White-Collar Criminal Defense for Executives
Discreet criminal defense for managing directors, board members, and senior executives - from the first investigative step to case resolution.
Zenger & Kahle Attorneys at Law - Criminal defense with a white-collar focus
Defense in White-Collar Criminal Matters
Why acting quickly is often advisable
In white-collar criminal law, key decisions are often made at an early stage. Even a summons, a search, or internal investigations can have significant consequences for your personal position. In many cases, it is advisable to assess the situation early - especially before statements are made or documents are handed over.
We advise, among others, in the following situations:
- Summons as a suspect or witness
- Search or seizure
- Internal investigation or compliance proceedings
- Conflicts with management, supervisory board, or employer
- Penalty order or indictment
Who we represent
We represent executives who are personally confronted with criminal allegations in a corporate context. The focus is your individual defense and a clear strategy.
Many of our clients are managing directors or board members covered by D&O insurance. This often also covers criminal defense costs. We clarify coverage at an early stage and advise on coordination between criminal defense, civil liability, and insurance coverage - especially in cases involving financial loss, recourse claims, and managerial liability.
We guarantee trusted personal advice during investigations and corporate conflict situations.
Typical white-collar criminal law topics
We defend managing directors, board members, and executives in all areas of white-collar criminal law - in particular in
fraud and subsidy fraud,
corruption offenses,
delay of insolvency filing and bankruptcy offenses,
money laundering
as well as
breach of trust allegations.
Regulatory requirements in business have steadily increased for years. Numerous ancillary statutes contain criminal provisions, some with dynamic references to EU rules that are often difficult to track even for lawyers. Representation by a law firm specialized in white-collar criminal law is therefore essential. There are also several typical offenses processed by public prosecutors in very high volumes. In these cases, it is decisive to know and understand the usual approach of investigative authorities in order to develop an effective defense strategy.
Some frequently occurring offenses in white-collar criminal law are explained below.
Special considerations for managing directors and executives
Executives are often in a special situation in white-collar proceedings. In addition to criminal allegations, questions of personal liability, employment or corporate law consequences, and the relationship with their own company regularly arise.
Effective defense therefore requires not only criminal law expertise, but also an understanding of corporate decision-making processes and internal structures.
- Clear separation between personal defense and corporate interests
- Coordination with corporate counsel, compliance departments, and internal investigators
- Clarification of cost coverage by D&O and corporate legal protection insurance
- Handling duties to provide statements, internal interviews, and documentation requirements
- Avoiding unnecessary personal and reputational disadvantages
Our role in white-collar criminal proceedings
We represent executives and corporate officers in all phases of white-collar criminal proceedings. Our approach is defined by a fact-based analysis of the allegations, a clear assessment of the client's personal situation, and a strategic defense.
We always consider not only the criminal law perspective, but also the economic, professional, and personal consequences of proceedings. The goal is to assess risks realistically and align the defense accordingly.
- Early analysis of allegations and individual responsibility
- Development of a defense strategy tailored to the personal situation
- Coordination with additional advisors and internal teams where required
- Structured support throughout investigations and court proceedings
- Discreet handling of sensitive information
Experience - Specialization - Discretion
As a highly specialized criminal law firm, we provide prudent and competent defense. We place the greatest value on trusted and discreet support for all criminal allegations and treat every client openly and without prejudice. With the right strategy and substantial experience, we have already helped many clients achieve the best possible results.
Even the allegation of a criminal offense often has serious consequences. Allegations quickly lead to prejudgment and problems with employers or company stakeholders. Depending on the offense, severe prison sentences may also be at stake.
Competent and personally committed defense without prejudice is therefore essential. The right lawyer must be specialized and have extensive criminal law experience. Only then is a promising defense possible.
Experienced defense lawyers with justice system background
If needed, we offer team defense - an approach that can be particularly effective in complex cases.
He has many years of experience as a judge and public prosecutor in the Bavarian justice system. He mainly defends in white-collar criminal law and teaches at TH Augsburg.
Profile of Prof. Dr. Christoph Kahle
Former public prosecutor - specialized in criminal defense for many years and has successfully represented many hundreds of clients.
Profile of Prof. Dr. Florian Zenger
She has many years of experience as an attorney. Specialized in criminal law and victim representation.
Profile of Ira Beyer-Distel
Attorney Bartschat advises clients in all areas of criminal law. She also supports clients in selected administrative law matters (especially weapons law and public service law).
Profile of Sophie Bartschat
Former criminal investigator, attorney, and retired chief detective inspector. Mr. Ulrich served 27 years in senior service with the Federal Criminal Police Office and the police of Baden-Wuerttemberg in numerous leadership roles.
Profile of Wolfgang Ulrich
Why team defense in white-collar criminal law?
Representation by several defense lawyers is particularly advisable in complex cases with difficult evidence. In such cases, the defense often encounters a degree of bias on the part of the court and prosecution, which may not fully understand all factual interrelations. It is then crucial to challenge premature assumptions.
In witness testimony, especially from adverse witnesses, the defense must simultaneously conduct strategically planned questioning, compare answers directly with prior statements to uncover contradictions, and monitor the court to assess its reactions. In regional court proceedings, an optimal position for a possible appeal on points of law should always be prepared as a safety net in case of conviction. This includes, for example, identifying potential procedural errors and ensuring they do not go unnoticed. In such situations, defense by a team of lawyers is often the better alternative to representation by a single lawyer. The four-eyes principle and division of tasks enable optimal responses in every procedural situation.
First Aid
The course for a successful defense is set very early in criminal proceedings. It is therefore important to instruct a lawyer as early as possible. Only then can all opportunities be used optimally to bring proceedings to a good outcome. In many cases, it is possible to achieve dismissal and thus prevent indictment and trial. If court proceedings cannot be avoided, perfect preparation and a strong strategy are even more important. Nothing should be left to chance.
We support you from the beginning of criminal proceedings to their conclusion. We are aware of the burden criminal proceedings create and guide our clients through this difficult time as effectively as possible. The goal is always the best result for the client, ideally dismissal or acquittal.
Upon request, we also coordinate criminal defense with existing D&O insurance and civil law advisors.
But first: insist on your right to contact a lawyer. Preferably by phone. In this case, you can of course reach us 24/7 on our emergency number +49 (0) 171 9900003.
Short-notice Initial Assessment
A concise assessment of your situation - confidential. If available, please have your summons or documents at hand.
Contact
Gabelsbergerstr. 9
80333 München
Phone: +49 (0) 89 242 06 333
Email: kanzlei@zenger-kahle.de