{"id":369,"date":"2025-07-31T09:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T07:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/areas-of-expertise\/white-collar-criminal-defense\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T15:38:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:38:42","slug":"white-collar-criminal-defense","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/areas-of-expertise\/white-collar-criminal-defense\/","title":{"rendered":"White-Collar Criminal Defense"},"content":{"rendered":"<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light\" style=\"min-height:277px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"366\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-216 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/app\/uploads\/2025\/09\/working-in-cafe-2025-02-11-15-36-24-utc.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" sizes=\"auto, \" srcset=\"\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#a1a29a\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-aca490c8 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><nav role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Seitenstruktur\" id=\"breadcrumbs-1\"><div class=\"yoast-breadcrumbs\"><ol aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" role=\"menubar\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/\" itemprop=\"url\">Home<\/a><span class=\"separator\">&#8211;<\/span><\/li>  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/areas-of-expertise\/\" itemprop=\"url\">Areas of expertise<\/a><span class=\"separator\">&#8211;<\/span><\/li>  <li class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\"><\/span>White-Collar Criminal Defense<\/span><\/ol><\/div><\/nav>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5ba0f1c9 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-primary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-primary-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Entrepreneurs and executives often operate in a grey area, having to make decisions that carry financial and legal risks. If one of these decisions results in a outcome, executives and business owners can face criminal allegations from shareholders or investors, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/blog\/sie-werden-des-betrugs-beschuldigt-oder-sind-opfer-eines-betrugs-geworden\/\"><strong>fraud<\/strong><\/a>, breach of trust, or fraudulent bankruptcy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Attorney Mag. Markus Weisser is an expert in white-collar criminal defense, with extensive experience representing clients \u2013 not just in Vienna but across Austria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Fast and Effective Defense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With years of experience defending complex white-collar crime cases, Mag. Weisser can quickly analyze large volumes of documents and identify the critical issues relevant to your defense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mag. Weisser emphasizes an interdisciplinary defense strategy. The goal is to address allegations early during the investigation by clearly explaining the economic context to prosecutors. A cooperative approach often increases the likelihood of avoiding a trial and achieving dismissal during the investigative stage.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Extensive Trial Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a court hearing becomes unavoidable, Mag. Weisser will represent you at trial. He has deep expertise in defending clients in court hearings and appellate proceedings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Experienced Network of Experts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our firm has a broad network of specialists in business, finance, and economics. When needed, these experts can be consulted immediately, enabling us to respond quickly to developments in business criminal law and provide optimal representation in front of courts and public prosecutors.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Compliance is Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>White-collar criminal proceedings can be lengthy and complex, sometimes lasting several years. Being under investigation can have serious consequences, from reputational harm to civil claims. Our preventive approach includes risk analysis, internal process review, and practical measures to reduce criminal liability. This protects both your company and the decision-makers involved.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Our Focus in Commercial Criminal Law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Attorney Markus Weisser frequently defends individuals and companies in the following areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Embezzlement (Section 133 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extortion (Section 144 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/blog\/sie-werden-des-betrugs-beschuldigt-oder-sind-opfer-eines-betrugs-geworden\/\">Fraud<\/a> <\/strong>(Section 146 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serious Fraud (Section 147 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commercial Fraud (Section 148 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/blog\/untreue-nach-%c2%a7-153-stgb-was-beschuldigte-und-opfer-wissen-sbreach-of-trust-under-section-153-of-the-austrian-criminal-code-what-defendants-and-victims-should-knowollten\/\"><strong>Breach of trust<\/strong><\/a> (Section 153 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fraudulent bankruptcy (\u00a7 156 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grossly negligent impairment of creditors&#8217; interests (Section 159 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Money laundering (Section 165 StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-competitive collusion in tendering processes (Section 168b StGB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Company Criminal Conduct (\u00a7 1 VbVG ff) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow sticky\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cae514bf6d3b15be425aafdb3dc5a7df\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-secondary-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-353c4f5a wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"524\" height=\"458\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MarkusWeisser.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-96\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MarkusWeisser.jpg 524w, https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/MarkusWeisser-300x262.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0225af90b68bc6309df64cac7fcb1f11\"><strong>Your concerns are important to us!