Juvenile Criminal Law

German juvenile criminal law applies to individuals aged 14 to 17 and, under certain conditions, to young adults aged 18 to 20. It covers all criminal offenses and emphasizes education, rehabilitation, and the prevention of future crimes, setting it apart from adult criminal law.

Under the German Juvenile Courts Act (Jugendgerichtsgesetz – JGG), juvenile courts have a wider array of sanctions than those available in adult cases. Besides traditional penalties, they can impose educational measures such as social training programs, community service, counseling, or therapy. Disciplinary measures include warnings, conditions, or juvenile detention. Youth imprisonment (Jugendstrafe) is generally reserved for cases where educational or disciplinary measures are inadequate or when the severity of the crime necessitates detention.

Courts may consider whether the juvenile or young adult has accepted responsibility, apologized, repaired the damage, participated in victim-offender mediation, entered therapy, or completed social training. Early steps in this direction can impact case dismissals and the sanctions imposed.

German juvenile law offers significant diversion options. Depending on the case’s seriousness and the individual’s development, prosecutors or courts may conclude proceedings without a formal conviction. 

A well-planned early defense strategy is therefore vital. It involves communication with prosecutors, juvenile courts, juvenile assistance services (Jugendgerichtshilfe), youth welfare agencies, schools, employers, counseling centers, and treatment providers. Our lawyers at DvM Rechtsanwälte are experienced in juvenile defense cases across Germany, as a young person’s development, personal circumstances, and conduct after the offense can greatly influence the proceedings.