ruth901
Networking was the order of the day at the 24th business meeting of the city of Hünfeld in the Old Engine Shed. The focus of the event was a lecture on the subject of corporate criminal law.
Hünfeld – On Monday evening (April 20th), numerous guests accepted the invitation from the city of Hünfeld and the Allianz general representative Michael Wehner to exchange ideas and follow the lecture by lawyer Holger Wirthwein on the subject of corporate criminal law.
In tense times, when the war in Ukraine, fluctuating energy prices and unpredictable US politics are keeping the global economy in suspense, it is the task of politicians to create predictable prospects for companies – this is the message from Hünfeld's mayor Benjamin Tschesnok (CDU). The town hall boss welcomed numerous entrepreneurs who came to the meeting in the Old Engine Shed. The business meeting takes place in Hünfeld every year.
Entrepreneurs' meeting in Hünfeld focuses on criminal law
District craftsman Thorsten Krämer took up the keyword “politics”: This is not only causing problems for companies on the other side of the Atlantic. The economic situation has been “difficult” since the beginning of the corona pandemic, as Krämer diagnosed. The first district councilor Frederik Schmitt (CDU) emphasized how important it is, especially in such difficult times, for business players to network with each other. Host and sponsor Michael Wehner was all the more pleased that many had accepted the invitation: “It’s a nice feeling to have a full house in front of you.”
Afterwards, those present listened intently to Holger Wirthwein’s lecture. In a clear presentation, the criminal law specialist outlined what can happen if wrong decisions in corporate management become criminally relevant. “Many people say: 'I'm doing everything right, I have nothing to do with criminal law.' “That is wrong,” emphasized the lawyer. One reason is that an initial suspicion is enough to trigger an investigation against your own company – whether justified or not.
The expert explained how quickly company management becomes liable for things using a simple scenario: “Which of you who employs employees who regularly use a company car also regularly checks whether these employees have a driver’s license?” Several people present said no. “Why not?” the lawyer asked and was told “I didn’t know” or “I trust.”
Attorney Holger Wirthwein provides information about criminal law cases for companies
Playing with fire, as Wirthwein warned: “Let's assume this employee causes a fatal accident with your company car. Then the police come to your company and ask: 'Why was he driving around in your car without a license?'”
Unlike criminal proceedings against private individuals, which often involve the person actively doing something, companies are usually accused of omitting to do something, as the lawyer explained. He advised those present not only to inspect according to regulations, to regularly train employees and to give appropriate instructions, but also to check compliance with these instructions. “If I tell the employees that they should sort out all the rotten parts of the scaffolding, that's a good thing. It's even better to occasionally check whether the employees have also implemented this instruction.”
If in doubt, Wirthwein strongly advised that you contact a lawyer. “Many people think that they are on the safe side because they are innocent and that will be established during the course of the proceedings.” In reality, says Wirthwein, without legal advice this can be a long and expensive process or even lead to a conviction even though you have done nothing wrong at all.
The lawyer also emphasized several times how important it is to know that you can invoke your right to remain silent at any time. Accordingly, his final advice was: “If something goes wrong: go to a defense attorney, and until then, keep quiet until the doctor comes.”
After the audience gave Wirthwein loud applause, Michael Wehner summarized the conclusion shared by many of those present that evening: “Who would have thought that criminal law could be so interesting?”
