stetter Rechtsanwälte
Law Firm for
White-Collar
and Criminal Tax Law
Based in Munich · Acting nationwide and internationally
Strategically managing criminal-law risks
When criminal and regulatory risks affect responsibility, stability, or economic interests, more is required than traditional defense.
As a highly specialized firm for white-collar and criminal tax law, we exclusively advise and represent organizations, corporate bodies, and senior decision-makers in matters of strategic significance – both preventively and in active proceedings.
Our objective: to make risks manageable, maintain control, and preserve your ability to act – even under significant pressure.
Our promise
A personal insight into how our firm works: precise analysis, clear communication and responsibility in matters of considerable significance.
Our Commitment
Your situation
Criminal and regulatory risks in white-collar and criminal tax law can arise in a wide range of circumstances. What matters is not only the legal assessment of individual facts, but also determining which measures are strategically appropriate in your specific situation.
References
Trust is not earned through self-promotion, but through proven experience, precise work and clients who rely on clear strategic guidance – even under considerable pressure.
Our work regularly involves highly sensitive situations in which discretion is paramount. We therefore publish only anonymised client feedback and reviews that are already publicly available.
“Once again, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. You were simply great and gave me terrific advice. If one is already in such a s---, then only with you as lawyers and above all as people.”
“Strategically clear, exceptionally precise, and highly effective – even under significant pressure.”
“Complex matters were quickly structured and translated into sound, actionable decisions.”
Experience that shapes the way we work
“This firm distinguishes itself through outstanding competence in handling even the most demanding and complex matters, thereby setting the standard for excellent and sophisticated legal services.”
Since 2019
Defense of a former member of the Management Board of an international bank:
Since 2017
Defense of a former CTO of a German automotive manufacturer:
Since 2008
Defense of a former CFO:
Since 2004
First corporate defense mandate: successful defense against an intended administrative fine against one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers.
2024 – 2025
Defense of one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers:
2020 – 2025
Defense of the former Head of Accounting:
2023
Defense of an entrepreneur:
2021 – 2022
Strategic advice to the managing partner and individual partners regarding legal advice provided to one of the banks involved during the relevant period.
2018 – 2021
Defense of a German automotive manufacturer:
2009 – 2012
Defense of a German subsidiary:
2006 – 2010
Defense of approximately 20 internationally active executives:
2000 – 2003
In cooperation with Prof. Dr. Gunter Widmaier.
Owner & Founder, Attorney, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law & Tax Law
Senior AssociateAttorney
Senior AssociateAttorney
Senior AssociateAttorney
AssociateAttorney
AssociateAttorney
STRATEGIC OVERALL CONTROL
In white-collar and criminal tax proceedings, legal issues rarely concern individual allegations alone. They affect organizations, decision-making processes, reputation, and financial stability.
Our work therefore does not focus on the allegation solely, but on the decision-making context as a whole. We assess risks, dynamics, and available courses of action, integrating criminal-law issues into a comprehensive strategic framework.
Prevention and defense are not separate disciplines, but follow the same logic: identifying risks at an early stage, containing escalation, and maintaining control.
Our clients include board members, managing directors, supervisory board members, entrepreneurs, corporate officers, institutions, and organizations with heightened responsibilities and corresponding exposure to risk.
Learn More About the FirmMeasures already at the point of suspicion
OUR METHOD
Targeted precision down to the finest detail is applied precisely at the decisive points in our approach.
We dissect official case files in depth: facts, evidence, procedural development. Our work follows a clearly defined method: legal microsurgery.
It is defined by: targeted analytical depth, maximum evidentiary support, systematic identification of weaknesses, structured argumentation, and thinking across all stages of a case.
Where others rely on plausible arguments, we examine, substantiate, and articulate every detail with precision.
This method is embedded in our firm’s DNA.
We think further. We analyze more deeply. We identify solutions where others see none.
Legal MicrosurgeryEXPERIENCE IN STRATEGIC CASE MANAGEMENT
Our law firm has extensive experience in defending companies, board members, and institutions in high-stakes white-collar and criminal tax proceedings.
This includes matters involving international dimensions, parallel investigations by multiple authorities, complex corporate structures and political or public sensitivity.
We represent clients throughout Germany and internationally and, where necessary, coordinate closely with specialized defense counsel in other jurisdictions.
In these contexts, experience means more than legal expertise – it means enabling sound decisions even under exceptional pressure.
Learn moreWHY DECISION-MAKERS ENGAGE US
Exclusive focus on white-collar crime and criminal tax law – no general criminal defense, no unrelated practice areas
We have extensive, first-hand experience in many large-scale proceedings – including matters with an international dimension. Particularly under intense media scrutiny and political pressure, what matters is clear prioritization and a resilient strategic framework.
Dr. Sabine Stetter’s extensive experience in appellate proceedings before the Federal Court of Justice continues to shape our work today. From the outset, we anticipate procedural errors, identify legal vulnerabilities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the defense strategy.
In complex proceedings, success depends on engaging the right specialists at the right time. We integrate additional expertise when needed – while maintaining clear strategic leadership in the criminal defense core.
DR. SABINE STETTER
Dr. Sabine Stetter has more than 25 years of experience in legal practice. As a certified specialist in both criminal law and tax law, she combines two disciplines that are often inextricably linked in complex white-collar and criminal tax proceedings.
Her extensive work in appellate proceedings before the German Federal Court of Justice has fundamentally shaped her perspective, particularly her sensitivity to legal error and the long-term sustainability of defense strategies.
Since 2004, Dr. Stetter has personally represented international corporations, companies, and public entities in criminal and regulatory proceedings. She developed this focus at a time when corporate defense in criminal and regulatory matters had not yet become an established specialist field.
In 2010, she founded stetter Rechtsanwälte.
