The victim is an important witness in the proceedings and will therefore be questioned already during the investigation in order to obtain the required evidence. The questioning may be carried out either by the police, the prosecutor’s Office or the investigating judge. If you are called as a witness you are obligated to appear, otherwise there is a risk of a fine or you might be picked up and personally escorted by the police. You are bound to tell the truth. In some cases you may have a right to refuse testimony completely or to withhold certain information. You are entitled to refuse testimony (Zeugnisverweigerungsrecht) if you are married or engaged to the accused or related (closely enough) by blood or marriage. The same applies for people who are living or have lived together in the context of a registered civil partnership. A right to refuse testimony also applies for anyone subject to a duty of professional secrecy, such as medical doctors, priests or psychologists. A witness has a right to withhold Information (Auskunftsverweigerungsrecht), if this testimony would put the witness or one of his relatives at risk of prosecution for a criminal offense or misdemeanor. The witness has to be informed about his rights and duties prior to each questioning.

For certain offences, the victim must be assigned a lawyer (victim representative) for the entire proceedings, regardless of the victim’s financial situation. The victim’s lawyer will already assist the victim during the questioning by the police. In these cases , the state will pay the statutory legal fees. Such a legal representative for accessory prosecutors may be assigned for example in cases of murder or manslaughter serious sexual offences human trafficking certain crimes such as causing serious personal injury, robbery and extortion which have caused serious emotional or bodily harm to the victim, or are expected to do so minors who have fallen victim to certain serious crimes persons who have fallen victim to certain serious crimes and who are unable to enforce their own interests adequately if the victim is dead, close relatives have this right

If no legal representative is assigned, the injured party can apply for legal aid. Legal aid is available, if the injured party is entitled to private accessory prosecution and the injured party is unable to adequately enforce its own interests or if the injured party cannot reasonably be expected to do so Also mandatory requirement is that the injured party is unable to fund the costs for personal or financial reasons. This is also the case if the injured is only able to finance part of the costs or pay in instalments. The application for legal aid must be filed with the competent court. It requires disclosing your personal and financial situation. If the court grants legal aid, the public purse will fund the fees of the lawyer either completely, or they have to be repaid by the accessory prosecutor in monthly instalments. For the application go to Forms and Documents.

How does a courtroom look like? The judges (and, if applicable, the lay judges) sit on the bench in the courtroom. There is also a secretary who records the proceedings. In addition, a prosecutor is present at all times. The defendant and his lawyer (and, if applicable, an interpreter) sit across from the prosecution. If the victim files for private accessory prosecution, he (and his lawyer) are permitted to be present throughout the entire trial, sitting on the side of the prosecutor. If the accessory prosecutor requires an interpreter, the interpreter will sit beside him. If the trial is open to the public, spectators may sit in the back of the court room.  The witnesses are kept outside the courtroom while they wait to testify; during their testimony, they are in the centre of the courtroom. Afterwards, they can sit in the spectator area.

If you are summoned as a witness in court, you have to appear. A witness who fails to appear may be ordered to pay the costs caused by his absence. In addition, he may be fined, and failure to pay may result in his detention. The court may also order the police to bring a missing witness before the court.  When testifying at court, a witness is generally obligated to provide his personal details (name, address etc.), but exceptions apply in some cases.   The witness has to make true and complete statements, unless he has a right to refuse testimony or to withhold Information. If the witness decides to testify despite having a right to refuse testimony or withhold information, he is required to tell the truth.     Lying in front of a judge is a criminal offence!  

