{"id":120016,"date":"2026-02-17T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/criminal-law\/victim-rights-in-criminal-proceedings\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T17:01:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:01:42","slug":"victim-rights-in-criminal-proceedings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/victim-rights-in-criminal-proceedings\/","title":{"rendered":"Victim Rights in Criminal Proceedings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Victim Rights<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-systematische-funktion-der-opferrechte\" data-level=\"2\">Systematic Function of Victim Rights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-eigenstandige-verfahrensbeteiligte\" data-level=\"2\">Independent Parties to Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-aufbau-und-funktion-der-opferrechte\" data-level=\"2\">Structure and Function of Victim Rights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mitwirkung-in-der-hauptverhandlung\" data-level=\"2\">Participation in the Main Trial<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-fortfuhrung-nach-einstellung-des-ermittlungsverfahrens\" data-level=\"2\">Continuation After Termination of Investigative Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-geltendmachung-privatrechtlicher-anspruche\" data-level=\"2\">Assertion of Civil Law Claims<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gesetzlicher-schutz-von-wurde-und-interessen\" data-level=\"2\">Legal Protection of Dignity and Interests<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-rolle-von-opferschutzeinrichtungen-und-prozessbegleitung\" data-level=\"2\">Role of Victim Protection Organizations and Trial Support<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zusammenhang-mit-privatbeteiligtenrechten\" data-level=\"2\">Connection with Private Party Rights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praktische-bedeutung-der-opferrechte\" data-level=\"2\">Practical Significance of Victim Rights<\/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\"><strong>Victim rights pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002326&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=66&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Section 66 StPO<\/a><\/strong> are the <strong>procedural rights of persons harmed by criminal offenses<\/strong> enshrined in law. They ensure that victims in criminal proceedings appear <strong>not merely as evidence<\/strong>, but as <strong>independent parties<\/strong>. These include in particular <strong>the right to information about the proceedings<\/strong>, <strong>to access to files<\/strong>, <strong>to legal representation<\/strong>, and <strong>to active participation<\/strong>. In addition, the law guarantees <strong>protective mechanisms such as interpretation services and translations of essential documents<\/strong>. <strong>The objective is the effective protection of the victim&#8217;s legal and personal interests.<\/strong>   <\/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\">Victim rights refer to the legally provided powers by which harmed persons can effectively assert their position and interests in criminal proceedings.<\/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\/Opferrechte-352x198.webp\" >\r\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte.webp\" alt=\"Victim rights in Austria clearly explained. What rights victims have in criminal proceedings and how to effectively enforce them.\" >\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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-systematische-funktion-der-opferrechte\">Systematic Function of Victim Rights<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Victim rights structure criminal proceedings as <strong>a balancing system between the state&#8217;s claim to punishment, defense rights, and the interests of the harmed person<\/strong>. They prevent the proceedings from being focused exclusively on the accused and criminal prosecution. Through <strong>information, participation, and protection rights<\/strong>, the victim is integrated as <strong>an independent procedural factor in the decision-making process<\/strong>. This creates <strong>a procedurally balanced system<\/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\">\u201eVictim rights are the corrective in criminal proceedings, ensuring that not only the state&#8217;s claim to punishment and the defense dominate, but that the interests of the harmed person also carry legal weight.\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-eigenstandige-verfahrensbeteiligte\">Independent Parties to Proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Victims do not appear merely as sources of information, but exercise their own rights.<\/strong> Their position begins as soon as a criminal offense affects their rights, health, or property. This position exists regardless of whether the victim submits applications or is represented by counsel.  <strong>The proceedings thus make clear that the offense affects not only the state, but above all a specific person.<\/strong> This recognition shapes the entire treatment of the victim in the proceedings.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-aufbau-und-funktion-der-opferrechte\">Structure and Function of Victim Rights<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Victim rights form <strong>a self-contained protective system<\/strong> that applies throughout the entire criminal proceedings. It combines information, participation, and protection into a unified legal position.<br\/>Central to this are: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ongoing information about the proceedings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>procedural participation in the establishment of truth<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>protection from additional burden<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This structure ensures that victims <strong>are not marginalized<\/strong>, but can effectively assert their interests.<\/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\">\u201eInformation, participation, and protection are interconnected, because victim rights are only effective when they exist in a practically usable and legally secured manner.\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\">Participation in Interrogations and Evidence Gathering<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Victims may actively participate in key evidentiary steps.<\/strong> These include in particular interrogations of accused persons and witnesses, as well as reconstructions of the events. This participation provides the victim with insight into the establishment of truth and prevents essential aspects from being overlooked. Through presence and the right to ask questions, the victim can present their perspective.   <strong>This enhances the substantive quality of the investigation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mitwirkung-in-der-hauptverhandlung\">Participation in the Main Trial<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In the main trial, the victim retains their active role.