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Juvenile Criminal Law
Juvenile Criminal Law

Lawyer for juvenile criminal law in Vienna

Juvenile criminal law does not focus on punishment, but rather on educating young people and preventing future criminal offences. Nevertheless, criminal proceedings can be very stressful for young people and their families and can have considerable negative consequences. Our law firm is at your side with criminal law expertise, empathy and a clear focus - from the initial interrogation to possible appeal proceedings.
strafverteidigung

When does juvenile criminal law apply?

Juvenile criminal law is governed by the Juvenile Courts Act (JGG) and applies to persons between the ages of 14 and 18 (juveniles) and, in some cases, to young adults up to the age of 21. For underage minors under the age of 14, criminal prosecution is not possible.

The aim of juvenile criminal law is not to deal with criminal offences with mere severity, but to take into account the individual development, environment and maturity of the young person.

The Juvenile Courts Act (JGG) contains numerous special regulations, for example on sentencing and the course of proceedings.

Our services in juvenile criminal law

Our law firm offers young people and their families discreet, personal and professional representation at all stages of the proceedings. Lawyer and criminal defence lawyer Dr. Elias Schönborn takes on the defence of young people on the following charges, among others:

  • Fraud (§ 146 StGB),
  • Fraudulent misuse of data processing (Section 148a StGB),
  • (intentional) bodily harm  (§ 83 ff StGB),
  • Negligent bodily harm (Section 88 StGB) and (grossly) negligent homicide (Section 80 StGB, Section 81 StGB),
  • False evidence (§ 288 StGB) and defamation (§ 297 StGB),
  • Damage to property (§ 125 StGB),
  • Forgery of documents (Section 223 StGB),
  • other selected offences under the German Criminal Code and ancillary criminal laws.

Do you have any questions on this topic or do you need support? Feel free to contact us directly.

Dr. Elias Schönborn

Do you have any questions on this topic or do you need support? Feel free to contact us directly.

Dr. Elias Schönborn
Attorney at Law & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Defence in juvenile criminal law with foresight

Juveniles need special protection in criminal proceedings, clear orientation and a defence concept that secures their future. As a lawyer specialising in juvenile criminal law, Dr Elias Schönborn combines sound expertise with empathy.

We begin by analysing the young person’s personal situation, explaining the special features of juvenile criminal law in a comprehensible manner and developing a tailor-made defence strategy: from the initial police questioning to custody issues and specific investigative activities through to the main trial. In doing so, we consistently examine alternatives to conventional punishment such as discontinuing the investigation or diversion in order to prevent a previous conviction as far as possible.

Successful defence in juvenile criminal law requires more than just knowledge of the law. Decisive factors are the right communication with young people and parents, a feeling for dealing with courts, juvenile court assistance and the public prosecutor’s office as well as appropriate negotiation tactics for the situation.

In a confidential initial consultation, we clarify your questions, examine the prospects of success and determine the next steps – solution-orientated and always with the best possible outcome in mind.

Dr. Elias Schönborn als erfahrener Rechtsanwalt und Strafverteidiger in Wien.

Dr. Elias Schönborn
Attorney at Law & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Suc­cess Sto­ries

Background: Our client, a 16-year-old, was accused of several serious criminal offences. Among other things, the Public Prosecutor’s Office brought charges of aggravated blackmail, sexual coercion and assault.

Challenge: Given the number and seriousness of the charges, the young man faced the prospect of a criminal conviction with significant consequences for his future personal and professional life. It was therefore crucial to enable the lay judges’ panel at Korneuburg Regional Court to settle the case without a criminal record, despite the charges already having been brought.

Approach: We first submitted a detailed response to the indictment and prepared thoroughly for the main hearing. During the main hearing, we focused in particular on the young person’s personal development, his life circumstances and the factors supporting a diversionary settlement.

Result: Despite the serious allegations, the lay judges’ panel was persuaded to give the 16-year-old a second chance. The case was settled through diversion, subject to the performance of community service, thereby avoiding a criminal conviction and a criminal record.

Background: Our client, a 15-year-old girl, was arrested after being accused of pushing a police officer during a police operation. She was under investigation for resisting a public official and attempted aggravated assault.

Challenge: The arrest itself and the subsequent criminal proceedings placed a considerable strain on the teenager. Given the nature of the allegations, it was also essential to ensure that a one-off incident did not result in a criminal conviction with long-term consequences for her future development.

Approach: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the specific circumstances of the incident and, in particular, the teenager’s mental state at the time. In a statement to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, we demonstrated that this was a one-off act of misconduct and that the 15-year-old’s personal circumstances argued against the need for a criminal conviction.

Result: Even during the preliminary investigation, we were able to secure a diversionary settlement with the imposition of a probationary period. This prevented charges from being brought.

Background: Our 17-year-old client was not himself facing charges, but was closely connected to the allegations against a fellow pupil and was to testify as a witness at the trial.

Challenge: Due to his close involvement in the events, there was a risk that the young person might incriminate himself by making careless statements. At the same time, the situation of a criminal trial was personally stressful and unfamiliar to him.

Approach: We prepared our client thoroughly for the trial, explaining in particular his right to refuse to give evidence and discussing with him the expected course of events.

Result: Our client was able to give evidence at the trial in a well-prepared and confident manner. No criminal charges arose against him as a result of his testimony.

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