Stay calm
Do not make any statement about the allegations without first obtaining legal advice — not even in an apparently informal conversation.
Understand what is happening. Know what to do.
Criminal proceedings are stressful — especially when legal terminology, procedures and potential consequences are difficult to understand in a familiar language. Our joint client support combines experienced criminal defence with reliable communication.
Obtain access to the case file
A sound defence strategy is based on the contents of the case file, not on assumptions.
Understand every step
The approach, risks and decisions are explained clearly and, upon request, in Russian.
SERVICES
Immediate criminal-law assistance and defence
We combine legal precision with a clear and transparent approach.
POLICE · PUBLIC PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
Summons and questioning
Assessment of your procedural status, access to the case file and preparation of the next steps.
URGENT MEASURE
Search of your home or premises
Immediate guidance on how to respond, review of the measure and protection of your defence position.
LIBERTY
Arrest and pre-trial detention
Rapid contact with a defence lawyer and assessment of available remedies concerning detention.
ALLEGATION
General criminal law
Defence during the investigation, intermediate proceedings and trial in relation to a wide range of alleged offences.
BUSINESS · PROFESSION
White-collar and professional criminal law
Strategic defence that also takes personal and professional consequences into account.
INJURED PARTIES
Private accessory prosecution and victim protection
Representation of injured parties and support throughout the criminal proceedings.
OUR APPROACH
The first three steps
Clear priorities, transparent communication and a strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Arrange an initial consultation →- 01
Do not discuss the allegations
You may provide your personal details; you should not make a substantive statement until you have received legal advice.
- 02
Preserve the documents
Photograph the summons, court order or letter and have it ready for the initial assessment.
- 03
Contact the defence team
Contacting us at an early stage enables access to the case file and a controlled defence strategy.
THE TEAM BEHIND YOUR DEFENCE
Experienced criminal defence. Clear communication.
Johannes von Rüden is responsible for the criminal defence. His existing practice page provides information about his experience, emergency assistance and areas of criminal-law expertise. Yulia Shmeleva-Kurz supports the joint client service and Russian-language communication.
Johannes von Rüden · Criminal Defence Lawyer →Frequently asked questions
What clients want to know
Who is responsible for the criminal defence?
Johannes von Rüden is responsible for the criminal defence. Yulia Shmeleva-Kurz supports the joint client service, particularly with Russian-language communication and coordination.
Do I have to comply with a police summons?
That depends on who issued the summons and on your procedural status. The summons should be reviewed before you respond and, as a general rule, no statement about the allegations should be made without knowledge of the case file.
Is this page also intended for Ukrainian clients?
Yes. Our services are intended for Russian and Ukrainian clients; communication is available in German, English and Russian.
Personal initial consultation
Your matter deserves a clear next step.
Legal information last updated on 16 August 2026. This general information does not replace individual legal advice. The applicable law and the competent authority’s decision remain decisive.