Successful appeal (Berufung). An appeal can be filed against a first-instance judgment of the local court (Amtsgericht). The deadline is one week after the judgment was pronounced against the defendant in the main hearing.
What is an appeal? What does it mean to file one?
When a person appeals against a first-instance judgment of the local court, the judgment does not immediately become legally binding (final). The appeal triggers a full re-hearing before the regional court (Landgericht), in which both factual findings and legal evaluation are reviewed. Evidence is heard afresh — witnesses, experts and documents may be re-examined.
Strategy and risk
Appeals require careful weighing: the regional court can confirm, reduce or increase the sentence (within the limits of the original charge). We assess the chances, advise on the risk of a worse outcome (Verschlechterungsverbot is limited), and represent you throughout the proceedings.