In the event of a guilty verdict, the convicted person is obliged to reimburse costs. The reimbursement of costs includes the reimbursement of special costs incurred by the Republic and a lump-sum payment.
Specific costs include:
- Expert fees
- Remuneration for information, findings or expert opinions from authorities
- Costs incurred for the involvement of witnesses located abroad
- Costs for certain investigative measures, e.g. seizures or telephone interceptions
- Court fees in criminal proceedings
- As a rule, defense costs (including those of a private party), unless legal aid was granted
The lump-sum contribution to costs is a share of those costs incurred by the authorities as a result of investigations or other official acts that do not qualify as special costs. For example, this applies to the costs of a locksmith or overtime worked by criminal investigators. The specific amount of this sum is determined by the maximum limits specified in the law. In proceedings before the district court, for example, the lump sum is limited to EUR 50.00 to EUR 100.00, in proceedings before a jury to EUR 500.00 to EUR 1,000.00. The concrete assessment depends on the individual case and results from the procedural expenses and the asset and income situation of the person concerned.
If only a partial verdict of guilty is reached, those costs that relate to the guilty verdict shall be borne.
