Criminal business and tax law rarely begins immediately with criminal proceedings.

In most cases, the process starts with a tax audit, a customs inspection, a status determination, or an official inquiry. Within a very short time, these can lead to criminal investigations with significant personal consequences for managing directors, board members, business owners, and employees involved in the conduct in question. In Germany, criminal liability generally falls not on the company but on the individuals involved.

Our work therefore begins long before any charges are filed. We provide preventive support to companies through compliance, governance, and documentation frameworks, and we defend them when risks have already materialized.

Our practice focuses on criminal tax law, allegations of illegal employment, social security and contribution offenses, temporary staffing, minimum wage violations, foreign trade law, embargo violations, and customs administration proceedings. Today, the outcome is often determined not by the facts alone, but by whether authorities assume the parties involved acted out of error, recklessness, or intent.

Criminal proceedings follow different rules than business decisions. Once a preliminary investigation begins, priorities, communication channels, and defense strategies change fundamentally. That is why we develop a robust defense early on, coordinate communication with investigative authorities, and integrate criminal, tax, labor, and corporate law aspects into a unified strategy.
Cross-border cases are also part of our practice. We assess international jurisdictional issues, handle cases with international elements, and provide defense where different legal systems intersect. Effective criminal defense does not begin in the courtroom.

Contact us to develop a clear strategy before others dictate the rules of the game.