Business Criminal Law – Strategic Defense Against Economic Crime Charges
As an experienced law firm specializing in business criminal law, we represent companies, executives, and individuals across Germany in all areas of economic crime. Whether it’s fraud, subsidy fraud, breach of trust, insolvency offenses, or tax evasion – our seasoned defense attorneys stand by your side throughout every stage of the investigation and criminal proceedings.
With a clear strategy, commercial understanding, and full commitment, we protect your interests – in person at our offices in Göttingen, Kassel, and Hanover, or flexibly via video conference.
What is Business Criminal Law?
Business criminal law encompasses all criminal offenses related to economic activity. Common allegations include:
| Offense | Typical Law / Provision | Typical Defendants |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | § 263 German Penal Code | Managing directors, merchants |
| Subsidy fraud | § 264 German Penal Code | Entrepreneurs, SMEs |
| Tax evasion | § 370 German Fiscal Code | Self-employed individuals, advisors |
| Breach of trust | § 266 German Penal Code | Executives, CFOs |
| Delayed insolvency filing | § 15a German Insolvency Code | GmbH managing directors |
| Money laundering | § 261 German Penal Code | Crypto/finance actors |
These proceedings are often complex, lengthy, and carry significant consequences for business owners, executives, and professionals.
Business Criminal Law: What’s at Stake
Facing criminal proceedings in the area of business criminal law goes far beyond a purely legal issue – your entire professional and economic existence may be at risk:
- Prison sentence: In particularly serious cases, a custodial sentence may be imposed that cannot be suspended on probation.
- Asset confiscation: Authorities may seize assets linked to an alleged offence – often more extensively than expected.
- Reputational damage: Media coverage, entries in public registers such as the central business register or anti-corruption register, can have lasting consequences.
- Professional sanctions: For managing directors, tax advisors, physicians, lawyers and other regulated professions, even the initiation of proceedings can lead to problems with professional licences or regulatory bodies.
- Exclusion from public tenders: For businesses, being barred from public procurement processes can be economically devastating.
This is why a prompt, discreet and strategically sound legal defence is essential to limit damage and protect your future.
Why You Need a Specialized Criminal Defence Now
Proceedings in the field of business criminal law differ significantly from conventional criminal cases. They require:
- in-depth understanding of corporate structures, financial statements, and accounting practices
- confident handling of complex investigation files
- strategic sensitivity in negotiations with tax authorities, prosecutors or financial investigation units
- safeguarding your professional standing and reputation
Early involvement of a defence lawyer can be decisive. In many cases, key strategic decisions can already be made during the preliminary investigation. Gaining access to the investigation files at an early stage allows for timely responses that may influence the course of the proceedings — and help prevent public escalation. This is especially crucial in high-profile or media-sensitive cases.
Our Approach: Tailored Strategies for Complex Cases
We develop individualized defense strategies for each case. In addition to legal analysis, we assess opportunities for mitigation, case dismissal, or voluntary disclosure to avoid penalties.
We also focus on preventing collateral consequences, such as:
- Inclusion in the corruption register
- Professional bans or loss of managing authority (§ 6 GmbHG)
- Exclusion from public tenders
- Reputational damage
How We Defend You – Tailored Defence Strategies
We develop a bespoke defence strategy for every case. Our approach goes beyond a legal assessment of the facts – we aim to achieve the most favourable outcome possible for your situation.
Depending on the circumstances, we may seek:
- a dismissal of proceedings
- a reduction in penalties
- or – in cases involving tax offences (§ 371 AO) – explore the possibility of immunity through voluntary disclosure.
A key part of our defence is to minimise collateral consequences, such as:
- entry into the corruption register
- professional disqualification or loss of managing director rights (under §§ 6, 35 et seq. GmbHG)
- exclusion from public tenders
- lasting reputational damage
Typical Cases in Economic Criminal Law
In addition to the core offences under economic criminal law, there are recurring case constellations that frequently affect our clients.
The following overview shows common scenarios and areas where we regularly provide legal advice and defence:
- Fraud involving subsidies and public funds
- Offences related to accounting and financial reporting
- Tax offences with commercial or professional relevance
- Capital markets offences
- Criminal law issues involving crypto-assets
- Breach of trust and misappropriation of company assets
- Violations of insolvency or business regulatory law
Who We Represent
Our clients include:
- Managing directors and board members
- Entrepreneurs and shareholders
- Tax advisors and auditors
- Freelancers and consultants
- Mid-sized companies
- Founders in crypto or online sectors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Choose Us – Your Law Firm for Economic Criminal Defence
- Years of specialization in criminal and tax law, with a clear focus on economic offences
- Certified specialists in economic and tax criminal law with extensive practical experience
- Attorneys holding specialist titles in both criminal and tax law
- Proven track record of success through strategic and academically grounded defence
- Continuous training to stay current with legal developments and case law
- Close cooperation with tax advisors, auditors and other experts at the interface of business and law
- Consistent focus on early termination of proceedings or the best possible outcome
- Nationwide representation – in person in Göttingen, Kassel and Hanover, or remotely via video consultation
Your trusted expert for business criminal law – in Göttingen and nationwide
Contact Us Now
Our law firm has years of experience specializing in criminal and tax law. We defend you discreetly, competently, and with strategic foresight – from the first suspicion to trial or negotiated resolution.
Schedule a free initial consultation today.
