{"id":32200,"date":"2025-10-06T13:06:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T11:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/legal-error\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T20:16:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:16:14","slug":"legal-error","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/legal-error\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Error"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Legal error<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-rechtsirrtum\" data-level=\"2\">Legal error<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-rechtsirrtum-0\" data-level=\"2\">Legal error<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-direkter-und-indirekter-verbotsirrtum\" data-level=\"2\">Direct and indirect error of prohibition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-vorwerfbarkeit-und-entschuldbarkeit\" data-level=\"2\">Reproachability and exculpation<\/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-haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rechtsirrtum\">Legal Error<\/h2>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=9&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 9 StGB<\/a> deals with the legal error. A legal error exists if someone acts consciously but believes that their behavior is lawful. So, they are mistaken not about facts, but about the legal assessment. The basic principle in criminal law is: &#8220;Ignorance is no excuse.&#8221; Only if the error was unavoidable can it have an exonerating effect.    <\/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>Legal error means: One believes something is allowed, although it is prohibited.<\/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\/Rechtsirrtum-352x198.webp\" >\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum.webp\" alt=\"Legal error according to \u00a7 9 StGB explained simply: direct and indirect error of prohibition, requirements and consequences in criminal law in Austria.\" >\n\t<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rechtsirrtum-0\">Legal Error<\/h2>\n\n<p>The legal error concerns the incorrect assessment of the legal situation. Anyone who commits an act and believes it is permitted, although it is punishable, cannot automatically invoke an excusable error. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Principle of Legal Error<\/h2>\n\n<p>The basic principle is: <strong>Ignorance does not automatically protect against punishment.<\/strong> A legal error is only excusable if it was unavoidable for the person concerned. If the prohibition was clearly recognizable or there was a duty to inform oneself about the legal situation, the action remains punishable. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-direkter-und-indirekter-verbotsirrtum\">Direct and Indirect Error of Prohibition<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>Direct error of prohibition<\/strong> exists if the perpetrator believes that their action is entirely permitted. The error thus concerns the fundamental existence of a prohibition. <br\/><em>Example:<\/em> Someone assumes that a certain tax does not have to be paid, although the law clearly provides for an obligation.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Indirect error of prohibition<\/strong> exists if the perpetrator knows that their action is prohibited in itself, but believes that a justification or excuse would protect them.<br\/><em>Example:<\/em> A person assumes to act in self-defense, although objectively there was no situation of self-defense.<\/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-vorwerfbarkeit-und-entschuldbarkeit\">Reproachability and Exculpation<\/h2>\n\n<p>A legal error is only excusable if it was <strong>not reprehensible<\/strong>. Reproachability exists in particular if: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the injustice was easily recognizable to everyone,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or if the perpetrator has not informed themselves about the legal situation despite professional or other obligations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>In other words: <strong>Excusable ignorance<\/strong> only exists if even a careful person would have made the error.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Significance<\/h2>\n\n<p>The legal error plays a role in many criminal proceedings when defendants claim that they did not recognize the criminal liability. In practice, the following situations are particularly relevant: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Everyday errors:<\/strong> Ignorance of minor legal prohibitions rarely leads to exculpation, as everyone can inform themselves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Professional duties:<\/strong> Doctors, entrepreneurs, civil servants or other professional groups have an increased duty to know the law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Justification errors:<\/strong> Those who believe they are acting in self-defense, self-help or with consent, although this is objectively not the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Only unavoidable errors lead to impunity, otherwise the criminal liability remains.<\/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-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/h2>\n\n<p>A criminal proceeding is a significant burden for those affected. Serious consequences threaten right from the start \u2013 from coercive measures such as house searches or arrests, to entries in the criminal register, to custodial or monetary penalties. Errors in the initial phase, such as thoughtless statements or insufficient preservation of evidence, often cannot be corrected later. Economic risks such as claims for damages or procedural costs can also be substantial.   <\/p>\n\n<p>Specialized criminal defense ensures that your rights are protected from the outset. It provides security in dealing with the police and public prosecutor&#8217;s office, protects against self-incrimination, and creates the basis for a clear defense strategy. <\/p>\n\n<p>Our law firm:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>examines whether and to what extent the accusation is legally sustainable,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accompanies you through investigation proceedings and main hearing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ensures legally sound applications, statements, and procedural steps,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assists in defending against or settling civil law claims,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>protects your rights and interests vis-\u00e0-vis the court, public prosecutor&#8217;s office, and victims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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\">\u201eMachen Sie <strong>keine inhaltlichen Aussagen ohne vorherige R\u00fccksprache mit Ihrer Verteidigung<\/strong>. Sie haben jederzeit das Recht zu schweigen und eine Anw\u00e4ltin oder einen Anwalt beizuziehen. Dieses Recht gilt bereits bei der ersten polizeilichen Kontaktaufnahme. Erst nach <strong>Akteneinsicht<\/strong> l\u00e4sst sich kl\u00e4ren, ob und welche Einlassung sinnvoll ist.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 FAQ<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-972c8b74 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\\\/legal-error\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is FAQ?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-faq9 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\\\/legal-error\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does a legal error exist?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If someone believes their behavior is permitted, although it is actually punishable. It is therefore an error about the legal assessment of the act. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between direct and indirect error of prohibition?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In the case of direct error of prohibition, the perpetrator believes that the action is not prohibited at all. In the case of indirect error of prohibition, he knows that the action is punishable, but mistakenly assumes to be protected by a justification or excuse. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does a legal error excuse?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Only if it was unavoidable, i.e. even a careful person would have made the same error. If the injustice was clearly recognizable to everyone, the criminal liability remains. \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What role does the profession or activity play?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Certain persons have a duty to know the law, such as entrepreneurs, doctors or civil servants. Anyone who violates this duty cannot invoke an unavoidable legal error. \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-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 does a legal error exist?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>If someone believes their behavior is permitted, although it is actually punishable. It is therefore an error about the legal assessment of the act. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-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 is the difference between direct and indirect error of prohibition?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In the case of direct error of prohibition, the perpetrator believes that the action is not prohibited at all. In the case of indirect error of prohibition, he knows that the action is punishable, but mistakenly assumes to be protected by a justification or excuse. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-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 does a legal error excuse?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Only if it was unavoidable, i.e. even a careful person would have made the same error. If the injustice was clearly recognizable to everyone, the criminal liability remains. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-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\">What role does the profession or activity play?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Certain persons have a duty to know the law, such as entrepreneurs, doctors or civil servants. Anyone who violates this duty cannot invoke an unavoidable legal error. <\/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<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Legal Error \u00a7 9 StGB deals with the legal error. A legal error exists if someone acts consciously but believes that their behavior is lawful. So, they are mistaken not &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":27747,"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-32200","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\/Rechtsirrtum.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum.webp",1536,864,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rechtsirrtum-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":"Legal Error \u00a7 9 StGB deals with the legal error. A legal error exists if someone acts consciously but believes that their behavior is lawful. So, they are mistaken not ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32200","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=32200"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32200\/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\/27747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}