As a victim of a crime, you can pursue your claims for pain and suffering and damages within the criminal proceedings. There are different ways to obtain compensation from the offender: The adhesive procedure (Adhäsionsverfahren) Victims would normally have to pursue claims for pain and suffering and damages at the civil courts with a separate lawsuit. In this case, the victim would first have to bear the cost of the lawsuit himself, unless the victim has purchased legal expense insurance. However, claims can also be pursued within the criminal proceedings, through a so-called adhesive procedure (Adhäsionsverfahren), which enables the victim to pursue his compensation claims within the criminal proceedings. This requires: a written application to the prosecutor’s office or the court, a verbal application to the court, or a verbal application during the trial. The plaintiff of the adhesive action must also state what he wants from the defendant and why. However, in contrast to a civil court, the criminal court is obligated to find out all facts and circumstances relevant to the claim, so that the plaintiff does not have to name all required evidence. Adhesive procedures are not admissible if the offender was a minor at the time of the offence.   The adhesive procedure has the following advantages:   no stress through an additional civil trial, no lawyer required, no advance payments of court costs. In contrast to a civil trial, the plaintiff of the adhesive action can testify as a witness on his own behalf. If the plaintiff claims only damages, allowing the adhesive action is subject to the discretion of the court. The court may reject the adhesive procedure, if it believes, that this would delay the criminal proceedings. However, the court always has to rule on a claim for pain and suffering, unless the filing of such claim was impermissible (e.g. too late) or the claim itself was unsubstantiated. It is possible to file a claim for pain and suffering without specifying an amount. Plaintiffs in adhesive actions may participate in the trial and they can be represented by a lawyer, though this is not mandatory for pursuing an adhesive action. The plaintiff in an adhesive action has the right to be heard by the court, and can file the questions and motions necessary for the proceedings. Depending on the results, the court can grant the victim the damages in whole or in part. In addition, the court may issue judgment on the substance of the claim (Grundurteil), deciding only that the plaintiff has suffered damage and that the offender is required to pay damages. The amount of the damages is then determined in separate proceedings at the civil court. Only the defendant is entitled to appeal against the civil law part of the judgment. Such appeals are also heard by the criminal courts. Costs may arise by the adhesive procedure. The plaintiff can apply for legal aid or ask his legal expense insurer (if applicable) whether it will cover the costs. Depending on the outcome, the plaintiff may have to pay the costs of the offender. Adhesive procedures also pose a general cost risk if the offender is unable to pay. In the adhesive procedure, victim and offender may also settle on a certain amount.   Restitution:   The judge can also order the offender to make amends for the damage caused to the victim. This is in particular possible for juvenile offenders, who may be subject to an order or directive to provide compensation for the damages caused. A victim may also conclude a settlement (Wiedergutmachungsvergleich) directly with the offender during the criminal proceedings. The court will usually propose a settlement if the victim and the offender request this. The settlement is a enforceable civil title (vollstreckbar).   Victim-offender mediation (Täter-Opfer-Ausgleich):   Another possibility is the so-called “Täter-Opfer-Ausgleich” (TOA) which doesn’t necessarily require a payment to settle civil law claims. The TOA does not take place at court, but in front of an independent arbitration body. At the centre of these proceedings is a mediated talk between the victim and the offender, during which the two parties can agree on various compensation measures. It is possible to agree on a monetary payment, but an apology or another gesture by the offender to make up for his deed is also possible. This mediation procedure is voluntary for both the victim as well as the offender. The mediation cannot be undertaken against the will of the victim. If the victim does not want it, no TOA will take place. If a victim decides to agree to the mediation procedure, he can bring someone to accompany him. The prosecution and the court should always try to initiate a TOA during the entire proceedings. For the victim, the TOA may enable him to get compensation for damages or pain and suffering faster and often much easier than via the civil courts. At the same time, meeting the offender outside of court can provide a much better basis for talks. Victims can show the offender the wrong he committed and the consequences of his actions. For the offender, participation may result in a lower sentence or even no sentence at all. For minor offences, it is possible to terminate the proceedings subject to the condition that the offender pays a certain amount to the victim. The victim’s compensation claims against the offender have priority over state claims against the offender such as for fines and court costs. Only after the victim’s claims against the offender have been paid by the offender state claims against the offender can be enforced.  

Several basic principles apply for the criminal trial. These govern the structure and the manner of the trial. They ensure that the trial meets the requirements of a constitutional state.   Principle of immediacy:   The court must examine the evidence itself in order to arrive at a basis for its decision. This means: The judge must be present during the entire trial. The most immediate means of evidence must be used. This means, for example, that the witness should be questioned directly by the court, instead of just reading the record of a previous testimony.   Principle of oral proceedings:   In order to make the criminal trial transparent and understandable, the entire trial must be carried out in an oral format. This means, for example, that all witnesses have to testify orally before the court, and all documents have to be read out.   Principle of public trial:   In general, the trial must be public and accessible to everyone, including interested citizens and the press. However, access to the trial can be limited to protect the participants, including the witnesses.   In dubio pro reo:   The Latin phrase “in dubio pro reo” means that the court has to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt. The accused is assumed to be innocent until his guilt has been established beyond reasonable doubt.   Fair trial:   The trial must be fair and in line with the requirements of a constitutional state.   Right to the statutory judge:   This principle states that the government must establish in advance the rules stipulating which judge deals with which case, without regard to any specific individual case.   Right to be heard:   The accused has the right to respond to the accusations and to file motions during the proceedings.

