cryptocurrency criminal law
Self-disclosure
Lawyer for crypto criminal law in Munich
If you are facing preliminary proceedings in connection with Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, NFTs, or tokenized assets from DeFi structures, you will need specialized criminal law advice. This is because crypto-related criminal proceedings combine criminal law, tax law, and technical issues and place special demands on the defense. As lawyers specializing in crypto criminal law in Munich, we advise and defend clients nationwide in criminal and tax criminal proceedings in the field of crypto crime.
In complex investigations, schirach.law supports clients as criminal defense attorneys for cryptocurrencies in Munich with technical and criminal law expertise—discreetly, strategically, and soundly.
Criminal defense and voluntary disclosure in relation to cryptocurrencies
Blockchain technology opens up new economic opportunities. At the same time, it leads to considerable complexity in terms of criminal and tax law risks. As soon as investigative authorities, tax investigators, or specialized central offices take action in connection with cryptocurrencies, tactical acumen, in-depth legal understanding, and technical knowledge of on-chain transactions, wallet structures, and exchange processes are required.
Cryptocurrencies are increasingly becoming the focus of criminal prosecution. Investigations concern not only traditional cryptocurrencies, but also tokenized assets, DeFi structures, and NFT-based business models. Accordingly, such proceedings require specialized criminal law advice.
As attorneys and specialist attorneys for criminal law in Munich, as well as certified advisors for crypto assets and taxes (WIRE), we advise and defend clients in criminal and tax criminal proceedings relating to crypto assets – nationwide and with a strategic focus.
Understanding crypto criminal law – complex relationships, clear strategies
Cryptocurrency criminal law is where traditional criminal law meets digital innovation. As a cryptocurrency criminal law attorney in Munich, schirach.law is familiar with the criminal, tax, and technical specifics of digital assets. In addition to the tax treatment of digital assets, money laundering law issues, technical details of on-chain and off-chain transactions, and the evaluation of extensive transaction data play a central role.
Even seemingly minor omissions, such as failing to declare crypto gains for tax purposes, using custodial or non-custodial wallets, or dealing with centralized (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX), can have criminal consequences.
Typical accusations in this area include:
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Tax evasion in connection with cryptocurrencies,
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Failure to declare crypto gains, such as from trades, swaps, staking income, or airdrops.
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missing information on foreign stock exchange accounts or DeFi protocols,
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Money laundering allegations pursuant to Section 261 of the German Criminal Code (StGB)
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Fraud, investment fraud, or market-related crimes,
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Subsidy activities related to blockchain or token projects.
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In these proceedings, an early, appropriate, and technically informed defense strategy is of crucial importance.
Specialized consulting in crypto criminal law
Defense in crypto-related criminal proceedings requires not only criminal law experience but also an in-depth understanding of the technical fundamentals of blockchain systems. These include, in particular:
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Wallet architectures and key concepts,
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Token standards and smart contract logic,
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Transaction tracking and evaluation,
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Tax classification of digital assets.
Thanks to its combination of specialist criminal law expertise and certifications as a consultant for crypto assets and taxes (WIRE), schirach.law offers specialized and interdisciplinary advice in this sensitive area of law.
Criminal defense for cryptocurrency and blockchain offenses
schirach.law defends defendants in all stages of criminal proceedings—from initial contact with investigating authorities to defense in court proceedings. Our services include, in particular:
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Preliminary investigation by the public prosecutor's office,
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Summonses from the police or tax investigators,
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Searches and seizures,
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Seizure of hardware wallets, seed phrases, private keys, or access data to exchange accounts.
Cryptocurrency-related criminal proceedings are often based on the analysis of blockchain explorers, on-chain data, and exchange reports. Investigative authorities use analysis tools to track transaction paths and identify wallet clusters. An effective defense requires an understanding of these technical fundamentals and their legal classification.
As a lawyer specializing in crypto criminal law in Munich, the focus is on managing preliminary investigations at an early stage, classifying technical issues from a legal perspective, and minimizing risks for clients. In doing so, criminal, technical, and economic aspects are always brought together.
Criminal tax law & voluntary disclosure exempting from punishment for crypto gains
A particular focus of schirach.law is criminal tax law relating to cryptocurrencies. Undeclared or incompletely declared profits from trading in digital assets are a frequent trigger for criminal tax investigations.
In many cases, voluntary disclosure with exemption from punishment may be the only way to prevent criminal proceedings. However, it must be complete, accurate, and timely. Even minor deficiencies, such as in the preparation of complex transaction histories from multiple wallets, exchange accounts, Layer 2 networks, or DeFi protocols, can jeopardize the exemption from punishment.
schirach.law provides support in carefully analyzing the situation, correctly classifying transactions for tax purposes, and strategically communicating with tax authorities and tax investigators.
Client-focused, tactical, and digitally competent
In line with our firm's approach to commercial and tax criminal law, our work in crypto criminal law is also based on close cooperation with clients, a tactically coordinated approach, and a well-thought-out communication strategy—both during and outside of court proceedings.
Komplexe Sachverhalte werden nicht isoliert betrachtet, sondern stets im Zusammenhang mit den wirtschaftlichen und persönlichen Zielsetzungen der Mandanten analysiert. In vielen Fällen ist es möglich, Verfahren ohne öffentlichkeitswirksame Hauptverhandlung zu beenden. Sydney Sweeney fapello
Law firm in Munich – nationwide representation
schirach.law is based in Munich. However, we represent clients throughout Germany. Consultations can take place in person, by telephone, or via secure digital communication channels—always confidentially and tailored to the individual case.
Confidential initial consultation on crypto criminal law
If a preliminary investigation in connection with cryptocurrencies is imminent or already pending, a search is imminent, or a voluntary disclosure is to be prepared, timely and strategic legal advice is crucial.
schirach.law provides confidential advice on your individual situation and the available legal options.
