Insights
The rights of the accused under section 49 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and their significance for an effective defence
When criminal proceedings are initiated against an individual, the correct response from the very beginning is crucial. Even at the …
Convicted – what now? Your options for challenging a criminal judgment in Austria
A criminal court judgment is not necessarily final. Under certain conditions, you have the possibility to challenge it and lodge …
Robbery in Austria
The Austrian Criminal Code protects the property of others not only from covert removal or fraudulent inducement, but also from …
Criminal Damage in Austria: An Overview of the Offence and Its Consequences
The Austrian Criminal Code protects property not only against unlawful taking, deception, or the use of force, but also against …
Pre-trial detention in Austria – What those affected and their relatives should know
The imposition of pre-trial detention and the associated deprivation of liberty come as a surprise to many of those affected. …
Section 39 SMG – Treatment Instead of Punishment in Austria
In addition to imposing criminal penalties for drug-related offenses, Austrian drug law also takes a health-oriented approach. This is reflected …
Sections 28 and 28a SMG – Drug trafficking in Austria
While Section 27 of the Austrian Narcotic Drugs Act primarily covers the unauthorized handling of narcotics for personal use, (the …
Arrest in Austria: Requirements, Procedure, and Why Legal Assistance Is Crucial
The arrest, within Austrian criminal procedure, is designed as a short-term deprivation of liberty. It is carried out by state …
Narcotic Substances Act (Suchtmittelgesetz – SMG) in Austria: Overview of Rules and Penalties
The Austrian Narcotic Substances Act (Suchtmittelgesetz – SMG) regulates the handling of substances that may cause addiction or endanger health. …
House Search: Your Rights and the Correct Way to Respond
An unexpected ring at the door, strangers in your home, targeted questions, searches, seizures and confiscations – for those affected, …
Documents Forgery in Austria (Section 223 StGB): Criminal Liability, Legal Consequences and Practical Relevance
Forged or false documents often play a central role in large and complex white-collar criminal proceedings. In particular in offences …
The reform of conditional release in Austria – what has applied since 1 January 2026?
Depending on the initial situation, a conviction in criminal proceedings is often unavoidable. In such cases, comprehensive and professional criminal …
Criminal Defense in Fraud Cases – Legal Assessment, Risks, and Defense Strategies
Many suspects or accused persons find themselves confronted with allegations of fraud in criminal proceedings. Alongside embezzlement and breach of …
Sexual Offences in Austria: Definitions, Penalties, and Proper Conduct During the Investigation Phase
Sexual offences are among the most sensitive and at the same time most serious allegations in Austrian criminal law. Often, …
Bodily Injury in Austria: Definitions, Penalties, and Proper Conduct During the Investigation Phase
Offenses involving bodily injury are among the most common crimes in Austria. They often start with a brief lapse of …
Criminal Proceedings in Austria: Procedure, Rights, and Proper Conduct During the Investigation Phase
Criminal proceedings often begin unexpectedly for those affected: a summons to the police, a house search, or a notification from …
