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Suspicions of corruption are affecting companies on multiple levels simultaneously. While criminal law exclusively targets natural persons, the Administrative Offenses Act closes the gap: under § 30 OWiG, fines can be imposed on the company itself. This article explains how responsible individuals can lead to corporate fines, the role of compliance, and available defense strategies.

Corruption allegations often affect entrepreneurs in seemingly normal situations. The article explains the difference between private sector corruption (§ 299 StGB) and official corruption (§§ 331, 333 StGB), presents typical practical cases, and explains available defense approaches during investigations – from the lack of agreement on illegality to the dismissal of proceedings.

The revision procedure can only be carried out once per instance. The appellate court exclusively reviews legal errors – not new facts. This article from Kanzlei Sittig explains what happens after a remand, why most appeals fail due to formal requirements, and why preparation must begin during the main hearing.

The article explains when an appeal, revision, or leapfrog revision is the appropriate legal remedy in criminal proceedings. While an appeal allows for a renewed examination of facts, the revision court exclusively reviews legal errors. A leapfrog revision bypasses the appeals court. Which procedure is advisable should be reviewed by an attorney early on.

Government employees have access to highly sensitive data – and sometimes misuse it through unauthorized access, disclosure, or negligence. Affected individuals have far-reaching rights: access to information according to Art. 15 GDPR, compensation for damages according to Art. 82 GDPR, and the option to file a criminal complaint. The Sittig law firm supports the enforcement of these claims against public authorities.

According to § 38 of the BDSG, companies with 20 or more employees involved in automated data processing are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) — however, smaller companies may also be obligated. This article explains the thresholds that apply, who is counted, and why an external DPO is often the legally safer choice for many SMEs.