Early defence in criminal proceedings
Allegations of a sexual offence are often an enormous personal burden for those affected and can quickly have far-reaching consequences professionally, privately and socially. Especially at the beginning of investigation proceedings, it is important to remain calm, not to make premature statements and to have the allegation carefully assessed from a legal perspective.
We support accused persons already in proceedings before the police and the public prosecutor’s office, in particular through inspection of the case file, examination of the allegation, preparation of the next steps and submission of written statements. The aim is a calm and clear approach that avoids misinterpretations and effectively safeguards the rights of the accused person.
Following an indictment, we also defend defendants at the court trial in cases involving allegations of a sexual offence and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the proceedings.
Defence against inaccurate allegations of a sexual offence
Not every allegation of a sexual offence proves to be sustainable upon closer examination. In this area in particular, misunderstandings, memory gaps, differing perceptions, subsequent reinterpretations or emotionally charged conflict situations can play a significant role. It is therefore all the more important not to assess the facts prematurely, but to examine the entire case file carefully and with the necessary distance.
This applies especially in proceedings that are strongly shaped by statements, personal perception and the overall context. An effective defence therefore requires exculpatory circumstances to be identified at an early stage, contradictions to be worked out objectively and misinterpretations to be avoided. The conduct of the persons involved before, during and after the alleged incident, as well as digital evidence such as chat histories, pictures, videos, location data or other digital traces, may also be of considerable importance.
The aim is a calm and clear approach that counteracts a premature consolidation of the suspicion and effectively safeguards the rights of the accused person.
Protection against professional and personal consequences
Criminal proceedings involving allegations of sexual offences often do not concern only the criminal law level. Particularly for persons in visible or responsible professional positions, even unfounded allegations can have serious effects on their professional environment, reputation, economic interests and private life.
A calm and structured approach is therefore essential, taking into account not only the criminal proceedings themselves, but also possible consequential effects. These may include dealing with internal investigations, supervisory bodies, media enquiries, professional contacts or the personal environment. The advice is provided confidentially, discreetly and with the aim of avoiding misinterpretations, preventing unnecessary escalation and safeguarding the rights of the accused person as effectively as possible.
Our services in sexual offence proceedings
- Discreet initial advice in relation to sensitive and reputation-relevant allegations
- Representation in investigation proceedings before the police and the public prosecutor’s office
- Preparation for and attendance at examinations of accused persons
- Inspection of the case file and development of a defence strategy
- Submission of evidentiary applications and written statements
- Defence in the main trial hearing
- Representation in appeal proceedings
- Advice in connection with whistleblower reports and the conduct of internal investigations
- Support with media statements and litigation PR
If you are confronted with an allegation of a sexual offence, have received a summons or if there are initial indications of possible proceedings, it is advisable to seek legal advice at an early stage. This allows the situation to be assessed in an orderly manner, unconsidered steps to be avoided and the further course of action to be carefully prepared. We take the time to understand your matter and advise you confidentially, calmly and with strategic foresight.
