5,0/5 Google · 167 reviewsWe do not check reviews of us on other platforms that we do not quote verbatim for authenticity. They may therefore also come from people who are not our clients. The rules of the respective platform apply. Reviews that we quote verbatim on our website, by contrast, have been checked for authenticity within the meaning of Section 5b(3) UWG (German Act against Unfair Competition): we compared the reviewers’ names with our client register. We also asked the respective platform to check the reviews for authenticity.Period: October 2016 to date · As of: 28 October 2026
Request file inspection online
First the file, then the statement
Are you accused or the victim of a criminal or administrative offence? We apply for file inspection for you and send you the digital copy as soon as the authority grants it.
Please enter a short description first.
The first contact is free of charge. We will expressly inform you before any costs arise.
Response within 24 hours on working days
As of: 23 October 2026
Your file inspection2 of 4
- Authority and file numberPresent
- Role in the proceedingsPresent
- Application by the lawyerCheck
- Decision of the authorityAuthority decidesMissing
Point of review: What does the file say against you?
- 1Send formAuthority and file number
- 2Accept the offerCosts clear in advance
- 3Receive the fileDigital copy
Schematic illustration. Simplified example.
We apply for inspection for
- Accused persons
- Persons concerned
- Victims
- Joint plaintiffs
- Relatives
Key points at a glance
- In criminal proceedings, accused persons obtain access to the file through their defence counsel under § 147 StPO.
- Victims of a criminal offence can also apply for inspection through a lawyer under § 406e StPO.
- ITMR applies for inspection for you and sends you the digital copy as soon as the authority grants it.
- Whether and when inspection is granted is decided by the public prosecutor's office, the administrative authority or the court.
- Your contact is Jean Paul Bohne and his team. He is a specialist lawyer for IT law and for copyright and media law. Response on working days within 24 hours.
Starting position
When do you need file inspection?
Before you make a statement, you should know what the authority knows.
Knowing the file lets you assess the evidence and defend yourself or pursue your rights in a targeted way.
You have received a hearing questionnaire, a summons or a fine notice. The file shows which evidence exists and which allegations are made.
You are the victim of a criminal offence. The file tells you the status of the proceedings and the progress of the investigation.
You want to claim damages under civil law. The investigation file may contain evidence for your claims.
A relative has died and you want to pursue their claims. A right to inspection may exist in that case too.
- For whom
- Accused persons, persons concerned, victims
- Proceedings
- Criminal proceedings, administrative fine proceedings
- Result
- digital copy of the file
- Decision
- by the authority or court
Inspection can be restricted if it would jeopardise the purpose of the investigation. Legitimate interests of other persons may also stand in the way.
Similar rights exist in administrative proceedings. There, inspection is governed by the applicable procedural law.
Quick response
Send the authority and file number using the form. We will get back to you on working days within 24 hours with a transparent offer.
Process
How does online file inspection work?
To the digital file in three steps.
01
Send form You name the public prosecutor's office or authority, the file number and your role in the proceedings.
02
Accept the offer You receive a transparent offer on working days within 24 hours. By accepting it, you instruct us.
03
Receive the file We apply for inspection as a lawyer. If the authority grants it, you receive a digital copy of the file.
What we need for the application
- 1
Authority The full name of the public prosecutor's office or fine authority is on your letter.
- 2
File number You will find the file number on the hearing questionnaire, summons or notice.
- 3
Your role Whether you are accused, concerned or a victim determines the legal basis of the application.
- 4
Power of attorney After instruction, we send you a power of attorney to sign.
How long does it take? We complete most work steps within a few working days. How fast it goes depends on the scope and on your responses. Do you have a fixed date, such as a deadline? Tell us right away in your enquiry and we will plan for it.
Service
What does online file inspection include?
Service package: online file inspection
Submit the application Apply for file inspection at the public prosecutor's office, authority or court.
Follow up Chase the authority in case of delay.
Clarify your role Determine the legal basis for your role in the proceedings.
Deliver the file Send a digital copy of the file to you.
- For whom
- Accused persons, persons concerned and victims
- First response
- within 24 hours on working days
- Costs
- We tell you the costs transparently before you instruct us.
- Not included
- Evaluation of the file, defence and representation. We take these on as a separate mandate on request.
Who delivers what and who decides
- Authority and file number
- Your role in the proceedings
- Signed power of attorney
- Application as a lawyer
- Follow-up with the authority
- Delivery of the file
- The authority or court decides on inspection
- You decide on further steps
How does the engagement work?
