is a risk of fundamental rights being violated due to the expected conditions of detention. If extradition cannot be averted, we will work with you to develop a strategy to mitigate the consequences of extradition as far as possible. Our goal is always to provide you with the best possible legal protection. In cross-border cases, a promising defense strategy always includes looking beyond the border—depending on the situation, either to the country requesting extradition or to the country from which a person is to be extradited to Germany. To this end, we work together with experienced colleagues in the respective countries involved. Our expertise and close coordination ensure you receive comprehensive and effective defense.
Need advice or representation in a criminal case?
Nicola Bier provides dedicated and confidential defense. With clarity, commitment and care.
International search warrants and interpol.
Globalization, freedom of travel, and open borders within Europe do have a criminal law dimension: countries around the world cooperate on criminal prosecution and law enforcement. This cooperation poses specific challenges for the defense. Defense in the Schengen area In order to find a person suspected of having committed a crime, states can use various ways to disseminate search warrants nationally and internationally. In Europe, countries may use amongst others the European Public Prosecutor's Office, Europol, or cooperation within the Schengen area to search for and prosecute suspects.
In return for opening the borders in the Schengen area, the participating countries have established close police and judicial cooperation. They can exchange information on wanted persons and other police information via the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Once an entry has been circulated, only in very rare cases it is going to be deleted without the intervention of the persons concerned, even if the data is incorrect or simply no longer up to date. Anyone who suspects to have a record in the database of one of the Schengen countries should keep in mind that other countries will also have access to this information via the SIS- even if the entry was made a long time ago or no criminal proceedings were ever initiated. We advise you on the possibilities of obtaining information about and deleting data in national police databases and in the SIS.
INTERPOL and “Red Notices” Beyond Europe, INTERPOL facilitates global police cooperation. The most severe measure is the international arrest warrant through a so-called “Red Notice.”
Unlike national legal frameworks or agreements between EU member states, police cooperation via INTERPOL is generally not subject to judicial control and has for long been criticized for operating with insufficient transparency. Many INTERPOL search notices are only fully reviewed for legality when those affected take action against them. A request for access and deletion is the only way to persuade INTERPOL to delete search notices that are abusive or disproportionate, for example because a state is actually pursuing political ends under the guise of criminal proceedings. Early and specialized legal advice An international search warrant can come unexpectedly and have far-reaching consequences for those affected, including sudden arrest or a de facto travel ban if arrest is imminent. Anyone who finds themselves in such a situation should seek specialized advice as early as possible. For an effective defense, we focus not only on INTERPOL itself, but also on the states that are cooperating via INTERPOL in the specific case. To this end, we work together with experienced colleagues in the respective states involved. Our expertise and close coordination ensure you receive comprehensive and effective 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.
Three lawyers standing as SCHNEIDER II MICK team
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.
Rechtsanwälte Strafverteidiger PartmbB

In critical situations – such as an arrest or a search – our lawyers are available 24/7 on the emergency number +49 177 78 110 78.
Berlin Location - Fasanenkiez
Hamburg Location - Neustadt