Construction projects can create administrative, civil and criminal exposure at the same time. We help assess responsibilities, respond to enforcement and organise legally sound procedures for site and project management.
Identify the actual legal risk
Unauthorised building, breaches of enforceable orders and failures to meet regulatory obligations can attract administrative measures or fines. Criminal liability requires the elements of a particular offence; a contractual defect is not automatically a crime.
Section 319 StGB concerns specified dangerous conduct in planning, directing or carrying out construction or demolition. Environmental offences, corruption, fraud, unlawful employment and social-security issues may require separate analysis.
Respond carefully to an incident or investigation
After an accident or search, preserve relevant records and identify the roles of the company, managers and individuals. Arrange appropriate representation and address conflicts between their interests. Immediate safety and reporting duties should be assessed alongside the defence strategy.
Do not alter project records to fit a later narrative. Technical documents, delegated responsibilities, training, inspections and communications can be important evidence of what happened and who was responsible.
Make compliance work on the project
Clear delegation, documented checks, subcontractor due diligence and reliable escalation processes are more useful than a generic policy. Tendering, site access, hazardous materials, product substitution and invoicing should each have an identifiable owner and an auditable record.
Four practical examples
Illustrative scenarios: the appropriate steps depend on the contract, evidence and applicable law. These are not reports of client matters.
Unsafe demolition
A structural element is removed without the required precautions. Protect people, secure evidence and assess individual responsibilities and notification duties.
An authority inspection
Inspectors request workforce and site records. Coordinate the response and check the scope and deadlines of the request.
Suspected false invoicing
A project manager identifies duplicate charges. Preserve the records and organise a focused investigation before making allegations.
An unlawful use continues
An enforceable prohibition is ignored. Review urgent legal options and practical compliance rather than assuming an objection suspends the order.
Documents that help us assess your position
The authority’s documents, dates of service, safety plans, delegation records, site reports, contracts, inspection records and relevant correspondence.
Discuss your project or dispute
Tell us where the project is located, who is involved and whether a deadline is approaching. We can then clarify the scope of the proposed engagement and the next steps.
Related construction law services
Legal framework & further reading
Reviewed: 12 November 2026. Statutory references are to German law unless stated otherwise.