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This guide gives an easy-to-understand overview of how sex crime matters are treated in Goslar, a district in Lower Saxony, Germany. Criminal law in this area is governed by the German Criminal Code - Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) - and by procedural law that controls police investigations and court proceedings. Local authorities such as the Polizeidienststelle in Goslar, the Staatsanwaltschaft that handles prosecution in the region, and the local courts are the institutions that apply these laws on a case-by-case basis.
Sexual offences cover a range of conduct - from sexual assault and rape to sexual abuse of children and distribution of sexual images. Cases may involve adult victims, minors, or allegations of historical abuse. The legal process involves investigation by the police, possible charges by the public prosecutor, and criminal trial procedures in the courts. Victims and people accused of offences have specific rights and procedural options available to protect their interests.
Sex crime cases raise complex criminal, procedural, and personal issues. You may need a lawyer in the following common situations:
- If you are accused of a sexual offence: a defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights, advise on police interviews, gather evidence, and represent you in court.
- If you have been accused and face immediate measures - for example arrest, search orders, house visits, or temporary restraining conditions - a lawyer can act quickly to limit harm and challenge inappropriate measures.
- If you are a victim: a lawyer can explain options such as criminal reporting, joining the case as a Nebenkläger (auxiliary victim), requesting protective measures, and pursuing compensation or damages.
- If the matter involves minors or family members: special rules apply and a lawyer experienced in Jugendstrafrecht and family-related issues can guide you on reporting obligations, confidentiality, and the best approach to protect children.
- If evidence or expert forensic issues are central - such as DNA, medical exams, or digital evidence - a lawyer can coordinate experts and ensure proper forensic handling.
- If you need legal aid because you cannot afford representation: a lawyer can help you apply for Beratungshilfe or Prozesskostenhilfe and explain cost risks.
Key legal points to know about sex crime law in Germany that apply in Goslar:
- Substantive law: Sexual offences are defined in the Strafgesetzbuch (StGB). The provisions cover sexual assault and rape, sexual abuse of children, coercion, exploitation, sexual harassment, and offences involving sexual images. German law emphasizes that sexual activity without freely given consent is unlawful.
- Consent standard: Changes to the law in recent years clarify that a lack of freely given consent can make conduct criminal, and the courts consider the circumstances and coercion, force, or exploitation when assessing guilt.
- Protection of minors: Special, strict rules protect children and young people. Sexual acts involving persons below certain ages or where exploitation is involved are treated with particularly severe penalties and often mandatory prosecution.
- Child sexual material: Possession, production, or distribution of sexual images of minors is a serious criminal offence with mandatory investigative steps.
- Criminal procedure: When a report is made, police conduct an investigation and forward findings to the public prosecutor - Staatsanwaltschaft. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges and, if so, the case goes to the relevant court - for Goslar area matters this may involve the local Amtsgericht or Landgericht depending on seriousness.
- Victim rights and participation: Victims have the right to be informed about significant procedural steps, to receive protective measures, and, in qualifying cases, to join the proceedings as Nebenkläger to assert victim interests directly in court.
- Juvenile offenders: Offenders under 18 are usually dealt with under Jugendstrafrecht (juvenile criminal law), which focuses more on education and rehabilitation than on punishment, though serious offences can still lead to custody.
- Statutes of limitation and penalties: Limitation periods and penalties depend on the specific offence and the age of the victim. Some serious sexual offences carry long limitation periods. For exact limitation rules and possible sentences you should consult a lawyer.
Sex crimes include conduct that is sexual in nature committed without freely given consent, sexual abuse or exploitation of minors, possession or distribution of child sexual material, coercive sexual acts, and other offences defined in the Strafgesetzbuch. Whether a particular act is a crime depends on the facts, the ages of the people involved, and whether consent was present.
Seek safety first. Preserve evidence - try not to change clothes, shower, or wash injuries before a medical exam if possible. Consider going to a hospital for a forensic and medical examination and to document injuries. You can report the incident to the police when you feel ready. Contact a victim support service or a lawyer who can explain your options and protect your rights during the process.
