{"id":116494,"date":"2026-02-02T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/district-court-in-criminal-proceedings\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T12:01:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T11:01:54","slug":"district-court-in-criminal-proceedings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/district-court-in-criminal-proceedings\/","title":{"rendered":"District Court in criminal proceedings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>District Court in criminal proceedings<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-strafverfahren-vor-dem-bezirksgericht\" data-level=\"2\">Criminal proceedings before the District Court<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gesetzliche-stellung-des-bezirksgerichts-im-strafverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Legal position of the District Court in criminal proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-sachliche-zustandigkeit-im-strafverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Subject-matter jurisdiction in criminal proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafsachen-die-nicht-vor-dem-bezirksgericht-landen\" data-level=\"2\">Criminal cases that do not end up in the District Court<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ortliche-zustandigkeit-im-strafverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Local jurisdiction in criminal proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-entscheidungsform-und-ablauf\" data-level=\"2\">Form of decision and procedure<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-instanzenzug\" data-level=\"2\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\" data-level=\"2\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\" data-level=\"2\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In criminal proceedings, the <strong>District Court<\/strong> is the court of first instance that decides on <strong>simpler criminal offenses of daily life<\/strong>. It has jurisdiction over offenses for which the Criminal Code provides for <strong>a maximum fine or a prison sentence of up to one year<\/strong> and that are not expressly assigned to a higher court. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It thus forms the <strong>entry level of criminal justice<\/strong> for offenses that are considered less serious, but can have <strong>full criminal consequences<\/strong> for those affected.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-3019fe8e alignfull uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-32585033\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The District Court decides in criminal proceedings on offenses<\/strong> for which the law provides for <strong>only a fine or a prison sentence of up to one year<\/strong>, <strong>unless the law reserves these for the Regional Court<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-45819ab6\"><picture>\n\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-352x198.webp\" >\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht.webp\" alt=\"District Court in criminal proceedings. Jurisdiction, offenses, procedure and differences to the Regional Court clearly explained.\" >\n\t<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eEven seemingly simple criminal proceedings before the District Court can have lasting professional and personal consequences.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafverfahren-vor-dem-bezirksgericht\">Criminal proceedings before the District Court<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>District Court<\/strong> is the court before which most people come into contact with criminal law for the first time. In particular, <strong>thefts, negligent bodily harm, property damage and many traffic offenses<\/strong> are heard here. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although these offenses are considered less serious, convictions before the District Court lead to <strong>previous convictions, fines and sometimes also prison sentences<\/strong>. For the persons concerned, this often has <strong>significant effects on their profession, driver&#8217;s license, residence permit or insurance<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A professional defense is therefore not optional here either, but <strong>decisive for the outcome of the proceedings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gesetzliche-stellung-des-bezirksgerichts-im-strafverfahren\">Legal position of the District Court in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code of Criminal Procedure assigns the courts according to <strong>in which section of criminal proceedings they are active<\/strong>. For the District Court, this means that it decides in the <strong>main proceedings<\/strong>, i.e. exactly where it is about <strong>guilt or acquittal<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigations are previously conducted by the public prosecutor&#8217;s office, often with the involvement of the Regional Court. However, the actual judicial decision in the case of simpler offenses is made before the District Court. Its judgments are <strong>full criminal judgments<\/strong> and not merely preparatory decisions.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are currently <strong>over 110 District Courts<\/strong> in Austria. This dense regional distribution ensures that criminal proceedings for everyday offenses can be conducted <strong>quickly, locally and efficiently<\/strong>. The District Court is therefore the criminal court with which the population comes into contact most frequently in practice.  <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe subject-matter jurisdiction determines the entire procedural framework and influences every strategic decision of the defense.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sachliche-zustandigkeit-im-strafverfahren\">Subject-matter jurisdiction in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>subject-matter jurisdiction<\/strong> determines which type of criminal cases a District Court is allowed to hear at all. It determines whether proceedings are conducted before the District Court or before the Regional Court and depends exclusively on the <strong>statutory penalty<\/strong> and on special statutory assignments. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002326\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Code of Criminal Procedure<\/a> assigns to the District Court those criminal offenses for which the law only provides for a <strong>fine or a prison sentence of up to one year<\/strong>. This rule forms the core of the subject-matter jurisdiction and clearly distinguishes the District Court from the Regional Courts. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, this means that the District Court is responsible in particular for the following types of offenses,<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>simple property offenses such as simple theft or minor fraud,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>negligent offenses such as negligent bodily harm,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>minor property damage and minor damage to property,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>numerous traffic offenses with criminal relevance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">D<strong>espite a low penalty, certain criminal offenses do not belong before the District Court<\/strong>, but must be brought before the Regional Court, <strong>because the legislator has expressly assigned these types of offenses to this court because of their increased public interest<\/strong>. The decisive factor is <strong>not how serious the individual case appears<\/strong>, but <strong>which jurisdiction the law provides for this type of offense<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For defendants, this distinction is decisive, as it determines <strong>which court hears the case, which procedural framework applies and which defense strategy makes sense<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafsachen-die-nicht-vor-dem-bezirksgericht-landen\">Criminal cases that do not end up in the District Court<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legislator has stipulated that certain criminal offenses may not be heard before the District Court even if only a minor penalty is threatened at first glance. These offenses belong before the Regional Court because the law expressly assigns them to this court. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include in particular:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coercion<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>dangerous threat<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>persistent stalking and cyberstalking<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>corruption offenses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>serious economic offenses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>environmental offenses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>anti-state and extremist offenses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>qualified incitement<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether criminal proceedings are conducted before the District Court or before the Regional Court is therefore <strong>not a matter of discretion<\/strong>, but a <strong>mandatory legal assignment<\/strong>. This distinction determines the entire procedural framework and thus also the defense strategy. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe correct choice of the competent District Court is often decisive for the further course of criminal proceedings.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ortliche-zustandigkeit-im-strafverfahren\">Local jurisdiction in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which District Court conducts criminal proceedings depends on the rules on <strong>local jurisdiction<\/strong>. The decisive factor here is the factual connection of the criminal offense to a specific judicial district and not the mere residence of the accused. