Got a penalty order? Calculate the two-week objection deadline
The local court imposes a penalty without a hearing – usually a fine, sometimes a driving ban or a suspended sentence. It is a criminal judgment without a court date.
How to recognise the letter
- It comes from the local court in a yellow envelope.
- Heading »Strafbefehl«, with the accusation and the penalty, often in daily rates.
- At the end: objection within two weeks of service.
Which deadline applies?
Objection (Einspruch): two weeks after service (§ 410 Abs. 1 S. 1 StPO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 43 Abs. 2 StPO). The calculator on this page works out the exact day – step by step.
Without a timely objection, the penalty order has the effect of a final judgment (§ 410 Abs. 3 StPO).
What happens if you do nothing?
After two weeks it has the effect of a final judgment. The penalty must be paid, and it may appear in your certificate of good conduct.
Your options
- Ask a criminal lawyer at once
- Object in writing to the court – possible without reasons
- Limit the objection to the daily rate if only that is wrong
Who can help?
Criminal defence lawyer – immediately
Frequently asked questions
What happens without an objection?
The penalty order then has the effect of a final judgment (§ 410 Abs. 3 StPO).
Can I object only to the amount?
Yes. The objection can be limited to certain points (§ 410 Abs. 2 StPO), e.g. the amount of the daily rates. Ask a criminal lawyer first.
How much time do I have?
Two weeks after service (§ 410 Abs. 1 S. 1 StPO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 43 Abs. 2 StPO). The calculator above shows the exact day with every step.
Who can help me?
Criminal defence lawyer – immediately.
General information, not legal advice. Whether this decision is correct and what is right in your case is for an advice centre or a lawyer to say. Laws link to the official German text at gesetze-im-internet.de.