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-773429c1b638ba53c395db4193d67c09\">Lawyer Markus Weisser will personally take time for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-cb28d6de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/book-an-appointment\/\">Book an appointment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-secondary-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-867483a7 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4f2155eb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-primary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-primary-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><details class=\"schema-faq-section\"  id=\"faq-question-1753430067089\"><summary class=\"schema-faq-question\" >Why am I being investigated even though I was only acting in a business capacity?<\/summary> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In business, decisions often have to be made under conditions of uncertainty. Unfortunately, business partners or creditors sometimes retrospectively classify economic misjudgments as criminal acts and submit a statement of facts to the public prosecutor&#8217;s office. We examine whether there are any criminal charges and represent your interests vigorously before the public prosecutor&#8217;s office.  <\/p> <\/details> <details class=\"schema-faq-section\"  id=\"faq-question-1753430103453\"><summary class=\"schema-faq-question\" >What are the consequences of a conviction in commercial criminal law?<\/summary> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In the event of a conviction, the defendant faces a fine or imprisonment, or companies face a fine. The severity of the penalty depends on the circumstances of the individual case (in particular the amount of damage caused). The Austrian Criminal Code provides for a maximum penalty of one to ten years&#8217; imprisonment for serious property offenses. <br\/>In addition to the general loss of reputation, convicted persons are also frequently confronted with claims fo damages from victims. It should be noted that a conviction by a criminal court is binding and therefore has a major influence on any subsequent civil proceedings.<br\/>Another possible consequence of a criminal conviction is that an entrepreneur may have their business license revoked or that companies that have been convicted may be excluded from tenders in public procurement procedures. <br\/>In addition, individuals who have been sentenced to more than six months&#8217; imprisonment for a financial offense are automatically disqualified from serving as a managing director or board member for three years.   <\/p> <\/details> <details class=\"schema-faq-section\"  id=\"faq-question-1753430105594\"><summary class=\"schema-faq-question\" >Why is it important to hire a specialized lawyer in white-collar crime proceedings?<\/summary> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">White-collar crime proceedings have special characteristics: many allegations fall into a gray area between permissible economic activity and criminal liability. Even minor misinterpretations of contracts, bookings, or business decisions can lead to serious criminal consequences.<br\/>A lawyer specializing in commercial criminal law not only has the necessary criminal law knowledge, but also economic understanding and experience in dealing with problems of economic life. This combination is crucial for correctly classifying operational processes, explaining economic decisions in a comprehensible manner, and defending against misinterpretations by the investigating authorities.  <\/p> <\/details> <details class=\"schema-faq-section\"  id=\"faq-question-1755849497661\"><summary class=\"schema-faq-question\" >Can companies also be defendants in criminal proceedings?<\/summary> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, according to the Criminal Corporate Liability Act (VbVG), legal entities can also be prosecuted under criminal law. If convicted, the company faces a fine. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the offense and the economic capacity of the company.  <\/p> <\/details> <details class=\"schema-faq-section\"  id=\"faq-question-1755850337156\"><summary class=\"schema-faq-question\" >When should I seek preventive advice from a lawyer?<\/summary> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Early legal advice is particularly advisable if business decisions involve the disposal of assets that could affect the interests of creditors or the economic situation of the company. Particular caution is also required in the case of self-dealing transactions, i.e., transactions in which you act on both sides of the contractual relationship, as this can quickly give rise to suspicions of unlawful self-favoritism or breach of trust.<br\/>An experienced lawyer can check in advance whether planned actions are legally unobjectionable, thereby significantly reducing the risk of subsequent allegations. <\/p> <\/details> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-27b7af1e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Do you need help with commercial criminal law?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-38c86160 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-primary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-primary-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">We are happy to provide you with strategic and discreet defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-d2a3880e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/contact-us\/\">Contact<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer Entrepreneurs and executives often operate in a grey area, having to make decisions that carry financial and legal risks. If one of these decisions results in a outcome, executives and business owners can face criminal allegations from shareholders or investors, including fraud, breach of trust, or fraudulent bankruptcy. Attorney Mag. Markus [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":353,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"featured_image_focal_point":[],"page-redirect-enabled":false,"page-redirect-target-id":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-369","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>White-Collar Criminal Defense - Rechtsanwalt Markus Weisser<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ra-weisser.at\/en\/areas-of-expertise\/white-collar-criminal-defense\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"White-Collar Criminal Defense - Rechtsanwalt Markus Weisser\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer Entrepreneurs and executives often operate in a grey area, having to make decisions that carry financial and legal risks. 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The severity of the penalty depends on the circumstances of the individual case (in particular the amount of damage caused). The Austrian Criminal Code provides for a maximum penalty of one to ten years' imprisonment for serious property offenses. <br>In addition to the general loss of reputation, convicted persons are also frequently confronted with claims fo damages from victims. 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