Victims of crime are generally summoned to the trial as witnesses and thus informed of the trial date. In those exceptional cases where the victim is not summoned as a witness, it will be informed about the trial date upon request. The victim can submit this request already when filing the initial complaint, but also during questioning or with a letter to the prosecutor’s office, stating the following reason: Someone who is not a witness can nevertheless attend the trial as a member of the public, just like everyone else. For the crime victim, this applies even in trials against juvenile offenders, despite the fact that these are usually non-public. Victims who are entitled to file for private accessory prosecution have additional rights.

Read the summons you receive thoroughly. Here are a few tips: It is a good idea to arrive a bit early at court, as you may be delayed by security checks. Do not bring sharp objects or liquids, as you will have to surrender these at the security checkpoint. The rules are similar as in airports. The trial proceedings commence with the calling of the case. The judge determines if all summoned persons are present. Afterwards, all witnesses have to leave the courtroom. You will wait in front of the courtroom until you are called by the judge. If you are afraid of meeting the defendant, you should contact a victim support organisation such as WEISSEN RING in a timely fashion before the trial. A member of the victim support organisation can accompany you and wait with you at a place where you won’t meet the defendant. Trials often open with some delay. You should take such delays into account. You should bring a person you trust to support you while you wait.

Right to protection and consideration The court must take your rights and interests appropriately into account. Your personal circumstances must be taken into consideration during each questioning, insofar as the search for the truth allows.     Right to assistance     As a victim, you can bring a lawyer or a person you trust to your questioning during the trial.     Right to protection of privacy     A direct confrontation with the defendant in the courtroom can only be avoided in exceptional cases. Where such exceptions apply, the questioning can be carried out by video conferencing, by taking your testimony before the trial or by removing the defendant from the courtroom. In very serious exceptional cases, a testimony before the court can be replaced by video questioning or by reading out an earlier record of testimony. In some cases, you may be able to testify without giving your personal information. Once the trial begins, video and photo recording as well as TV and radio recording and transmissions are prohibited in order to protect the privacy of the participants. If the testimony touches on your personal life, the court may exclude the public, either at its own initiative or upon request. In general questions regarding your personal life are only asked if they are essential to enlighten the facts. In cases where minors are victims of crimes against the right of sexual self-determination, life, personal freedom or of the maltreatment of charges, the public will be excluded from the trial upon request. The public can also be excluded where the physical safety of witnesses or other persons might be put at risk. Right to retain distance from the accused Exclusion of the defendant from the trial: The defendant is generally obligated to be present during the entire trial. The court may exclude the defendant in some cases during the questioning of the witness, if a testifying victim is of minor age and there are concrete indications that the presence of the defendant will cause significant harm to the physical and emotional well-being of the child. if an adult witness is exposed to a significant health risk.   After the defendant returns to the courtroom, he will be informed of the substance of what has occurred and what was said.   Video questioning It is possible to carry out a video questioning/recording in order to avoid having to question the victim of a crime repeatedly or in order to protect the victim being confronted it with the offender.  Testimony can be recorded by video already during the investigation phase of the proceedings. It can sometimes be used in place of questioning during the trial. Victims under 18 or witnesses who are sick or live abroad should already be questioned and their evidence recorded during the investigation.  In addition, the questioning during the trial can be carried out via video conference, with the participants in the proceedings present in the court room, while the witness is at a different location. The witness is questioned via video and audio transmission, ensuring that the special question rights of the participants are maintained. A video conference is an option if a normal questioning would expose the witness to serious imminent risk. This applies in particular for the questioning of children, for whom the situation in the courtroom can be intimidating and who may suffer physical or emotional harm. However, adults may be similarly affected, in particular if they are the victims of serious violence.   Right to be heard   During the questioning in the trial, every victim must be given the opportunity to make a statement on the consequences the crime had for him. The victim has a right to fair treatment while being questioned as a witness. In particular, questions regarding the victim’s personal life or that of its relatives should only be posed if this is absolutely unavoidable in the search for the truth. The same applies for questions which might be insulting for the victim or its relatives. Witnesses under the age of 18 will generally only be questioned by the judge. If the victim applies to join the proceedings as an accessory prosecutor, the victim will gain additional rights once the application is granted. Upon request the victim can receive a translation of written documents necessary to execute its rights. There will be no translation of all written documents in the file. All witnesses who don’t speak the German language must be provided with an interpreter.

