Cyber and Internet Criminal Cases
Computer crime and cybercrime cases are among the most technically and legally complex areas of criminal law. They typically involve complex investigations, extensive digital evidence and cross-border elements. Effective defence therefore requires not only criminal law expertise, but also a deep understanding of the technical issues involved.
Our law firm defends clients in criminal investigations and proceedings involving computer crime and cybercrime throughout Germany. From the outset, both legal and technical issues are incorporated into the defence strategy. In these cases, technical processes, digital traces and the origin of electronic evidence often require particularly careful scrutiny. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this may involve internal IT expertise as well as support from external experts.
Our criminal defence team consists of two lawyers. In the field of cybercrime, the firm has particular expertise, especially in cases involving technical complexity and international elements.
We represent clients throughout Germany and an international context. Telephone meetings and audio or video conferences are just as much a part of day-to-day life at the firm as face-to-face consultations on the premises. Alongside our Munich office, our branch office in Nuremberg enables us to represent clients across northern Bavaria. This location is close to the Bamberg Public Prosecutor General’s Office, which is of particular practical relevance in cybercrime proceedings.
Cybercrime and Criminal Law
Criminal law applies just as much in the digital world as it does offline. What distinguishes cybercrime cases is that criminal conduct, communication processes and data storage often extend across several countries. This frequently gives rise to difficult questions of jurisdiction, applicable law and international cooperation between investigative authorities.
In the narrower sense, computer crime and cybercrime refer to offences targeting against IT systems, networks, databases or stored data. These include, for example, data espionage or data interception, unauthorised access to systems, data manipulation and attacks on the functionality of information technology systems. More broadly, it also includes offences in which digital infrastructure is used to prepare or commit more traditional forms of crime, particularly in cases of internet-based fraud.
Our еxperience in Cybercrime Defence
Our practical experience especially includes defending clients against allegations involving:
- Fraud through investment platforms for cryptocurrencies, binary options, CFDs and other financial instruments
- Formation of criminal organisations under section 129 of the German Criminal Code
- Unlawful acquisition of motor vehicles under section 263a of the German Criminal Code
- Credit fraud under section 263a of the German Criminal Code
- Fraud using unlawfully obtained card data under section 263a of the German Criminal Code
- Fraud involving service loans under section 263a of the German Criminal Code
- Billing fraud in the healthcare sector under section 263a of the German Criminal Code
- Fraud by bank transfer under section 263a of the German Criminal Code
- Falsification of data intended to have evidential value and fraud in connection with data processing under sections 269 and 270 of the German Criminal Code
- Possession, distribution and sale of child sexual abuse material
- Data espionage and data interception under sections 202a and 202b of the German Criminal Code
In these cases, the assessment of digital evidence, the reconstruction of technical processes and the review of investigative assumptions are particularly important. Effective defence usually begins at the earliest stage of the investigation.
Cross-Border Cases and European Investigative Measures
Cross-border elements are common in computer crime cases. Investigations are often conducted by several authorities in parallel or supported by European investigative instruments. Experience in handling cross-border matters is therefore particularly important, as is familiarity with measures such as the European Investigation Order and the European Arrest Warrant.
Many German federal states have also established specialised central units for cybercrime. Their work is not limited to direct attacks on IT systems. It also covers general criminal offences in which digital communication tools or the internet are alleged to have been used as the means of committing the offence. Cases of this kind are often extensive, technically complex and involve significant investigative measures.
Thanks to the firm’s nationwide focus and a robust network of partner firms, we are able to ensure consistent legal representation even in complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions or where personal liability is at stake.
Early Defence
In computer crime and cybercrime cases, key decisions are often made at the investigation stage. At an early stage, it is essential to establish the precise nature of the allegations, the scope of the digital evidence collected during the investigation, the extent of the investigative measures, and whether the technical findings relied upon by the investigating authorities are robust and reliable.
We advise and defend clients in computer crime and cybercrime proceedings with the necessary discretion, technical understanding and legal precision.