She combines legal precision with strong business judgment. Whether in defense or prevention, her approach is focused on limiting risk, controlling escalation, and creating sustainable, actionable options under pressure.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Our work goes beyond the legal assessment of individual offenses. What matters is the strategic management of the overall situation – particularly where criminal pressure affects personal decision-making, organizational stability, and financial strength.
We stand for substance over performance. This is how we achieve results that others may have overlooked or considered unattainable.
Our goal is to preserve the ability of decision-makers and organizations to act effectively in the face of criminal and regulatory risk.
Our structure is intentionally lean and highly specialized. We handle mandates personally – with clear strategy and transparent communication.
What You Can Expect
We are recognized
Our expertise is consistently recognized by leading legal publications and independent industry rankings.
Listed 2010 – 2026
Listed 2015 – 2026
Listed 2020 – 2026
Listed 2015 – 2026
Listed 2022 – 2026
Listed 2026
Listed 2018 – 2025
Listed 2020 – 2025
Listed 2018 – 2025
Sharing Expertise
We continuously monitor developments in white-collar crime and criminal tax law and assess their implications for companies, corporate bodies, and senior decision-makers.
Our insights combine legal precision with a strategic perspective on risk, decision-making, and future developments:
Immediate Assistance in Emergency Situations
The earlier we understand and structure your situation, the more effectively your ability to act can be preserved.
We are available to assist clients throughout Germany and internationally – confidentially, personally, and with clear responsibility for every mandate.
FAQ
White-collar and tax crime have become some of the most significant legal risks facing businesses, executives, and institutions, regardless of their industry, size, or organizational structure. Whenever criminal allegations threaten personal liability, commercial interests, or the stability of an organization, the quality of legal representation can determine far more than the outcome of a single investigation – it can shape the future of the business itself.
White-collar criminal law covers criminal offences committed in a commercial or corporate context, including breach of trust, fraud, corruption, insider trading, accounting offences, and money laundering. You should consult a specialist at the earliest possible stage – ideally before any contact with the authorities, but certainly as soon as an investigation begins or you receive your first enquiry from law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
Remain calm and do not make any statements without legal representation. Document the search and all investigative measures as thoroughly as possible and contact a specialist criminal defense lawyer immediately. Early legal intervention is essential to protecting your rights and preserving your ability to act strategically throughout the proceedings. You are generally not obliged to voluntarily surrender evidence. If you refuse voluntary surrender, seizure may generally only be ordered by a court or – where there is imminent danger – by the public prosecutor's office or its investigating authorities.
A voluntary disclosure (Selbstanzeige) can only provide immunity from prosecution if it fully discloses all non-time-barred tax offences, all outstanding taxes are paid within the prescribed deadlines, and every formal legal requirement is satisfied. Because the tax authorities will initiate criminal tax investigations to verify the disclosure, it should always be prepared and reviewed by an experienced specialist in criminal tax law before submission.
Yes. The firm represents clients throughout Germany and internationally, particularly in matters involving the United States and the United Kingdom, cross-border investigations, and clients from across Europe.
As early as possible. Ideally, legal counsel should be sought at the first indication of potential criminal exposure or the first contact with investigative authorities. Early strategic advice helps prevent costly mistakes and preserves your legal options throughout the entire proceedings.
Data Protection
Here you will find detailed information on the data processing in connection with the technologies we use and the cookies used for them in each case. You can also individualize or revoke your consent.
Data Processing
We use Google Analytics 4, a web analytics service provided by Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (hereinafter referred to as: “Google”), to measure and analyze the use of our website, to compile reports on website activity, and to conduct, measure, and optimize target-group-oriented advertising campaigns.
For this purpose, Google uses the following cookies requiring consent, which are stored on and read from your computer:
| Provider | Name | Purpose | Storage period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ireland Ltd. | _ga | Distinguishing returning visitors | 2 years |
| Google Ireland Ltd. | _ga_<Property-ID> | Maintaining the session status | 2 years |
For the aforementioned purposes, the following categories of personal data are processed by Google:
On the basis of this information, pseudonymous usage profiles are created using the IDs generated by Google. Google uses the information on our behalf to analyze the use of our website, to compile reports on website activity, and to measure and optimize the success of our advertising campaigns. For this purpose, Google shows us which advertising measure or traffic source (e.g. a search query) led to a conversion (e.g. a contact inquiry). Google also uses the aforementioned information to specifically present advertisements placed on our behalf via the linked Google advertising service “Google Ads” to those users who have already shown interest in our website.
The legal basis for setting and reading the Google Analytics cookies as well as the further processing of the aforementioned data is the consent you have given via the consent banner (Section 25(1) TDDDG, Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Without your consent, no data is collected and no elements are loaded from Google. In addition, the consent also applies to Google itself, since under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) Google is obliged to obtain consent so that Google Analytics can be used in conjunction with other Google services (in our case the advertising service “Google Ads”). For this purpose, we share the status of the consent given by users via our consent banner with Google through the so-called Google Consent Mode, so that Google can control the use of its services in accordance with the consent granted or refused. In this way, Google is able, for example, to ensure that the consent status of our users can be appropriately taken into account when using Google Analytics and the linked Google service “Google Ads”.
The recipient of the collected data is Google Ireland Limited, which processes it on our behalf. In addition, it is possible that Google Ireland is supported in this by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA, as a subcontractor. Any transfer of data to Google LLC takes place on the basis of an adequacy decision (Art. 45 GDPR): Google LLC is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.
The processed data is deleted by Google after 14 months. Further information on the storage period of the cookies used by Google can be found in the consent banner.
You can revoke your consent to the data processing and the setting or reading of cookies at any time via the consent banner. You can access the consent banner by clicking on “Manage Consent” in the footer of the website.
