Criminal Law
In criminal law, the stakes are high. Whether as an accused person or as a victim — we stand up for your rights. Committed, discreet and with the necessary experience.
We do not run an on-call service. In case of arrest or a house search outside office hours, contact the on-call lawyer of the St. Gallen Bar Association: SGAV on-call lawyers
What we do for you.
Criminal Defence
Defence from the first police contact to the verdict — before all courts.
Objection to Penalty Orders
Review of penalty orders and timely objection within 10 days (Art. 354 CrimPC).
Victim Representation
Representation of victims and their relatives in criminal proceedings, including claims for damages and moral compensation.
White-Collar Crime
Defence in property offence cases such as fraud, misappropriation, criminal mismanagement and insolvency offences.
Criminal Complaints
Filing and pursuing criminal complaints and requests for prosecution — carefully prepared and substantiated.Criminal Defence from the First Hour
Criminal proceedings rarely begin with the trial — they usually begin with a summons, a house search or a police interview. What is said or signed in those first hours shapes the entire case. As an accused person you have the right to remain silent (Art. 113 CrimPC) and you may involve a defence lawyer from the outset (Art. 159 CrimPC). We are available at short notice, advise you before the first interview and accompany you through the entire proceedings — from the investigation through the main hearing to appeals before the cantonal courts and the Federal Supreme Court.
Penalty Orders: Short Deadline, Serious Consequences
Many cases today are dealt with by penalty order (Art. 352 et seq. CrimPC). What looks harmless is in fact a judgment: without an objection within 10 days (Art. 354 CrimPC), the penalty order becomes final — with an entry in the criminal record and all its consequences. We review penalty orders at short notice and, where appropriate, file a timely objection.
Court-Appointed Defence
In serious cases, a defence lawyer is required by law (Art. 130 CrimPC). Those who cannot afford a defence are entitled to a court-appointed defence lawyer under the conditions of Art. 132 CrimPC. We clarify the requirements with you and accept such appointments.
Victim Representation
Anyone who has become the victim of a crime needs representation that listens and acts decisively at the same time. We represent victims and their relatives in criminal proceedings, assert claims for damages and moral compensation within the criminal case (Art. 122 et seq. CrimPC) and make sure your procedural rights — such as protective measures during interviews — are respected. For victims within the meaning of the Victim Support Act, we also coordinate victim support claims.
White-Collar Crime
Allegations such as fraud (Art. 146 SCC), misappropriation (Art. 138 SCC), criminal mismanagement (Art. 158 SCC) or insolvency offences often affect entrepreneurs and executives. Such proceedings are document-heavy and require an understanding of business as well as criminal law. We act as defence counsel in white-collar cases, attend interviews and searches, and keep the side effects in view — from reputation to regulatory and corporate law consequences.
On the Ground in Eastern Switzerland and Zurich
We represent you before the criminal justice authorities and courts of Eastern Switzerland and beyond. Our offices in Wil SG (Villa India), Zurich, Teufen AR and Gossau SG are easy to reach — and in criminal law, availability matters: contact us early, before you make statements or deadlines expire.
