Criminal Law & Criminal Defence in Lingen (Ems)

Experienced defense - from summons to appeal

More than 20 years of courtroom experience in German courts form the basis of my criminal defense work. I know procedures, strategic options and the limits of what is realistic. My clients receive an honest assessment, not false promises.

My criminal law services

• Defense when summoned as a suspect
• Representation in investigations (file access, statements)
• Main hearings before local, regional and higher regional courts
• Appeal proceedings
• Juvenile criminal law
• Narcotics law (BtMG)
• White-collar criminal law
• Weapons-related criminal law (WaffG, KWKG)

What to do during a house search?

Immediate measures during a search

Let officers enter - physical resistance is punishable. Stay calm and observe. Do not give statements or explanations. Note names and badge numbers. Call your lawyer immediately after the search: +49 (0) 591 / 966 52 98.

Criminal defense online - nationwide

Clients outside Lingen can use all consultation services via GDPR-compliant video call - including file review, strategy sessions and case updates.

Police summons: first see the file, then decide whether to speak

If you are summoned by the police as a suspect – for example by a station in Lingen or elsewhere in the Emsland district – you are not obliged to attend or to say anything about the allegations. A summons from the public prosecutor or the court is different: you must attend, but you still have the right to remain silent.

Making a statement without knowing the investigation file is rarely wise. As your defence lawyer I first request access to the file, discuss its content with you, and together we decide whether and how you respond. I will cancel the police appointment on your behalf.

Received a penalty order? Two weeks to object

A penalty order becomes final like a judgment unless an objection is lodged within two weeks of service (Section 410 of the German Code of Criminal Procedure). The deadline is short and cannot be extended. After an objection, the case is heard at the local court; the objection can also be limited to the amount of the daily rate. A first conviction to more than 90 daily rates usually appears in the certificate of good conduct – with possible consequences for your job, firearms licences or residence status.

Criminal proceedings in the Lingen area: the competent courts

Criminal cases from Lingen and the surrounding area are usually heard at first instance by the Lingen (Ems) local court, more serious cases by the Osnabrück regional court. Judgments of the local court can be appealed to the Osnabrück regional court and then, on points of law, to the Oldenburg higher regional court. I defend clients before these courts as well as before courts throughout Germany.

Arrest and pre-trial detention

Anyone provisionally arrested must be brought before a judge no later than the day after the arrest. If the judge orders pre-trial detention, the involvement of a defence lawyer is mandatory by law. Relatives can call me directly in this situation. I find out where the person is being held, make contact and check whether the grounds for detention really exist or whether milder measures such as reporting obligations would suffice. Until then the rule remains: say nothing about the allegations.

Frequently asked questions on criminal law