Any crime victim who has experienced a violent crime or another offense is often in shock. In criminal proceedings, many victims feel like mere "evidence." As your legal counsel and 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.
Victim Representation: Your Rights Throughout the Proceedings
Victim Representation in criminal proceedings goes far beyond attending the trial. As your lawyers we review the complete file, challenge decisions to discontinue the proceedings, and file motions to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. If you join as a joint plaintiff (Nebenklage), our Representation gives you the right to question witnesses and experts, apply for exclusion of the public in sensitive hearings, and present an independent closing statement before judgment. Victims of violent crime, sexual assault, stalking, and serious fraud all have a right to dedicated legal Representation — and exercising that right consistently leads to better outcomes. Arrange a confidential initial consultation to learn what our Representation can achieve for your specific case.
Many victims hesitate to engage a lawyer because they fear high costs. Under German law, the state pays the fees of a court-appointed joint plaintiff counsel (Nebenklage-Anwalt) in cases involving violent or sexual offences. In other cases we discuss a fee arrangement that fits your situation from the very first consultation.
We are available for an initial consultation by phone or in person at our Mannheim office.
Information current as of: February 2026