Anyone who has become a victim of a violent crime or another offense is often in shock. In criminal proceedings, many victims feel like mere "evidence." As your victim advocate, I ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.
Especially in Mannheim, Heidelberg, and the Palatinate region, I accompany you through the entire procedure – from filing the complaint to the verdict. My goal is to protect you from "secondary victimization" (renewed trauma through the proceedings). We also operate before other courts nationwide on your behalf.
Joint Plaintiff: Active Role instead of Spectator
In the case of serious offenses (e.g., bodily harm, sexual offenses, stalking), you can appear as a joint plaintiff (Nebenkläger). This grants you strong rights:
- Access to Files: We learn exactly what the perpetrator has stated.
- Right to Presence: You may be present during the entire trial, even before you have testified.
- Right to Question: We can question the perpetrator and witnesses and file motions for evidence.
Compensation (Adhesion Procedure)
Why conduct a second civil trial when everything can be handled in one go? In the so-called adhesion procedure, we assert your claims for pain and suffering and damages directly in the criminal trial. This saves time, nerves, and costs.
Witness Assistance
Even if joining as a plaintiff is not possible, you have the right to be accompanied by a lawyer as a witness (Witness Assistance). I prepare you for the interrogation, sit next to you, and intervene if the defense's questions are inadmissible or degrading.
Costs
The fear of high costs is often unfounded. In the case of serious crimes, a lawyer will be assigned to you at the state's expense. If the perpetrator is convicted, they usually have to reimburse a portion of the legal costs.
Information current as of: February 2026