What happens in a court trial? The trial begins when the judge calls the case against the defendant. Afterwards, all participants enter the courtroom and the judge confirms their presence. Afterwards, all witnesses have to leave the courtroom, in order to avoid prejudicing their testimony. The defendant is then questioned about his personal details. The prosecutor will then read out the indictment, which states which offences the defendant is alleged to have committed. The defendant can then respond to the allegations. Afterwards, the taking of evidence begins. To this end, the witness is called, informed about his rights and duties and questioned. Other evidence – such as certificates or documents – are presented before the court. Sometimes an expert witness will be questioned. After the evidence phase, the prosecution, the accessory prosecutor (or his lawyer) and the defender can make their final pleadings. The defendant has the last word. After secret consultation the court pronounces the verdict. A trial may span several days. The duration of the trial is largely determined by the extend of the evidence phase.

What happens when a witness is questioned? The witness will wait outside the courtroom until called to testify. If you are called, you will enter the courtroom and sit at a table directly in front of the judge. The judge then checks the identity of the witness. This requires stating name, age, occupation, place of residence, relationship with the defendant or victim. The judge will inform the witness about rights and duties. A victim has to tell the truth and can be put under oath. A false testimony is an offence. The judge informs about the right to refuse to give evidence and the right to withhold information. If the witness has one of these rights it can refuse to give evidence. If the witness nevertheless decides to give evidence it has to tell the truth. Then, the questioning begins. The questioning has two parts. First, the witness is asked to report what he himself has seen or experienced. It is important to state only the truth and not to leave out anything. The judge may confront a witness with the testimony provided by other witnesses, or show him documents or pictures. After the testimony has been completed, the judge, the prosecutor, the defendant and his lawyer as well as the accessory prosecutor and the expert witness may ask additional questions. If children and juveniles are asked to testify, the questioning will generally be carried out by the presiding judge. However, the judge may allow the other participants to ask direct questions. Do I have to appear in front of the court if I am physically frail or live far away? In general, the witness is obligated to appear before the court. Exceptions can apply in rare cases, subject to a decision by a judge. If age, illness or other important reasons (e. g. foreign place of residence) make it impossible to appear before court, the court can order that the questioning be conducted via video conference. This eliminates the need to appear in person before the court. In addition, under certain circumstances, the record of a witness’ earlier testimony may be read during the trial instead of personally questioning the witness at court.   What can I (as a victim) do if I am afraid of the trial?   Every victim can be accompanied to the trial by a person of trust, a lawyer or a psychosocial counsellor. In certain serious exceptional cases, the judge can order testimony by video, in order to avoid forcing the victim to testify in the courtroom.   Is it possible to exclude the public?   Court trials are generally open to the public. This is, in fact, a basic principle of German procedural law. However, the public can be excluded from the trial upon request, if legitimate protected interests are at risk because the personal life of the victim or another participant in the trial are discussed. This would be the case, for example, where details of the victim’s intimate privacy or its family life are discussed, but also where the life, limb or personal freedom of a person is at risk. In addition, the special stress caused by a public trial for minors may give rise to exclusion of the public, in particular for serious crimes. The public can also be excluded if for example important business secrets are discussed. A motion to exclude the public can be filed during the main trial. The court decides on the motion. In certain cases it is even possible to remove the accused from the courtroom while the victim is being heard.

If the victim is summoned to the trial as a witness, it has a right to be reimbursed for its expenses, for example: necessary actual travel costs, loss of income, an expense allowance (if the trial is held neither at the place of residence nor workplace of the witness), accommodation costs, if required, and other necessary expenses. To get reimbursed, the witness has to submit a written application to the authority who summoned him as a witness within three months after his questioning. The application should include a confirmation signed by the employer regarding lost income (if applicable), the summons letter, and other documentation such as tickets. If the costs are high, an advance can be granted upon request. If a foreign victim is to testify as a witness in Germany, travelling, accommodation and other required expenses are reimbursed. Victims entitled to file for private accessory prosecution may be provided with an interpreter, if they do not speak the German language.  

