Facing criminal charges in Berlin? We safeguard your rights—from initial suspicion to trial

An investigation, an unexpected search of your home, or even an arrest can upend your life in an instant. If you are facing criminal charges in Berlin, we safeguard your rights—from initial suspicion to trial. Especially in a metropolis like Berlin, where politics, start-up culture, international organizations, and organized crime converge, choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is crucial. Our seasoned lawyers and certified criminal law specialists provide skilled, professional defense at every stage of the criminal process.

At Barba & Partner Rechtsanwälte, we specialize in criminal law with a distinct focus on commercial criminal law, international criminal law, criminal tax law, and proceedings involving the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Our lawyers and certified criminal law specialists advocate forcefully on your behalf—whether in matters of business or in response to personal allegations. Having offices in multiple cities, we also represent clients in high-stakes cases in Berlin. Our law firm combines international expertise with local insight—a decisive advantage that inspires confidence.

Berlin is not only the nation’s capital but also a key hub for courts, government agencies, and international organizations. The city is home to the Berlin Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor and hosts major law enforcement bodies. The Federal Public Prosecutor General at the Federal Court of Justice also maintains a branch in Berlin to coordinate state security and terrorism cases. Districts such as Kreuzberg, Mitte, and Charlottenburg reflect the full spectrum of criminal law challenges—from narcotics offenses to commercial crimes in the tech sector. At Berlin Brandenburg Airport, European and international arrest warrants are regularly enforced.

Call us at tel.: 0800-8922722, at +49 89 215285310 from abroad, or schedule an appointment online. Our firm provides rapid emergency assistance and a reliable point of contact for clients in Berlin and the surrounding area.

Our criminal law services

We guide you through every phase of criminal proceedings, often resolving cases without public trials. Our communications—whether in person, by phone, or via video call—are protected by lawyer-client privilege and are inadmissible in court.

We also assist clients in recovering assets seized or confiscated. Should the case proceed to trial, it can often be concluded after just one day of hearings. Multiple court sessions are typically required only in particularly complex matters.

Whether it’s an initial suspicion, a search warrant, formal charges, a penalty order, or an appeal—our criminal defense firm takes swift, decisive action to safeguard your rights from the very start:

• Initial case assessment and immediate measures
• Online initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer
• Defense during investigations or in response to a criminal report
• Representation and defense in matters involving searches by police, tax authorities, or customs
• Defense in cases of arrest and pre-trial detention (e.g., at the Moabit Prison)
• Review and contestation of penalty orders
• Prevention of charges and defense during trial proceedings
• Defense against allegations such as assault, robbery, or homicide
• Defense in cases involving narcotics (possession, trafficking, importation)
• Collaboration with tax advisors to avert criminal tax proceedings
• Victim protection and representation of relatives in homicide cases (adhesion and accessory prosecution)

An overview of our specializations in criminal law

International criminal law

Berlin is a key location for international cooperation. Whether at BER Airport, embassies, or international NGOs—the city is deeply interconnected with the European and global legal systems. We provide defense in cases including:

• Mutual legal assistance in cross-border criminal investigations
• Extradition proceedings
• Interpol searches and Red Notices
• European arrest warrants
• International arrest warrants
• Investigations by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) concerning subsidy fraud, EU-related fraud, and VAT carousel cases

For example, in the case of an arrest at Berlin Brandenburg Airport: A client is taken into custody based on a European Arrest Warrant. Within hours, we coordinate the next steps with foreign colleagues and assess the legal requirements for extradition, aiming for immediate release or timely prevention of extradition.

Find more information on: international criminal law

Commercial criminal law

As the capital and home to numerous companies, government ministries, and start-ups, Berlin is frequently the scene of criminal investigations involving commercial crime. From compliance breaches to financial manipulations and corruption allegations, we offer discreet and effective support to entrepreneurs and executives. Our approach involves close collaboration with specialized tax advisors and a strong focus on discreet, reputation-conscious solutions—particularly for managing directors, senior executives, and key decision-makers. Our defense services cover:

• Corruption and bribery
• Subsidy fraud (e.g., involving startup grants or funding programs administered by the BAFA, German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control)
• Insolvency offenses (e.g., delayed filings, bankruptcy)
• Accounting fraud
• Money laundering
• Embezzlement
• Insider trading

A typical case from Berlin: An investigation is launched against a start-up founder from Berlin-Mitte over allegedly fraudulent use of government funding. We provide a vigorous defense against the allegation of subsidy fraud.

Another example: A managing director of a Berlin-based FinTech company is suspected of misleading investors through balance sheet manipulation. We review the allegations based on the case file, commission expert assessments, and successfully prevent the filing of public charges.

