Barba & Partner Rechtsanwälte – your lawyers across Germany

Criminal defense in Frankfurt

Fachanwalt für Strafrecht Frankfurt

Facing criminal charges in Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt, we safeguard your rights—from initial suspicion to trial. Especially in a metropolis like Frankfurt am Main, where international financial flows, startup culture, and organized crime intersect, selecting the right criminal defense lawyer is paramount. 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 Frankfurt am Main. Our law firm combines international expertise with local insight—a decisive advantage that inspires confidence.

Frankfurt is one of Europe’s leading financial and judicial hubs. The city on the Main River is home to major financial institutions, including the European Central Bank (ECB), the German Bundesbank, and Germany’s largest airport. These factors make Frankfurt a city of significant criminal law relevance. In districts such as the financial district, Gallus, and Westend, the diversity of legal challenges becomes clear—ranging from commercial crime to international criminal proceedings.

We also provide dedicated and skilled defense for clients in other cities such as Hanau, Offenbach, Wiesbaden, Darmstadt, and Mainz.

Call us at 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt-Preungesheim 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

Frankfurt is a hotspot for international legal proceedings. With its airport, the European Central Bank, and numerous global enterprises, the city is deeply embedded in both European and international legal frameworks. We provide defense in cases involving:

  • 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


Case example: A client is arrested at Frankfurt Airport under an international 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 Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt frequently becomes the focus of commercial crime investigations. 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 Frankfurt: a tech founder faces allegations of misappropriated innovation funding. We mount a robust defense against the subsidy fraud charges.

Another example: An executive of a Frankfurt-based corporation is suspected of deceiving investors through financial statement manipulations. We assess the allegations in light of the case file, engage expert analysis where needed, and take strategic action to avoid a public indictment.

Find more information on: commercial criminal law


 

Criminal tax law

Frankfurt’s role as a financial hub is tied to complex tax structures. 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


Case example: A Frankfurt entrepreneur fails to declare foreign investment income. 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 Frankfurt and nearby cities?

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.

What do our clients say?

Don’t just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Numerous testimonials praise our discretion, expertise, and efficiency. See for yourself by checking out our client feedback on Google.

Criminal law in Frankfurt: local nuances & case scenarios

Frankfurt am Main is Germany’s fifth-largest city, an international transportation hub, and a major financial center. In 2024 alone, more than 113,000 criminal offenses were recorded in the metropolitan area (source: 2024 Frankfurt Police Crime Statistics). A disproportionately high number of these involved economic and drug-related crimes. Overall, the criminal landscape in Frankfurt is complex and multifaceted:

  • Drug trafficking in the areas surrounding the central train station and the airport
  • Execution of national, European, and international arrest warrants at the airport
  • Undeclared cash imports and money laundering at the airport
  • Subsidy fraud
  • Money laundering linked to real estate investments and cryptocurrencies


Key institutions in Frankfurt and nearby cities include:


Our experience with cases in Frankfurt 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 in Frankfurt–competently, discreetly, and efficiently. Call us or use our online tools:

Make an appointment
Contact form


 

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 Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt. We know their procedures and defend you against EU-wide fraud charges.

Do I need a local criminal defense lawyer if I live in Frankfurt?
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 Frankfurt’s correctional facility—can of course be arranged when needed.


Tip: The “best lawyer” isn’t always the one next door

What truly matters is that your lawyer speaks your language and understands you legally, personally, and literally.

What matters more than a nearby law office is having a lawyer with:

  • Experience with cases like yours
  • Specialization in criminal law and international prosecution
  • Language skills and cross-border cultural understanding
  • Tactical planning and negotiation strength
  • Familiarity with local judicial structures

“Our clients come from Germany, Italy, and other countries—not in search of just any lawyer, but of the one uniquely suited to their case.

Our experience shows: The outcome of a criminal case depends far more on expertise and strategy than on geography.


 

Contact your criminal defense lawyers for Frankfurt

Get confidential legal advice now. If you’re under investigation or have received a summons, don’t hesitate.

“Early representation by an experienced defense lawyer can make all the difference—improving your chances of a successful objection, having the case dismissed, or receiving a less severe sentence.”

Salvatore Barba, certified specialist lawyer for criminal law

Use our expertise, experience, and resolve to protect your rights in Frankfurt.

Barba & Partner Rechtsanwälte offers you:

  • Highly specialized criminal defense
  • Local knowledge of Frankfurt’s judicial landscape
  • International competence and multilingual service (DE | IT | EN)
  • Discreet, strategic, and effective defense solutions
  • Personalized client service instead of one-size-fits-all approaches


Get in touch:

Make an appointment online
Contact form
Tel.: 0800-8922722 / from abroad: +49 89 215285310

Let’s take the next steps together.

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We provide legal advice to clients worldwide. Request a non-binding introductory meeting today.

We are glad to support you as your lawyers. Visit us at our locations, e.g. in Munich. Get in touch with us. We would also be happy to welcome you in a video conference via Google Meet.

Our law firm uses the most modern means of communication, so that you can obtain a virtual appointment with us at short notice, regardless of where you live. In this way, we are able to act for our clients throughout Germany and Italy.