{"id":119143,"date":"2026-02-12T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/criminal-law\/motions-for-evidence-in-criminal-proceedings\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T12:17:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T11:17:08","slug":"motions-for-evidence-in-criminal-proceedings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/motions-for-evidence-in-criminal-proceedings\/","title":{"rendered":"Motions for Evidence in Criminal Proceedings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Motions for Evidence<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-funktion-des-beweisantrags-im-ermittlungsverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Function of the Motion for Evidence in Preliminary Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-formelle-anforderungen-an-einen-beweisantrag\" data-level=\"2\">Formal Requirements for a Motion for Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beweisthema-und-beweismittel\" data-level=\"2\">Subject of Evidence and Means of Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-begrundung-und-geeignetheit-des-beweismittels\" data-level=\"2\">Justification and Suitability of the Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-unzulassige-unverwertbare-und-unmogliche-beweise\" data-level=\"2\">Inadmissible, Unusable, and Impossible Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ablehnungsgrunde-fur-beweisantrage\" data-level=\"2\">Grounds for Refusal of Motions for Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beweisaufnahme-und-vorbehalt-fur-die-hauptverhandlung\" data-level=\"2\">Taking of Evidence and Reservation for the Main Hearing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-rolle-der-kriminalpolizei-bei-beweisantragen\" data-level=\"2\">Role of the Criminal Police in Motions for Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-anlassbericht-der-kriminalpolizei\" data-level=\"2\">Incident Report of the Criminal Police<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pflichten-der-staatsanwaltschaft-bei-beweisantragen\" data-level=\"2\">Duties of the Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office Regarding Motions for Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-rechtsfolgen-bei-unterlassener-beweisaufnahme\" data-level=\"2\">Legal Consequences of Failure to Take Evidence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-verhaltnis-zur-hauptverhandlung\" data-level=\"2\">Relationship to the Main Hearing<\/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\">A <strong>motion for evidence<\/strong> pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002326&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=55&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002326&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=55&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Section 55 StPO<\/a> is the <strong>central legal instrument<\/strong> with which the accused in criminal proceedings <strong>can actively influence which facts are investigated<\/strong>. It allows for <strong>specifically requesting the taking of certain evidence<\/strong> if it is suitable for <strong>verifying, putting into perspective, or refuting the suspicion of a crime<\/strong>. As a result, criminal proceedings do not remain <strong>a one-sided investigative process by the public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong>, but rather a <strong>rule-of-law procedure<\/strong> in which <strong>exculpatory circumstances must also be systematically considered<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The motion for evidence <strong>compels the law enforcement authorities<\/strong> to address <strong>specific facts and evidence<\/strong> introduced into the proceedings by the accused. It prevents investigations from <strong>being conducted in only one direction<\/strong> and ensures that <strong>contradictory or exculpatory information<\/strong> is examined in a legally binding manner. <\/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\">The <strong>motion for evidence<\/strong> is the <strong>formal right of the accused<\/strong> to <strong>force the examination of certain facts through specific evidence<\/strong> and thus <strong>actively manage the suspicion of a crime<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-45819ab6\"><picture>\r\n\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-352x198.webp\" >\r\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag.webp\" alt=\"Motions for Evidence Pursuant to Section 55 StPO: Requirements, Grounds for Refusal, and the Role of the Criminal Police Including the Incident Report\" >\r\n\t<\/picture>\n<\/div>\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    <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\">\u201eA good motion for evidence is not a wish list, but a precise working instruction for the proceedings, including the subject of evidence, the means of evidence, and a specific objective of knowledge.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-funktion-des-beweisantrags-im-ermittlungsverfahren\">Function of the Motion for Evidence in Preliminary Proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In preliminary proceedings, the <strong>motion for evidence<\/strong> serves to place the <strong>suspicion of a crime on an objective basis<\/strong>. While the public prosecutor&#8217;s office has the task of investigating both <strong>incriminating and exculpatory circumstances<\/strong>, in practice the focus is often on the <strong>incriminating side<\/strong>. The motion for evidence forces the proceedings to also <strong>consider those facts that speak against the suspicion of a crime<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It acts as a <strong>corrective against one-sided investigations<\/strong>. If an <strong>exculpatory witness<\/strong> is not heard, a <strong>technical expert opinion<\/strong> is not obtained, or an <strong>alibi<\/strong> is not verified, the accused can request exactly this evidence. This prevents the proceedings from