<\/strong> They may be present, ask questions, and be heard regarding their claims. This participation ensures that the court perceives not only the perspective of the accused, but also that of the harmed person. The main trial thereby becomes more balanced and substantively more complete.   <strong>The victim remains a visible part of the proceedings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Translation Assistance and Linguistic Equality<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Linguistic barriers must not devalue victim rights.<\/strong> The law therefore provides interpretation services and translations of essential documents. Victims can only meaningfully follow the proceedings if they understand its content. This assistance ensures genuine equality in the proceedings.   <strong>Without comprehensibility, there are no effective rights.<\/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\">\u201eWithout linguistic comprehensibility, there are no effective rights, because only those who understand the proceedings can actively represent their position.\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-fortfuhrung-nach-einstellung-des-ermittlungsverfahrens\">Continuation After Termination of Investigative Proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Victims are not at the mercy of the public prosecutor&#8217;s decision.<\/strong> If investigative proceedings are terminated, <strong>continuation may be requested<\/strong>. This right ensures that an official termination does not remain final, but is reviewed. The victim thereby receives an effective remedy against premature or erroneous decisions.<br\/>In practice, this means:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>the proceedings are reviewed again<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>judicial review becomes possible<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thus, the state&#8217;s claim to punishment remains secured from the victim&#8217;s perspective as well.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-geltendmachung-privatrechtlicher-anspruche\">Assertion of Civil Law Claims<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criminal proceedings enable the victim to enforce their own compensation claims.<\/strong> Damages and pain and suffering compensation <strong>may be asserted in the proceedings<\/strong>. The victim is thereby not referred to separate civil proceedings. The economic consequences of the offense are thus directly taken into account.<br\/>Typical claims are:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>reimbursement of treatment costs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pain and suffering<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>compensation for property damage<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This consolidation increases efficiency and enforcement power.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gesetzlicher-schutz-von-wurde-und-interessen\">Legal Protection of Dignity and Interests<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The proceedings must be conducted in a manner that preserves the victim&#8217;s dignity.<\/strong> Personal data may not be unnecessarily disclosed, and burdensome situations <strong>must be avoided wherever possible<\/strong>. This protection applies regardless of how actively the victim participates. The authorities bear ongoing responsibility for this.<br\/>Particularly protected are:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>the highly personal sphere of life<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>the victim&#8217;s identity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This protection forms the foundation for fair and respectful criminal proceedings.<\/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 protection of dignity prevents the criminal proceedings themselves from becoming an additional burden for the victim.\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-rolle-von-opferschutzeinrichtungen-und-prozessbegleitung\">Role of Victim Protection Organizations and Trial Support<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the legal protection provided by the authorities, victims can access professional external support. Specialized organizations assist them with legal, psychological, and organizational matters. This assistance <strong>is arranged upon request<\/strong> and is intended to prevent those affected from being additionally burdened by the proceedings. Trial support strengthens the victim&#8217;s ability to exercise their rights and make informed decisions.    <strong>This ensures effective and humanly appropriate participation in criminal proceedings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zusammenhang-mit-privatbeteiligtenrechten\">Connection with Private Party Rights<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Victim rights and private party rights are interconnected, but pursue different objectives.<\/strong> Victim rights secure information, participation, and protection in criminal proceedings. Private party status enables the victim to <strong>enforce their own proprietary claims directly in criminal proceedings<\/strong>. Both positions exist alongside each other and complement one another.   <strong>The proceedings are thereby made usable for the victim both legally and economically.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praktische-bedeutung-der-opferrechte\">Practical Significance of Victim Rights<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Victim rights determine whether those affected are actually heard in criminal proceedings.<\/strong> Without these rights, many proceedings would be shaped solely by the interests of the state and the accused. Through information, participation, and protection, <strong>the victim is granted an active role<\/strong>. This position directly affects the course and outcome of the proceedings.   <strong>Victim rights thus determine the actual justice in criminal proceedings.<\/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\"><strong>The effective exercise of victim rights requires professional legal representation.<\/strong> Without expert guidance, many of these rights remain merely formal, because deadlines, application rights, and procedural steps are complex and error-prone. A lawyer ensures that <strong>access to files is requested<\/strong>, <strong>legal remedies are pursued<\/strong>, and <strong>claims are correctly enforced<\/strong>. This transforms the statutory rights into an actually effective protective position.