With the amendment effective August 1, 2024, a significant step has been taken towards easing the burden on defendants in criminal proceedings: the reimbursement of defense costs has been significantly increased. In a guest article in the latest issue of Compliance Praxis, Simone Petsche-Demmel outlines the implications of these changes.

The reimbursement applies not only in the case of an acquittal but, for the first time, in the event that an investigation is discontinued. Although it does not cover all the costs, the contribution to defense expenses—capped at maximum amounts—provides a noticeable reduction in the financial burden of defense. This contributes to a fairer distribution of the economic risk in criminal proceedings.

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