being continued on an <strong>incomplete factual basis<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-formelle-anforderungen-an-einen-beweisantrag\">Formal Requirements for a Motion for Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A motion for evidence must be formulated <strong>clearly and in a structured manner<\/strong> to be <strong>legally effective<\/strong>. It must not be kept general, but must <strong>clearly indicate<\/strong> what is to be proven and by what means. The law requires <strong>three mandatory core elements<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A motion for evidence must contain:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>the subject of evidence<\/strong>, i.e., the <strong>specific fact<\/strong> to be clarified, such as an alibi, the course of a certain event, or the presence of a person;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>the means of evidence<\/strong>, such as a <strong>witness<\/strong>, an <strong>expert opinion<\/strong>, a <strong>document<\/strong>, a <strong>video<\/strong>, or a <strong>technical analysis<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>the information necessary for taking the evidence<\/strong>, for example, the <strong>name and address of a witness<\/strong>, the <strong>location of a recording<\/strong>, or the <strong>exact description of a document<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, it must be <strong>justified<\/strong> why the <strong>evidence is suitable<\/strong> for <strong>clarifying the subject of evidence<\/strong>. It is not enough to merely name a piece of evidence. It must be <strong>comprehensible<\/strong> why this specific evidence <strong>can clarify a significant fact<\/strong>. Only then is a <strong>legally verifiable basis<\/strong> created for the decision of the public prosecutor&#8217;s office.   <\/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\">\u201eFormal precision determines whether a motion is examined or dismissed as unsuitable in practice; therefore, every element must be clearly stated.\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-beweisthema-und-beweismittel\">Subject of Evidence and Means of Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>subject of evidence<\/strong> establishes <strong>which specific fact<\/strong> the proceedings are to clarify. It defines the core content of the motion for evidence and distinguishes it from mere assumptions. Anyone asserting an <strong>alibi<\/strong>, a <strong>course of events<\/strong>, or the <strong>presence of a person<\/strong> must state exactly which fact the court or the public prosecutor&#8217;s office should examine.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>means of evidence<\/strong> describes <strong>how<\/strong> this fact is to be proven. Typical means of evidence are <strong>witnesses<\/strong>, <strong>experts<\/strong>, <strong>documents<\/strong>, <strong>videos<\/strong>, or <strong>technical analyses<\/strong>. A motion for evidence remains ineffective if it does not name a specific means of evidence, because the authority cannot conduct a targeted taking of evidence without this information.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A precisely formulated subject of evidence in conjunction with a suitable means of evidence gives the proceedings a <strong>clear direction for examination<\/strong>. This allows the suspicion of a crime to be specifically verified instead of basing it on mere assumptions. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-begrundung-und-geeignetheit-des-beweismittels\">Justification and Suitability of the Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A motion for evidence only takes effect if it <strong>conclusively justifies<\/strong> why the named evidence can contribute to the <strong>clarification of the subject of evidence<\/strong>. The mere naming of a witness or document is not sufficient. The motion must explain <strong>what specific insight<\/strong> the evidence is intended to provide and <strong>why this specific means<\/strong> can clarify the relevant fact.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>suitability<\/strong> depends on whether the evidence has a <strong>logical connection to the subject of evidence<\/strong>. A witness is only suitable if they personally perceived the alleged event. An expert opinion only helps if it clarifies a <strong>technical question<\/strong> that the proceedings cannot answer without expertise. A video recording is only suitable if it depicts the <strong>relevant time and place<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A precise justification prevents the public prosecutor&#8217;s office from dismissing the motion as <strong>unsuitable<\/strong>. Anyone who clearly demonstrates how the evidence can <strong>confirm or refute<\/strong> the suspicion of a crime creates a <strong>legally verifiable basis for a decision<\/strong>. <\/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\">\u201eSuitability is the pivotal point, as only evidence with a clear connection to the subject of evidence compels a factual decision.\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-unzulassige-unverwertbare-und-unmogliche-beweise\">Inadmissible, Unusable, and Impossible Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every piece of evidence may be used in criminal proceedings. <strong>Inadmissible evidence<\/strong> violates legal prohibitions, such as when someone secretly records conversations or obtains data unlawfully. Such evidence may not form the basis for decisions in the proceedings. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unusable evidence<\/strong> exists when the method of obtaining evidence violates <strong>procedural rights or fundamental rights<\/strong>. This includes, for example, statements made under pressure or evidence from unlawful coercive measures. The proceedings may not use such content to support the suspicion of a crime.