Don’t be afraid of the questioning. You are not in the position of the defendant. Your job as a witness is to report on what you have seen or heard yourself. Listen carefully to the question. Take your time before answering. Answer the questions calmly and clearly. Only report what you have seen or heard yourself. Don’t be afraid to admit if you cannot remember something. It is normal to forget some details – don’t make anything up. Don’t be afraid of the questions of the defence lawyer. Some of the questions may be part of the defence strategy. After all, it is the lawyer’s job to represent his client. After the questioning you can leave the courtroom or sit in the audience area if the trial is public. As a private accessory prosecutor you are allowed to stay in the courtroom even if the trial is not public. Just because the defendant is found not guilty does not mean that the court didn’t believe you. Sometimes the evidence is insufficient overall. Notify the judge or the police immediately, if you are threatened or attacked before or after your testimony.

Contact the helpline for victims of crime at 116 006 or go the homepage of WEISSEN RINGS: www.weisser-ring.de Crime victims and persons who are interested in the issue can call 116 006 toll free within Germany (from abroad: +49 116 006, charges apply). You will be provided with information on how to get help, as well as the contact details of specialised counselling centres and of local contact persons at WEISSEN RINGS.  

How can a verdict be appealed? There are several ways of appealing a verdict: Appeal on points of fact and law (Berufung): An appeal claims that the verdict is erroneous. Verdicts passed by the local court as the court of first instance can be appealed on points of fact and law (Berufung). The error in this case can either be mistakes or insufficient efforts in determining the actual facts of the case, or an erroneous legal assessment of the case. It is therefore possible to introduce new evidence. This appeal may be lodged by the defendant, the prosecutor, the private prosecutor and in some cases also the accessory prosecutor. The regional court is the court of appeal. Appeals on points of fact and law must be filed within one week with the court which issued the verdict. If the appeal is successful, the verdict is set aside and the appellate court passes its own verdict. Appeal on points of law (Revision): An appeal on points of law (Revision) can be filed against verdicts of the local court, regional court, higher regional court, but only where they acted as the court of first instance. In addition, a decision by the appellate court on an appeal on points of fact and law (Berufung) can also be appealed a second time on points of law. An appeal on points of law claims that the legal assessment of the court was erroneous and that the verdict was thus based on a legal error. This could be the case, for example, if a witness was not appropriately informed of his rights or if prohibited evidence was used. Appeals on points of law must also be filed within one week with the court which issued the verdict. However, the reasons for the appeal on points of law may be declared, within a period of one month. The appeal on points of law, too, is open to the defendant, the prosecution, the accessory prosecutor and the private prosecutor. The higher regional court and the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) are the appellate courts for the appeal on points of law.

How can I as a victim appeal a verdict? The victim can only appeal a verdict if it participated in the trial as an accessory prosecutor or a private prosecutor. The accessory prosecutor cannot appeal the verdict with the aim of altering the punishment of the defendant, but he is entitled to appeal not guilty verdict.  

A sentence can only be carried out after the verdict becomes unappealable. If a verdict was appealed, the appeal on points of fact and law and (possibly) the appeal on points of law have to be completed before the sentence is carried out. Otherwise, the verdict can be carried out after the deadline for appeals expires and the verdict has thus become final. If all parties waive their right to an appeal after the verdict, it will become final immediately and can be carried out. If the offender has been sentenced to prison (without probation), he is informed when and where he has to serve his sentence. There may be some time between the sentencing and the beginning of the imprisonment. If the convict fails to submit voluntarily to imprisonment, he can be arrested. If the convict was already in detention prior to the trial, he will usually be transferred directly to prison. Custodial measures: A victim can request to be notified, if custiodial measures against the offender of his liberty are ordered or ended. The victim can also request to be informed when the offender is granted leave from detention for the first time. However, the victim must have a legitimate interest in this information. Victims of certain serious crimes are not required to prove such a legitimate interest. This includes victims of crimes against sexual self-determination, human trafficking and stalking. The information is only provided if the convict’s legitimate interest in withholding is not violated. Upon request the victim has to be notified if the offender fled from prison and which measure had been taken for the protection of the victim. The victim can also request to be informed if the offender is subsequently granted leave from detention, if the victim can demonstrate a legitimate interest. In this case, as well, the information is not provided if the convict’s legitimate interests is violated. In addition, the victim can ask the prison about the financial situation and the address of the offender after his release, if these information are necessary to enforce claims relating to the crime. Ban on contact: The victim can request to be informed whether the convict was ordered to do not contact the victim.