- 1
First assessment You send the form. We will get back to you on working days within 24 hours with an offer.
- 2
Offer Once you accept and provide the power of attorney, we submit the application.
- 3
Court steps separately We agree defence and representation in court separately.
Entitled persons
Who has a right to file inspection?
The legal basis depends on your role in the proceedings.
In criminal proceedings through defence counsel under § 147 StPO.
Under § 49 OWiG and the reference to the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Through a lawyer under § 406e StPO if there is a legitimate interest.
Under narrower conditions under § 475 StPO, for example for civil law claims.
Legal framework
Which rules apply to file inspection?
Under § 147(1) StPO, defence counsel is entitled to inspect the files. Before the investigation is concluded, inspection can be refused under § 147(2) StPO if it jeopardises the purpose of the investigation.
§ 406e StPO applies to victims. A lawyer can inspect the file insofar as a legitimate interest is shown.
In administrative fine proceedings, § 49 OWiG governs inspection by the administrative authority.
Third parties can obtain information and inspection under the conditions of § 475 StPO.
- § 147 StPO File inspection by defence counsel.
- § 406e StPO File inspection by the victim.
- § 475 StPO Information to third parties.
- § 49 OWiG File inspection in administrative fine proceedings.
Limits
What does the package not cover?
Clear limits protect your planning.
- 1
No guarantee of inspection Whether and when inspection is granted is decided by the authority.
- 2
No file evaluation Assessing the file is a separate mandate.
- 3
No defence in the package We agree defence and representation separately.
- 4
The decision remains yours Whether you make a statement is your decision once you know the file.
What you should avoid
- Making a statement on the matter before file inspection.
- Overlooking deadlines from the hearing questionnaire or notice.
- Passing the file on to third parties without review.
Your contact
Lawyer and mediator · Partner · Specialist lawyer for IT law · Specialist lawyer for copyright and media law
View profile Düsseldorf, Schirmerstraße 80 · Hamburg, Palmaille 124
TOP lawyer 2027 · Business lawyers · Intellectual property
F.A.Z.-Institut and QuantiQuest. Based on recommendations from peers and assessments by in-house counsel. Source (opens in a new tab)
ReviewsWe do not check reviews of us on other platforms that we do not quote verbatim for authenticity. They may therefore also come from people who are not our clients. The rules of the respective platform apply. Reviews that we quote verbatim on our website, by contrast, have been checked for authenticity within the meaning of Section 5b(3) UWG (German Act against Unfair Competition): we compared the reviewers’ names with our client register. We also asked the respective platform to check the reviews for authenticity.
What clients say
5,0 von 5 · 71 Bewertungen auf anwalt.dePeriod: October 2018 to date · As of: 28 October 2026
“Mr Bohne represented me in the matter of a file-sharing allegation by Koch Media. We saw the matter through with patience and care, never strayed from our course and did not accept a settlement. In the end we won the dispute. I would like to thank Mr Bohne and wish him all the best.” (translated from German)
“THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Faced with the allegation by a dubious Munich law firm that we had committed file sharing, Mr Bohne helped us in a situation where we felt helpless, in a humane and competent way. …” (translated from German)
“Mr Bohne took on my case and won. Many thanks for your help.” (translated from German)
FAQ
What do clients ask about file inspection?
Can I inspect the file myself?
In criminal proceedings, the defence counsel obtains file inspection. Accused persons without defence counsel only receive information and copies under § 147(4) StPO.
How long does file inspection take?
That depends on the authority and the stage of the investigation. We follow up in case of delay.
Do I have to answer the hearing questionnaire?
As an accused person, you do not have to make a statement on the matter. Personal details may be mandatory. We recommend knowing the file first.
Can I obtain file inspection as a victim?
Yes, through a lawyer under § 406e StPO if there is a legitimate interest. Parts may be withheld to protect others.
Does this also apply in administrative fine proceedings?
Yes. Under § 49 OWiG, the administrative authority can grant inspection. We also apply for it at fine offices.
What happens after the file inspection?
You decide whether we should evaluate the file and defend or represent you. We agree this separately.
Next step
Do you want to know what is in your file?
Send the authority and file number. We will get back to you with a transparent offer.
Helpful for your enquiry
- Hearing questionnaire, summons or notice
- File number
- Name of the authority
The authority and file number are enough to get started.
File inspection enquiry
For accused persons, victims and persons concerned in criminal and administrative fine proceedings.
The authority and file number are enough to get started.
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