Criminal Defence Lawyer in Nuremberg
English-speaking defence at every stage of German criminal proceedings – police summons, search, arrest, penal order and trial.
Your criminal defence lawyer in Nuremberg – from day one
Criminal proceedings are a heavy burden – professionally, personally and emotionally, and even more so in a foreign country. As a certified specialist in criminal law (Fachanwalt für Strafrecht), I defend you at every stage of German criminal proceedings. My goal is to minimise the risks for you and to achieve the best possible outcome – ideally the termination of the proceedings before any charges are brought.
How German criminal proceedings work
- Investigation (Ermittlungsverfahren): The police and the public prosecutor investigate. This is where the course is set – I request access to the case file and develop your defence strategy.
- Decision of the prosecutor: The case may be dropped for lack of evidence (§ 170 (2) Code of Criminal Procedure), for minor guilt (§ 153) or against a condition such as a payment (§ 153a). A termination under § 153a is not a criminal record.
- Penal order (Strafbefehl): A conviction without a trial – you only have two weeks to lodge an objection.
- Trial (Hauptverhandlung) before the Local Court or Regional Court, followed if necessary by an appeal (Berufung or Revision).
What a good defence lawyer does for you
- requests access to the case file and scrutinises every piece of evidence,
- prevents you from incriminating yourself through careless statements,
- checks the lawfulness of searches, seizures, phone surveillance and the evaluation of mobile phones,
- negotiates with the public prosecutor about terminating the proceedings,
- prepares you thoroughly for trial and represents you consistently in court,
- keeps an eye on side effects such as your driving licence, residence permit, profession and criminal record certificate.
Focus areas
A particular focus of my work is drug offences under the Narcotics Act (BtMG). I also defend clients accused of assault and bodily harm, theft and fraud, sexual offences, white-collar and tax offences, juvenile offences and traffic offences such as drink-driving or leaving the scene of an accident.
Arrest and pre-trial detention
If you or a relative have been arrested, every hour counts. A detained person must be brought before a judge no later than the day after the arrest. In cases of pre-trial detention, a defence lawyer is mandatory – you have the right to choose your own court-appointed defence counsel (Pflichtverteidiger). Call immediately: +49 911 8019262-7.
Foreign nationals in German criminal proceedings
For non-German citizens, a criminal conviction may also affect residence status, visa or naturalisation. You are entitled to an interpreter in court and to have your consulate informed if you are arrested. I take these aspects into account from the very beginning.
Criminal defence in Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen and Middle Franconia
Our office is centrally located at Gleißbühlstraße 7, 90402 Nuremberg (Nürnberg), about a five-minute walk from Nuremberg Central Station. We represent clients from Nuremberg and the entire metropolitan region – including Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach, Zirndorf, Stein, Lauf an der Pegnitz, Hersbruck, Feucht, Roth and Neumarkt – before the local courts, in particular the Nuremberg Local Court (Amtsgericht), the Nuremberg-Fürth Regional Court (Landgericht) and the Nuremberg Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht).
Questions about criminal defence
Do I have to attend a police interview?
No. As a suspect, you do not have to comply with a police summons and you may refuse to make any statement about the allegations. A summons from the public prosecutor or the court must be obeyed, but you may still remain silent.
Will my case be dropped?
Many cases end without charges – for lack of sufficient suspicion, because guilt is minor, or against a condition such as a payment. Early defence work significantly increases the chances of a termination.
Do I need a defence lawyer if I am innocent?
Yes. Especially then. Without access to the file you cannot know what the police and prosecutor believe. A lawyer ensures that exonerating evidence is considered and that you do not harm yourself unintentionally.
What does a criminal defence lawyer cost?
Fees are based on the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG) or a fee agreement and depend on the scope of the case. If a court-appointed defence counsel is assigned, the state initially pays the fees.
Under investigation?
The earlier your defence starts, the better your chances. Say nothing about the allegations – call us.