Juvenile Criminal Law – Competent Defense for Juveniles and Young Adults Nationwide
Juvenile criminal law in Germany differs fundamentally from adult criminal law. It focuses less on punishment and more on education and reintegration. For this reason, proceedings against juveniles and young adults are particularly sensitive and require experience, tact, and expertise.
Parents and defendants are often faced with questions: What consequences can actually arise? What rights do I have? And how can the chances of a mild judgment or even dismissal of the proceedings be improved?
As a defense lawyer, I help you realistically assess the situation and guide the process in the best possible way.
Content
- When does juvenile criminal law apply?
- Objectives of juvenile criminal law
- Typical allegations against juveniles
- Possible sanctions and consequences
- Special features of the proceedings
- Why you need legal support
- My services for you
- Contact
When does juvenile criminal law apply?
The Juvenile Courts Act (JGG) regulates when juvenile criminal law applies:
- It always applies to juveniles (14–17 years old).
- For young adults (18–20 years old), it may apply if there is a lack of maturity or if the offense is considered typical for juveniles.
- Children under 14 years are not criminally responsible.
Especially for young adults, it is crucial to carefully examine whether juvenile or adult criminal law applies, as this has a major impact on the legal consequences.
Objectives of juvenile criminal law
The focus is not punishment, but rather:
- Education towards responsibility,
- Prevention of further offenses,
- Encouragement of positive development.
Juvenile criminal law therefore places particular emphasis on measures that help offenders learn from mistakes and live a law-abiding life.
Typical allegations against juveniles
Common charges include:
- Theft (§ 242 StGB)
- Bodily harm (§ 223 StGB)
- Aggravated bodily harm (§ 224 StGB)
- Property damage (§ 303 StGB)
- Drug possession (§ 29 BtMG)
- Insult (§ 185 StGB)
- Forgery (§ 267 StGB)
- Traffic offenses
Group offenses or conflicts at school and in leisure activities often lead quickly to investigations.
Possible sanctions and consequences
Juvenile criminal law provides for different sanctions than adult law:
- Educational measures (e.g., social training courses, counseling)
- Disciplinary measures (e.g., warnings, conditions, juvenile detention)
- Juvenile imprisonment (in serious cases)
Although the focus is educational, the consequences can still be significant:
- Police summons or youth court assistance involvement
- Juvenile detention or imprisonment
- Entry in the juvenile register
- Impact on education and career
Professional defense can help to avoid or significantly reduce negative consequences.
Special features of the proceedings
Juvenile criminal proceedings differ in several ways:
- Youth court assistance: plays a central role and issues assessments.
- Educational orientation: prosecutors and courts often look for solutions outside a conviction.
- Confidentiality: proceedings are generally not public.
- Diversion: proceedings can be dismissed if the accused fulfills certain conditions.
It is important to present all exonerating circumstances early and avoid unconsidered statements.
Why you need legal support
Even though juvenile law emphasizes education, allegations should not be taken lightly. Without legal help, it is easy to:
- make incriminating statements,
- miss opportunities for dismissal,
- face disproportionately harsh measures.
As your defense lawyer, I ensure that the young person’s interests are protected, the right steps are taken, and the proceedings remain understandable.
My services for you
I defend juveniles and young adults nationwide – with commitment and sensitivity:
- Advice before the first statement
- Inspection of files and analysis of evidence
- Representation before police, youth court assistance, and prosecution
- Defense in the main hearing
- Negotiation of conditions or diversion
- Support until the conclusion of proceedings
Contact now
You or your child have received a summons? Are you under investigation?
Do not hesitate – early consultation can be decisive.
Phone: +49 172 8974716
E-Mail: beisel@duckscheer.de
I stand by your side with experience, sensitivity, and expertise – nationwide and in every phase of juvenile criminal proceedings.