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Impossible evidence<\/strong> concerns facts that cannot actually be gathered, for example, because an alleged witness does not exist or an object can no longer be found. A motion for evidence aimed at such evidence is futile and cannot lead to clarification. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The clear distinction between admissible and inadmissible evidence protects the proceedings from <strong>unlawful results<\/strong> and preserves the <strong>reliability of the basis for the decision<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ablehnungsgrunde-fur-beweisantrage\">Grounds for Refusal of Motions for Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office may only reject a motion for evidence in <strong>clearly regulated exceptional cases<\/strong>. The law thus protects the <strong>right of the accused to an effective defense<\/strong> and prevents motions from being ignored out of mere expediency or convenience. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A refusal is only permissible if:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the <strong>subject of evidence is obvious<\/strong> or <strong>irrelevant<\/strong> to the suspicion of a crime;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>means of evidence is unsuitable<\/strong> for proving a <strong>significant fact<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the fact in question is already considered <strong>proven<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These grounds limit the public prosecutor&#8217;s office&#8217;s discretion to <strong>objective criteria<\/strong>. The authority must <strong>objectively examine<\/strong> every single point and may not rely on formulaic refusals. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If none of these grounds exist, the public prosecutor&#8217;s office must take the requested evidence. It may not reject a motion because it <strong>undermines the suspicion of a crime<\/strong> or calls the previous direction of the investigation into question. In such cases, the law requires an <strong>active taking of evidence<\/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\">\u201eThe public prosecutor&#8217;s office may only refuse for clear reasons; anything else would be a de facto devaluation of the right of 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-beweisaufnahme-und-vorbehalt-fur-die-hauptverhandlung\">Taking of Evidence and Reservation for the Main Hearing<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Code of Criminal Procedure allows for a requested taking of evidence to be <strong>postponed to the main hearing<\/strong>. This instrument serves <strong>procedural economy<\/strong>, as some evidence is only meaningfully gathered before the court. However, the public prosecutor&#8217;s office must not abuse this possibility to delay crucial investigations.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A reservation is only permissible if the requested evidence <strong>cannot immediately eliminate the suspicion of a crime<\/strong> and if <strong>there is no danger of the evidence being lost<\/strong>. As soon as a piece of evidence is suitable for clearly exonerating the accused or if later access would be uncertain, the authority must <strong>gather the evidence immediately<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reservation therefore does not protect the investigative authority, but rather the proceedings from <strong>unnecessary duplication of work<\/strong>. It must never lead to a proceeding continuing on an <strong>unverified suspicion<\/strong>, even though a simple piece of evidence could already clarify the facts. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rolle-der-kriminalpolizei-bei-beweisantragen\">Role of the Criminal Police in Motions for Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In preliminary proceedings, the criminal police form the <strong>operative interface<\/strong> between the accused and the public prosecutor&#8217;s office. If a motion for evidence is received, the police may not ignore it or file it informally. They must either <strong>take the requested evidence themselves<\/strong> or <strong>formally forward the motion to the public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law thus prevents motions for evidence from getting stuck at the operative level. Through the incident report, the criminal police ensure that every relevant motion reaches the <strong>formal responsibility of the public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong> and is legally reviewed there. <\/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\">\u201eA motion for evidence must not fizzle out at the level of the criminal police; the incident report is there specifically to bring the matter up for a decision.\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-anlassbericht-der-kriminalpolizei\">Incident Report of the Criminal Police<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>incident report<\/strong> is the <strong>statutory reporting obligation of the criminal police<\/strong> as soon as an <strong>order or decision by the public prosecutor&#8217;s office is required<\/strong> for a requested piece of evidence.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this report, the public prosecutor&#8217;s office is <strong>formally involved in the decision<\/strong> and must decide on the <strong>execution or refusal<\/strong> of the requested taking of evidence.