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code of Criminal Procedure provides a clear hierarchy for this. The District Court is primarily responsible, <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>in whose district the criminal offense was committed,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in whose district a significant part of the crime was committed,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in whose district the crime-related success occurred.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If no clear crime scene can be determined or if there are several crime scenes, further connecting factors apply. The District Court is then responsible, <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>in whose district the accused has his habitual residence,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in whose district the accused was caught or arrested,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>with whom the proceedings were first initiated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This legal ranking ensures that criminal proceedings are <strong>not blocked due to jurisdictional disputes<\/strong> and that evidence, witnesses and investigating bodies are available <strong>as locally as possible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For defendants and the defense, local jurisdiction is of considerable importance because it determines <strong>before which specific District Court the case is heard and which judges are responsible<\/strong>. Errors in this assignment can constitute <strong>procedural defects<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-entscheidungsform-und-ablauf\">Form of decision and procedure<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The District Court always decides in criminal proceedings <strong>through a single judge<\/strong>. This judge conducts the main hearing, collects the evidence and decides alone on <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guilt or acquittal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type and amount of punishment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diversion or conviction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here, too, <strong>full criminal judgments<\/strong> are made with all legal consequences, in particular with <strong>entries in the criminal record<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-instanzenzug\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Legal remedies<\/strong> are available against a judgment of the District Court. The review is carried out by the <strong>Regional Court<\/strong>, and subsequently, if necessary, by higher courts. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, errors in the first instance often have a lasting effect, as <strong>missed requests for evidence and lines of defense can no longer be made up for later<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eEarly legal support before the District Court prevents errors that cannot be corrected later.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal proceedings before the District Court are <strong>not a trivial matter<\/strong>. Every conviction has <strong>lasting consequences<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legal representation ensures that<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the jurisdiction of the court is correctly checked,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>evidence is critically questioned,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exonerating circumstances are brought in in good time,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a diversionary settlement is sought,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previous convictions are avoided, if legally possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Especially for first-time defendants, the <strong>quality of the defense<\/strong> determines whether proceedings <strong>end with a dismissal or result in a criminal record<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-Bezirksgericht uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/harlander-partner.eu\\\/en\\\/criminal-law\\\/district-court-in-criminal-proceedings\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When is the District Court responsible in criminal proceedings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The District Court is responsible if the law only provides for a fine or a prison sentence of up to one year for an offense and there is no special assignment to the Regional Court. The decisive factor is therefore not how serious the accusation feels, but which penalty the law stipulates. As soon as a higher penalty range is provided for or the law orders a different jurisdiction, the Regional Court is responsible.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which criminal offenses are typically heard before the District Court?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Before the District Court, simple property offenses, negligent bodily harm, minor damage to property and numerous traffic offenses are primarily heard. These are offenses with a comparatively low penalty range. However, these proceedings can also lead to previous convictions and significant legal consequences.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do some offenses come before the Regional Court despite a low penalty?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Some criminal offenses do not belong before the District Court despite a low penalty because the law expressly assigns them to the Regional Court. This assignment is based on a legal assessment and not on the assessment of the individual case. The sole determining factor is therefore which court the law provides for this type of offense.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who decides in criminal proceedings before the District Court?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The District Court always decides in criminal proceedings through a single judge. This judge conducts the main hearing, assesses the evidence and decides on guilt or acquittal as well as on the type and amount of punishment. There are no lay judges or jurors in these proceedings.  \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Bezirksgericht-Q1 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">When is the District Court responsible in criminal proceedings?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The District Court is responsible if the law only provides for a fine or a prison sentence of up to one year for an offense and there is no special assignment to the Regional Court. The decisive factor is therefore not how serious the accusation feels, but which penalty the law stipulates. As soon as a higher penalty range is provided for or the law orders a different jurisdiction, the Regional Court is responsible.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Bezirksgericht-Q2 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Which criminal offenses are typically heard before the District Court?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Before the District Court, simple property offenses, negligent bodily harm, minor damage to property and numerous traffic offenses are primarily heard. These are offenses with a comparatively low penalty range. However, these proceedings can also lead to previous convictions and significant legal consequences.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Bezirksgericht-Q3 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Why do some offenses come before the Regional Court despite a low penalty?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Some criminal offenses do not belong before the District Court despite a low penalty because the law expressly assigns them to the Regional Court. This assignment is based on a legal assessment and not on the assessment of the individual case. The sole determining factor is therefore which court the law provides for this type of offense.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Bezirksgericht-Q4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Who decides in criminal proceedings before the District Court?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The District Court always decides in criminal proceedings through a single judge. This judge conducts the main hearing, assesses the evidence and decides on guilt or acquittal as well as on the type and amount of punishment. There are no lay judges or jurors in these proceedings.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In criminal proceedings, the District Court is the court of first instance that decides on simpler criminal offenses of daily life. It has jurisdiction over offenses for which the Criminal &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":116499,"parent":40715,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-116494","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-criminal-law"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-1536x864.webp",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bezirksgericht-120x120.webp",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Simon Prem","author_link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/author\/simon-prem\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"In criminal proceedings, the District Court is the court of first instance that decides on simpler criminal offenses of daily life. It has jurisdiction over offenses for which the Criminal ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116494"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116494\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40715"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}