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Law & Justice

Requesting access to case files in criminal proceedings

Request to inspect the investigative files of a criminal or preliminary investigation at the District Attorney's Office.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Requesting access to case files in criminal proceedings mit dem zuständigen Staatsanwaltschaft in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Requesting access to case files in criminal proceedings.

Processing: approx. 3 weeksSuccess rate: 70.0 %
Last reviewed: August 03, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Personalausweis oder Reisepass · Formular / Antrag

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    In person or by post at the office

  4. 4

    Costs

    10–80 € je nach Urkunde/Verfahren

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application with a case number

    In writing to the relevant public prosecutor's office.

  2. 2

    Investigation by the District Attorney's Office

    Balancing the public interest in access to information against the purpose of the investigation.

  3. 3

    Sending documents or on-site review

    To the defense counsel or for review at the agency's offices.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Defendants (through their defense counsel), injured parties/joint plaintiffs, and other persons with a legitimate interest.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 weeks

Success rate

approx. 70.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Application submitted without a reference number
  • Request for access to case files filed directly by the defendant rather than through the defense attorney

Common reasons for rejection

  • Access to the files would jeopardize the purpose of the investigation
  • Legitimate interest not sufficiently demonstrated

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 14 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Related services

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Akteneinsicht im Strafverfahren beantragen?

In der Regel ca. 21 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Bundesamt für Justiz
Data quality
100 %

Read more

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