Blog

Articles on criminal law, defense strategies and recent case law in Germany.

27 July 2026

Assault Resulting in Death (§ 227 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

Assault Resulting in Death (§ 227 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense Assault resulting in death (Assault mit Todesfolge) is one of the most serious…

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24 July 2026

Grievous Bodily Harm (§ 226 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

Grievous Bodily Harm (§ 226 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense Grievous bodily harm (schwere Assault) is a felony (Verbrechen) under German criminal law, carrying…

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22 July 2026

Drug Trafficking in Not Insignificant Quantities (§ 29a BtMG) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

Drug Trafficking in Not Insignificant Quantities (§ 29a BtMG) – Elements, Penalties and Defense Drug trafficking in not insignificant quantities (Drug Trafficking in nicht…

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20 July 2026

Residential Burglary (§ 244(4) StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

Residential Burglary (§ 244(4) StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense Residential burglary (Burglary) was established as a separate felony (Verbrechen) under § 244(4) StGB by…

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19 July 2026

Must I Report Criminal Proceedings to My Employer?

In brief: There is no general duty to report an ongoing investigation or criminal proceeding to your employer of your own accord. Exceptions apply to…

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19 July 2026

Drugs and Cannabis: Criminal Liability under the New Legal Framework

In brief: Since 1 April 2024, cannabis has been legal within limits for adults and regulated in the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) – no longer…

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17 July 2026

Aggravated Arson (§ 306a StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

In brief: Aggravated arson under § 306a StGB protects life and limb and is a felony with a minimum sentence of one year. It covers…

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15 July 2026

Arson (§ 306 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

In brief: Arson under § 306 StGB – setting fire to or destroying by fire certain objects belonging to another, such as buildings, business premises…

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13 July 2026

Sexual Abuse of Children (§ 176 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

In brief: Sexual abuse of children under § 176 StGB has, since the reform of 1 July 2021, been a felony with a minimum sentence…

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10 July 2026

Sexual Assault and Rape (§ 177 StGB) – Elements, Penalties and Defense

In brief: § 177 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) combines three levels of offense in one provision: sexual assault, sexual coercion and rape. The…

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