Find more information on: commercial criminal law

Criminal tax law

In Berlin, too, tax audits, foreign accounts, and digital financial transactions often lead to criminal tax investigations. Criminal tax proceedings can pose existential threats to entrepreneurs and freelancers. We provide advice and defense in cases involving:

• Tax evasion charges
• Criminal tax proceedings
• Voluntary disclosures, coordinated with tax advisors
• Tax audits
• Investigations by tax authorities
• Cases involving foreign income, international bank accounts, and real estate located in foreign jurisdictions

Example: A business owner from Berlin-Charlottenburg failed to declare capital income from Switzerland. We assist with the voluntary disclosure, coordinate necessary steps with tax advisors, and prevent the initiation of an investigation.

Our goal is often a penalty-free resolution without public proceedings, achieved through full disclosure and meticulous legal guidance.

Find more information on: criminal tax law

Why choose Barba & Partner Rechtsanwälte for your case in Berlin?

Our firm offers specialized defense of the highest caliber, with a strategic focus on what really matters and on achieving the best possible outcome for you.

• Certified specialist lawyer for criminal law Salvatore Barba embodies legal excellence, strategic insight, and assertiveness.
• Multilingual team with deep expertise in international criminal defense
• Extensive experience in international business law
• Global network of lawyers and defense specialists
• Personalized attention—no cookie-cutter defense strategies
• Strong focus on out-of-court solutions whenever possible
• Absolute discretion: Your case remains confidential.
• Our clients range from private individuals to internationally operating companies—all represented by a well-coordinated team with a clear focus on criminal law.
• We provide personalized, transparent counsel with a clear focus on your professional and personal future—always with the goal of protecting your rights effectively.

Trust a law firm that not only defends—but understands the long-term impact of criminal proceedings on your future and acts accordingly. Leverage our years of experience and legal specialization for your defense.

Criminal law in Berlin: local nuances & case scenarios

Berlin is Germany’s largest city, the nation’s capital, and a central hub for politics, media, and business. According to the 2023 Police Crime Statistics, 536,697 criminal offenses were recorded in Berlin—an increase of 16,870 cases compared to the previous year. Particularly striking is the rise in assault offenses, which reached 48,254 cases—the highest level in the past ten years. Overall, the criminal landscape is complex:

• Drug trafficking in districts such as Görlitzer Park and Kottbusser Tor
• Enforcement of European and international arrest warrants at BER Airport
• Money laundering linked to Berlin’s real estate sector
• Subsidy fraud related to start-up funding programs
• Organized crime involving clan or biker group connections

Key institutions in the city include:

• Amtsgericht Tiergarten (District Court Tiergarten)
• Landgericht Berlin I und Landgericht Berlin II (Regional Courts Berlin I & II)
• Kammergericht Berlin (Court of Appeal Berlin)
• Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Berlin (General Prosecutor’s Office Berlin)
• JVA Moabit (Moabit Correctional Facility)
• Delegated European prosecutors of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Berlin

Our experience with cases in Berlin shows: investigative authorities are well connected, collaborate closely with customs and Germany’s financial supervisory authority (BaFin), and are more than ever operating on an international level.

Legal first aid – what to do when facing criminal allegations

• Try to stay calm!
• Remain silent. Do not make statements to the police, customs, or prosecution
• Document all relevant facts (time, involved persons, documents received).
• Contact us immediately: 0800-8922722 from within Germany or +49 89 215285310 from abroad.
• We develop your defense strategy—thorough, personalized, and effective.
• We support you through all stages of the proceedings—from questioning to a possible dismissal or acquittal.

Early defense is critical. We defend you also in Berlin–competently, discreetly, and efficiently. Call us or use our online tools:

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Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How quickly can I get an appointment?
Usually the same day—by phone or video conference.

Is my case confidential?
Yes. All information is protected by lawyer-client privilege. Your data will not be shared with third parties.

What happens during a search of my home?
The police can only search your premises with a judicial warrant. Contact us before making any statements or handing over documents.

Do I have to respond to a police summons?
As a suspect, you are not required to appear or testify. We’ll evaluate whether a formal statement makes sense in your case. Even in informal police interviews in Berlin, one rule always applies: consult a lawyer first. We will request access to the investigative file on your behalf, and together we’ll determine the best course of action based on the facts.

How long does an investigation take?
It depends on complexity—anywhere from weeks to years. We work toward swift communication with authorities and early intervention.

What are the costs?
Fees depend on your case. We provide clear, upfront information before engagement.

Can I be arrested abroad?
Yes, if there is a European or international arrest warrant. We check the legal grounds and represent you in extradition proceedings.

How long does extradition take?
It varies a lot. Urgent cases may resolve in days, while complex ones can take weeks or months. We fight for your release and select a criminal defense attorney from our international network to represent you abroad—ensuring coordinated, high-quality defense on site.

What if I’m under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO)?
The EPPO is active in Berlin. We know their procedures and defend you against EU-wide fraud charges.

Do I need a local criminal defense lawyer if I live in Berlin?
Not necessarily. When it comes to the success of your criminal case, proximity is far less important than specialization, experience, and personal attention from the right lawyer. Modern communication makes it possible to handle nearly all stages of a case efficiently, from anywhere. In-person appointments—whether in court or at the Moabit correctional facility—can of course be arranged when needed.