Capital Criminal Law
Capital criminal law deals with particularly serious offenses involving the death of another person, which fall under the jurisdiction of the criminal chambers for serious offenses at the regional courts. These include murder (§ 211 StGB) and manslaughter (§ 212 StGB), as well as bodily harm resulting in death (§ 227 StGB), robbery with death resulting (§ 251 StGB), and extortion with death resulting (§ 255 StGB).
Criminal defense in the field of capital criminal law is one of the most demanding tasks in criminal defense – competent defense is indispensable, as a life sentence can be imposed in the worst case.
Criminal defense in capital criminal law faces particular challenges. The proceedings are usually very extensive and involve not only complex legal issues but also psychological, psychiatric, and intricate forensic medical questions.
Key questions that arise in capital criminal law include:
- Are the proofs sufficient to actually substantiate the accusation of guilt?
- Were murder characteristics realized, and can this be proven?
- Was the client criminally responsible?
- Was the client in an exceptional psychological state?
- Is there self-defense or an act committed in a fit of passion?
Due to the complexity of the proceedings, extensive knowledge of procedural and substantive criminal law is necessary, as is expertise in forensic psychology and criminology/criminalistics. We bring not only experience in defending capital crimes and excellent legal expertise, but also master the areas necessary for assessing such cases, namely forensic medicine, forensic psychology, criminalistics, and forensic psychiatry.
Experience and Empathy in Capital Criminal Law
Proceedings involving murder and manslaughter or an offense resulting in death represent the most profound procedures not only for those affected but also for their family members and friends. Our defense is empathetic not only towards the affected individual but also towards their relatives.
Often, there is significant media interest. Therefore, we also handle press relations and control to prevent false reporting and premature convictions at an early stage.