Arrest Warrant & Remand

The arrest of a relative is an extreme situation. Remand custody (U-Haft) catches people unprepared and immediately isolates them from the outside world.

When an arrest warrant has been executed, every hour counts. The person concerned must be brought before a magistrate (Haftrichter) no later than the day following the arrest. This is where it is decided whether they must go to a correctional facility (JVA) or will be released.

Grounds for Remand Custody

An arrest warrant is only issued if there is urgent suspicion of a crime and a ground for detention. The most common grounds are:

• Flight Risk (Fluchtgefahr): The judiciary assumes the accused might evade proceedings (e.g., due to a high expected sentence or lack of a fixed abode).
• Risk of Collusion (Verdunkelungsgefahr): There is concern that evidence might be destroyed or witnesses influenced.
• Risk of Recurrence (Wiederholungsgefahr): In the case of certain serious offenses.

Our Strategy Against Detention

I immediately check whether the arrest warrant can be revoked or suspended. The goal is always the client's freedom.

• Detention Review (Haftprüfung): Oral hearing before the investigating judge. We often achieve a suspension under conditions here (e.g., reporting duties, bail).
• Complaint Against Detention (Haftbeschwerde): Review of the decision by the next higher court (e.g., Regional Court Mannheim) if legal errors are present.

For Relatives: What You Can Do Now

As a relative, you often feel helpless because contact is blocked. Follow these steps:

1. Instruct Us: Relatives (spouses, parents, children) can also mandate the lawyer.
2. Visiting Permit & Laundry: We take care of the visiting permit and clarify which clothing or funds may be brought into the correctional facility.
3. No Letters About the Case: Never write about the alleged offense in letters. Mail is read by the judge and the public prosecutor!

Information valid as of: February 2026