Fees, insurance and the first consultation
Why a fee agreement instead of the statutory rates?
The statutory fees under the German Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) form the minimum framework for a lawyer's remuneration. In practice, they rarely cover the actual effort of a committed criminal defense. A defense lawyer who is to carefully analyze files running to hundreds of pages, prepare challenges to the evidence, review expert opinions and actively conduct trials lasting several days cannot do so on the basis of the statutory fees. The fee agreement ensures that your defense lawyer can invest the effort your case deserves.
Legal expenses insurance in criminal matters
Legal expenses insurance covers criminal matters only to a limited extent. Regulatory offenses — for example speeding or red-light fines — are generally fully covered. In criminal proceedings, coverage depends largely on whether the accusation is one of negligence or of intent: negligence offenses are covered by most policies, while for allegations of intent there is generally no coverage or only limited coverage. Whether and to what extent your insurer will pay depends on your specific policy and the accusation. I clarify this in the first consultation and, where coverage is confirmed, bill the insurer directly. Even with partial coverage, a supplementary fee agreement can make sense to secure the full scope of the defense.
D&O insurance and criminal defense
Managing directors, board members and supervisory-board members often have a directors-and-officers (D&O) policy that can also cover criminal proceedings. Coverage is limited to accusations connected with the corporate role — such as breach of trust, delayed insolvency filing or tax evasion. Even where intent is alleged, D&O insurers generally pay provisionally; repayment becomes an issue only once intent has been established by a final judgment. Broader protection comes from a dedicated criminal legal-expenses policy for managers, which pays regardless of the outcome. I support my clients in dealing with the D&O insurer and in assessing whether the specific accusation is covered.
First assessment and initial consultation
The first assessment by phone is free of charge and without obligation — you learn where you stand before money is ever discussed. In the initial consultation, I analyze your situation and give you a first assessment of the prospects of your defense. It is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. In urgent cases — an arrest, a search, detention — I am reachable around the clock and can act immediately, even before a formal mandate is concluded.