Criminal law · Germany
A criminal lawyer in Germany who understands your case
If you are under investigation, charged with an offence or need urgent representation, we match you with a qualified German criminal lawyer – free of charge. Tell us about your situation and receive a shortlist of lawyers who handle criminal cases near you.
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Criminal defence in Germany
Why a criminal lawyer matters from day one
If you are facing a police interview, a formal charge or a court hearing, a criminal lawyer in Germany can protect your rights and help you navigate a legal system that is very different from those in other countries. Germany’s ordinary jurisdiction covers both civil and criminal matters, with local courts, regional courts, higher regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice. Every admitted lawyer must hold the qualification for judicial office and is automatically a member of a regional bar association coordinated by the Federal Bar Association. Our free service matches you with a German lawyer who focuses on criminal defence, so you can get qualified advice without spending time searching. Simply describe your situation and we will provide a shortlist of appropriate lawyers within 24–48 hours – at no cost and with no obligation.
How criminal law works in Germany
The German criminal defence landscape
Germany has a codified civil-law system with an ordinary jurisdiction that covers both civil and criminal matters. Criminal cases are heard within a four-tier court structure, and every practising lawyer must be admitted to a regional bar association. Below are key points to understand before you instruct a criminal lawyer.
Ordinary court system with four tiers
Germany’s ordinary jurisdiction covers both civil and criminal matters. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) and regional courts (Landgerichte) are the main first-instance courts, with appeals to higher regional courts (Oberlandesgerichte) and review on points of law by the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) in Karlsruhe.
Qualification and bar membership
To practise as a criminal lawyer in Germany, a lawyer must hold the qualification for judicial office, obtained by passing two state examinations after university legal study and a legal traineeship. Every admitted lawyer is automatically a member of the regional Rechtsanwaltskammer in their district; the 28 regional bars are coordinated by the Federal Bar Association (BRAK).
Representation in German courts
Parties to disputes before the Landgerichte and Oberlandesgerichte must be represented by a lawyer, as must parties before the Federal Court of Justice, where only specially admitted lawyers may appear. In other civil matters before the Amtsgericht, parties may generally represent themselves. Criminal defendants also benefit from the right to legal representation at every stage.
Costs and fee regulation
Lawyer fees in Germany are set by the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG), which fixes fee rates for each procedural step so costs are predictable. Hourly or success-based fees are permitted only within narrow statutory limits. Prozesskostenhilfe (legal aid for court proceedings) is not available to criminal defendants.
Key legal deadlines in Germany
German law sets specific deadlines for many legal actions. The table below summarises six key deadlines drawn from official sources, covering employment, debt, divorce, inheritance, tenancy and administrative appeals. These deadlines are not criminal-specific but illustrate the importance of acting promptly within the German legal system.
Data compiled from official German federal legislation, the Federal Bar Association and the European e-Justice portal, verified in 2025.
- National justice systems – Germany
- Federal Bar Association (BRAK)
- Section 78 ZPO – Lawyer representation
- Section 4 KSchG – Action against unfair dismissal
- Section 195 BGB – Regular limitation period
- Section 1566 BGB – Presumption of breakdown after separation
- Section 1944 BGB – Period for disclaiming inheritance
- Section 573c BGB – Notice periods for residential tenancy
- Section 70 VwGO – Time limit for objection
- Legal aid – Germany
Common worries
Three situations where a criminal lawyer helps
Whether you are the accused or a victim, fast legal guidance can change the outcome.
You have been contacted by the police or received a summons
A criminal investigation can be intimidating. You need immediate advice on your rights before giving any statement, so that you do not unknowingly harm your defence.
You are facing formal charges or a court hearing
Understanding the German court system and possible penalties is difficult without professional help. A specialised lawyer can identify procedural errors and prepare your defence thoroughly.
You need a lawyer near you but do not know where to start
Many lawyers handle general matters, but criminal defence requires specific experience. We match you only with lawyers who handle criminal cases in Germany.
Why use our matching
A faster way to find the right criminal lawyer
We do the screening so you can focus on your case.
Free, no-obligation matching
Tell us your situation and receive a shortlist of criminal lawyers in Germany without paying anything. You choose whom to contact; there is no obligation to instruct anyone.
Fast first response
We aim to connect you with a suitable lawyer within 24–48 hours, so you do not lose time if you have a pending police interview or court date.
Qualified and regulated
Every lawyer on our platform is admitted to a German regional bar association and subject to the professional conduct rules coordinated by the Federal Bar Association.
Local legal insight
Our network covers Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and other German cities, so you can find a lawyer familiar with the local courts and procedures.
Beyond Germany
Looking for a lawyer in another European country?
We also match clients with specialised lawyers in these neighbouring and European jurisdictions.
Questions and answers
Criminal lawyer in Germany – what you need to know
When should I contact a criminal lawyer in Germany?
You should contact a criminal lawyer in Germany as soon as you become aware of a criminal investigation or charge. A lawyer can advise you on your rights during police questioning and court proceedings, and help you understand the possible consequences under German law.
How do I know a German lawyer is qualified to handle criminal cases?
Admission to the German bar requires the qualification for judicial office, obtained by passing two state examinations after university legal study and a practical legal traineeship. Every admitted lawyer is automatically a member of a regional bar association coordinated by the Federal Bar Association.
What does a criminal lawyer in Germany cost?
Legal fees in Germany are regulated by the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG), which fixes fee rates for each procedural step, so costs are predictable. Hourly or success-based fees are permitted only within narrow statutory limits. You should discuss the expected costs with your lawyer at the first meeting.
Can I get legal aid for a criminal case in Germany?
Prozesskostenhilfe, the legal aid scheme for court proceedings, is not available to criminal defendants. However, other forms of publicly funded defence may exist under separate rules. A criminal lawyer can explain your funding options based on your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for criminal proceedings in Germany?
In criminal matters you may appoint a defence lawyer at any stage. While representation is not always legally mandatory at first instance, it is strongly recommended because of the complexity of criminal procedure and the potential consequences.
How does your matching service work?
It is free and without obligation. You describe your situation, and we match you with a criminal lawyer in Germany who handles cases like yours. You receive a shortlist within 24–48 hours and decide whom to contact.
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