As the victim of a crime you are not merely a witness in the criminal proceedings, but the holder of your own rights. We represent injured parties firmly – as joint-plaintiff and victim counsel we assert your interests against defendants, the public prosecutor and the court, and help you pursue civil claims within the criminal proceedings.
Our work in victim representation
From the joint plaintiff role through the adhesion procedure to victim compensation – we accompany you in all proceedings concerning your rights as an injured party:
Your rights as an injured party
Victims of certain offences may join the public prosecution as joint plaintiffs and thereby obtain a right to be present, to ask questions and to make applications. Through a lawyer you have your own right of access to the file (§ 406e StPO). In suitable cases there may also be an entitlement to psychosocial court assistance, which supports you before, during and after the trial.
Enforcing claims – without a second trial
In the adhesion procedure (§§ 403 ff. StPO) damages and compensation for pain and suffering can be awarded directly within the criminal proceedings – a separate civil action is often unnecessary. In addition we examine claims under the social compensation law (SGB XIV) and – where the public prosecutor discontinues a case – the options for compelling charges (§ 172 StPO).
Have you become the victim of a crime? Contact us in confidence – we will review your rights and the way forward.
Note: This information is general and does not replace advice in an individual case.