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pflichten-der-staatsanwaltschaft-bei-beweisantragen\">Duties of the Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office Regarding Motions for Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office bears the <strong>responsibility for the completeness of the investigation<\/strong>. If a motion for evidence is received, it must examine whether the <strong>legal requirements for a refusal<\/strong> are met or whether it will <strong>have the evidence taken<\/strong>. It must not rely on <strong>mere case files<\/strong> if a motion concerns a <strong>relevant fact<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the public prosecutor&#8217;s office decides against taking evidence, it must <strong>notify the accused and provide reasons<\/strong> why the motion <strong>is not being implemented<\/strong>. This duty prevents motions from <strong>disappearing intransparently or silently<\/strong>. It enables the defense to <strong>legally categorize the decision and react to it<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rechtsfolgen-bei-unterlassener-beweisaufnahme\">Legal Consequences of Failure to Take Evidence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the public prosecutor&#8217;s office fails to take required evidence, it violates the <strong>defense rights of the accused<\/strong>. Such an omission can lead to the proceedings being continued on an <strong>incomplete factual basis<\/strong>, resulting in <strong>erroneous decisions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An unjustified refusal or delay can later have <strong>procedural consequences<\/strong>. When evaluating evidence, courts consider whether <strong>exculpatory evidence was wrongly not gathered<\/strong>. In serious cases, this can undermine the <strong>validity of an indictment or a judgment<\/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\">\u201eIf exculpatory evidence is omitted without reason, not only does fairness suffer, but so does the validity of any subsequent decision.\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-verhaltnis-zur-hauptverhandlung\">Relationship to the Main Hearing<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>main hearing<\/strong> forms the <strong>central framework for decision-making<\/strong> in criminal proceedings, but the motion for evidence already takes effect in the <strong>preliminary proceedings<\/strong>. Early taking of evidence can <strong>clarify or refute the suspicion of a crime<\/strong> before an indictment is even issued. This avoids a proceeding moving into the judicial phase based on a <strong>merely preliminary suspicion<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reservation of individual pieces of evidence for the main hearing remains the <strong>exception<\/strong>. As soon as a piece of evidence is suitable for <strong>significantly exonerating<\/strong> the accused or <strong>preventing the loss of evidence<\/strong>, the law requires <strong>immediate gathering<\/strong>. The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must not use the main hearing as a pretext to <strong>delay crucial clarifications<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A properly utilized motion for evidence ensures that the main hearing does not become a <strong>mere review of incomplete investigations<\/strong>. It ensures that the court decides on a <strong>complete and verified factual basis<\/strong>. <\/p>\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\">The <strong>motion for evidence<\/strong> is a <strong>precise defense instrument<\/strong> that only unfolds its full effect if it is <strong>used legally correctly and strategically<\/strong>. Errors in the <strong>subject of evidence, means of evidence, or justification<\/strong> frequently lead in practice to <strong>crucial motions failing<\/strong> or losing their effect. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legal support ensures that<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>exculpatory facts are introduced early and completely<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>motions for evidence are legally and soundly justified<\/strong> and not rejected for formal reasons;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>unjustified delays or omissions<\/strong> by the investigative authorities are recognized and contested;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>limits on refusal by the public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong> are consistently exhausted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Particularly in preliminary proceedings, the <strong>quality of the motions for evidence<\/strong> determines whether a case is <strong>dismissed<\/strong> or leads to an indictment based on an <strong>insufficiently verified suspicion<\/strong>. A professional defense ensures that the <strong>course of the proceedings is set correctly from the start<\/strong>. <\/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\">\u201eIn preliminary proceedings, the quality of the motions for evidence often determines sooner than any court whether a case ends or escalates.\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-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-FAQ-BEWEISANTRAEGE 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\\\/motions-for-evidence-in-criminal-proceedings\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who is allowed to file a motion for evidence in criminal proceedings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A motion for evidence can be filed by the accused, typically through the defense, because the motion must be formally sound. It is crucial that the motion clearly shows which fact is to be examined and which means of evidence is intended for it. Even in preliminary proceedings, the accused thus has an effective instrument to bring exculpatory circumstances into the proceedings.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What must a motion for evidence mandatory contain to be effective?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An effective motion for evidence names the subject of evidence, the means of evidence, and the information that enables its execution, such as names and contact details or locations. In addition, the motion must justify why the evidence is suitable for clarifying the specific fact, if this is not already obvious. Anyone who remains imprecise here provides the public prosecutor's office with an easy target for refusal.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When may the public prosecutor's office reject a motion for evidence?