Victim Representation & Joint Plaintiff

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.

Psychological Support & Trauma Processing

Criminal proceedings often last months or years. During this time, psychological support is just as important as legal counsel. We work with experienced trauma therapists and victim protection organizations in the Mannheim and Heidelberg region and, upon request, can connect you with professional assistance. This way, you do not have to walk the long road through the criminal proceedings alone.

Protection of Anonymity and Witness Protection

Victims of serious crimes have the right to have their home address and personal data anonymized in the proceedings. Furthermore, under certain conditions, video-recorded hearings can be used so that you do not have to appear personally at the main hearing. We consistently enforce these protective rights on your behalf — so that you can feel safe.

Your Rights as a Joint Plaintiff Throughout the Proceedings

Victim representation in criminal proceedings goes far beyond being present in the courtroom. As your lawyers, we review the complete case file, appeal decisions to drop charges, and submit investigative motions to ensure that all relevant evidence is produced. If you join as a co-plaintiff (Nebenklage), our representation entitles you to put questions to witnesses and expert witnesses, request that the hearing be held in camera in sensitive cases, and deliver an independent closing statement before judgment is pronounced. Victims of violent crime, sexual assault, stalking, and serious fraud have the right to dedicated legal representation. Request a confidential initial consultation to learn what we can do in your specific case.

Many victims hesitate to retain a lawyer due to concerns about costs. In cases of violent and sexual offenses, German law provides for the state to cover the fees of the co-plaintiff's counsel. In all other cases, we agree on a fee structure tailored to your specific situation from the first consultation.

As of June 2026