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your specific advantages are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>appropriate enforcement of all victim rights throughout the entire proceedings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>active review of public prosecutor&#8217;s decisions<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>legally sound assertion of damages and pain and suffering compensation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>professional support during burdensome interrogations and hearings<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\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\">\u201e<strong>Our criminal law experts are pleased to represent you<\/strong>, so that your rights not only exist, but are also enforced in the 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-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-FAQ-Opferrechte 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\\\/victim-rights-in-criminal-proceedings\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When is one considered a victim in criminal proceedings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Any person whose rights, health, or property have been affected by a criminal offense is considered a victim. This status arises regardless of whether an application is submitted. What is decisive is solely the actual harm caused by the offense. Once this exists, the statutory victim rights apply. The authorities must take this status into account ex officio.    \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What rights do I have as a victim in criminal proceedings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Victims are entitled to information about the status of the proceedings, to access to files, and to legal representation. They may participate in evidence gathering and appear in the main trial. In addition, there is a right to protection from additional burden. These rights apply regardless of whether damages are claimed.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I challenge the termination of investigative proceedings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If investigative proceedings are terminated, the victim may request continuation. This results in a review of the public prosecutor's decision. The proceedings are either continued or reviewed by a court. This right prevents legitimate claims of the victim from being lost through a premature termination.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I claim damages as a victim in criminal proceedings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Victims may assert their proprietary claims directly in criminal proceedings. These include damages, pain and suffering compensation, and other compensation claims. Separate civil proceedings are not mandatory for this purpose. Enforcement takes place within the framework of private party status.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why is legal support advisable for victim rights?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The enforcement of victim rights requires proper application and compliance with deadlines. A lawyer ensures that access to files, legal remedies, and damages are correctly pursued. This avoids formal errors and strengthens the victim's position. Legal support significantly increases the actual effectiveness of victim rights.   \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Opferrechte-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 one considered a victim in criminal proceedings?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Any person whose rights, health, or property have been affected by a criminal offense is considered a victim. This status arises regardless of whether an application is submitted. What is decisive is solely the actual harm caused by the offense. Once this exists, the statutory victim rights apply. The authorities must take this status into account ex officio.    <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Opferrechte-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 rights do I have as a victim in criminal proceedings?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Victims are entitled to information about the status of the proceedings, to access to files, and to legal representation. They may participate in evidence gathering and appear in the main trial. In addition, there is a right to protection from additional burden. These rights apply regardless of whether damages are claimed.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Opferrechte-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\">Can I challenge the termination of investigative proceedings?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>If investigative proceedings are terminated, the victim may request continuation. This results in a review of the public prosecutor&#8217;s decision. The proceedings are either continued or reviewed by a court. This right prevents legitimate claims of the victim from being lost through a premature termination.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Opferrechte-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 I claim damages as a victim in criminal proceedings?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Victims may assert their proprietary claims directly in criminal proceedings. These include damages, pain and suffering compensation, and other compensation claims. Separate civil proceedings are not mandatory for this purpose. Enforcement takes place within the framework of private party status.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Opferrechte-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\">Why is legal support advisable for victim rights?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The enforcement of victim rights requires proper application and compliance with deadlines. A lawyer ensures that access to files, legal remedies, and damages are correctly pursued. This avoids formal errors and strengthens the victim&#8217;s position. Legal support significantly increases the actual effectiveness of victim rights.   <\/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":"Victim rights pursuant to Section 66 StPO are the procedural rights of persons harmed by criminal offenses enshrined in law. They ensure that victims in criminal proceedings appear not merely &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":120019,"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-120016","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\/Opferrechte.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-1536x864.webp",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Opferrechte-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":"Victim rights pursuant to Section 66 StPO are the procedural rights of persons harmed by criminal offenses enshrined in law. They ensure that victims in criminal proceedings appear not merely ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/120016","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=120016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/120016\/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\/120019"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=120016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=120016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}