Reporting to the police starts a criminal investigation, which may be important to preserve evidence and hold the offender accountable. You can also seek medical care and victim support first and report later. A lawyer or victim support organization can help you decide when and how to report.
No. You have the right to remain silent and to consult a lawyer before answering police questions. Speaking without legal advice can unintentionally harm your defense. Contact a lawyer immediately and follow their guidance about interviews and evidence.
Nebenklage is the option for victims to join the criminal proceedings as a private party in serious cases. It gives victims a stronger role - they can be represented by their own lawyer, attend hearings, ask questions through their counsel, and make submissions about damage claims. A lawyer can advise whether Nebenklage is available and useful in your case.
Consensual sexual activity between adults is generally not criminal. However, consent must be freely given. If one person cannot consent due to age, incapacity, coercion, or exploitation, the act can be a crime. Also certain contexts - for example positions of authority or exploitation - can make an act unlawful even where one party said yes.
Medical and forensic evidence, witness testimony, digital evidence such as messages or images, location data, and expert reports can all be important. Prompt preservation of evidence improves investigatory options. A lawyer can help gather and present relevant evidence effectively.
Criminal proceedings in Germany are generally public. However, courts can exclude the public or apply special protective measures in sensitive cases to protect victims. Courts often take steps to shield victims and minors from unnecessary exposure during testimony.
There is no fixed timeline. Investigations may take weeks to months depending on complexity and evidence. If charges are brought, trial length depends on the court schedule and case complexity. Serious or multi-defendant cases can take longer. Your lawyer can give a more specific estimate once facts are known.
Yes. Victims can access medical care, psychological support, and victim counseling services. There are state and non-governmental programs that provide compensation, emergency assistance, and counseling. A lawyer or victim support organization can explain which benefits and compensation routes apply to your situation and help with applications.
Here are local and national resources that can help in Goslar-area sex crime matters - contact these types of organizations or offices for assistance and information:
- Local police station - the Polizeidienststelle in Goslar for reporting incidents and getting immediate assistance.
- Staatsanwaltschaft - the public prosecutor's office that handles investigations and decides on charges in the region.
- Amtsgericht Goslar and Landgericht Braunschweig - the courts that handle criminal cases depending on seriousness.
- Jugendamt Goslar - for cases involving children, the Youth Welfare Office has protective and supportive roles.
- Weißer Ring - a national victim support organization offering counseling and practical help for victims of crime.
- Local Frauenhaus and women counseling centers - offer shelter, counseling, and support for victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse.
- Independent counseling centers and Opferhilfe Niedersachsen - regional victim support and counseling for people affected by sexualized violence.
- Fachanwalt für Strafrecht with experience in sexual offences - seek a specialist criminal lawyer with relevant experience in sexual offence cases.
- Legal aid programs - Beratungshilfe and Prozesskostenhilfe can help people who cannot afford legal advice or court representation.
If you are a victim - immediate priorities are safety, medical care, and preserving evidence. Consider contacting a victim support service or a lawyer who can guide you through reporting options and protective measures. You can choose to report to the police yourself or have a lawyer or support worker assist with the process.
If you are accused - exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense lawyer immediately. Do not attempt to resolve the matter directly with the other party or post about the case on social media. A lawyer will advise on urgent measures, possible bail or release conditions, and on building a defense.
To find a suitable lawyer - search for a Fachanwalt für Strafrecht or a criminal defence lawyer with experience in sexual offence cases. Ask about their experience, typical fees, and whether they offer an initial consultation. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about Beratungshilfe or Prozesskostenhilfe to help with costs.
Documentation to prepare for your first meeting with a lawyer - bring any police reports, medical reports, messages or digital evidence, witness names, and notes about dates and times. If you are a victim, also bring information about any injuries and support services you have already contacted.
Finally, remember that both victims and accused have rights under German law. Acting promptly to secure legal advice, medical care, and support increases the chance of a better outcome, whether that is protection and justice for victims or a fair defense for those accused.
