Emergency guidelines in case of a summary punishment order

The purpose of an order of summary punishment ("Strafbefehl") is to quickly and effectively convict minor criminal cases. In practice, accepting a summary punishment order can have advantages for the accused and is therefore frequently used to resolve proceedings discreetly and early on.

By accepting a summary punishment order, the accused can avoid a public trial. Thus, it can be a practical option for the defense to work towards one at an early stage without facing indictment or a public trial.

However, it is important to determine and weigh the advantages, risks, and disadvantages of accepting a summary punishment order as soon as possible. A summary punishment order is a written judgment and becomes legally binding if no objection is filed with the court within two weeks of service. If you wish to challenge the summary punishment order, it is crucial to act promptly and seek legal advice. It is often worth having the summary punishment order reviewed by a lawyer to ensure that you are making an informed decision.