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A refusal is only permissible in narrowly defined cases, such as when the subject of evidence is obvious or plays no role in assessing the suspicion of a crime. Likewise, the public prosecutor's office may refuse if the means of evidence is unsuitable for proving a significant fact, or if the fact is already considered proven. A blanket refusal without a comprehensible justification is legally contestable.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can the taking of evidence be postponed to the main hearing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, in preliminary proceedings, the taking of evidence can be reserved for the main hearing, but only within clear limits. A reservation is inadmissible if the requested evidence can immediately eliminate the suspicion of a crime or if there is a risk of losing evidence. In these cases, the authority must gather the evidence promptly, as defense rights would otherwise be undermined.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What can I do if exculpatory evidence is not taken?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If exculpatory evidence is omitted without a valid reason, the defense should examine the justification of the public prosecutor's office and align further strategy accordingly. Depending on the stage of the proceedings, this can later influence the evaluation of evidence and the validity of an indictment, as it is built on an incomplete factual basis. In practice, prompt legal support is worthwhile here because deadlines, form, and tactics interact.  \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-BEWEISANTRAEGE-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\">Who is allowed to file a motion for evidence in criminal proceedings?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A motion for evidence can be filed by the accused, typically through the defense, because the motion must be formally sound. It is crucial that the motion clearly shows which fact is to be examined and which means of evidence is intended for it. Even in preliminary proceedings, the accused thus has an effective instrument to bring exculpatory circumstances into the proceedings.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-BEWEISANTRAEGE-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\">What must a motion for evidence mandatory contain to be effective?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>An effective motion for evidence names the subject of evidence, the means of evidence, and the information that enables its execution, such as names and contact details or locations. In addition, the motion must justify why the evidence is suitable for clarifying the specific fact, if this is not already obvious. Anyone who remains imprecise here provides the public prosecutor&#8217;s office with an easy target for refusal.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-BEWEISANTRAEGE-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\">When may the public prosecutor&#8217;s office reject a motion for evidence?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A refusal is only permissible in narrowly defined cases, such as when the subject of evidence is obvious or plays no role in assessing the suspicion of a crime. Likewise, the public prosecutor&#8217;s office may refuse if the means of evidence is unsuitable for proving a significant fact, or if the fact is already considered proven. A blanket refusal without a comprehensible justification is legally contestable.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-BEWEISANTRAEGE-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\">Can the taking of evidence be postponed to the main hearing?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Yes, in preliminary proceedings, the taking of evidence can be reserved for the main hearing, but only within clear limits. A reservation is inadmissible if the requested evidence can immediately eliminate the suspicion of a crime or if there is a risk of losing evidence. In these cases, the authority must gather the evidence promptly, as defense rights would otherwise be undermined.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-BEWEISANTRAEGE-Q5 \" 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\">What can I do if exculpatory evidence is not taken?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>If exculpatory evidence is omitted without a valid reason, the defense should examine the justification of the public prosecutor&#8217;s office and align further strategy accordingly. Depending on the stage of the proceedings, this can later influence the evaluation of evidence and the validity of an indictment, as it is built on an incomplete factual basis. In practice, prompt legal support is worthwhile here because deadlines, form, and tactics interact.  <\/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":"A motion for evidence pursuant to Section 55 StPO is the central legal instrument with which the accused in criminal proceedings can actively influence which facts are investigated. It allows &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":119144,"parent":40715,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119143","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\/Beweisantrag.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-1536x864.webp",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beweisantrag-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":"A motion for evidence pursuant to Section 55 StPO is the central legal instrument with which the accused in criminal proceedings can actively influence which facts are investigated. It allows ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119143","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=119143"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119143\/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\/119144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119143"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119143"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}