Criminal tax law. Commercial criminal law.
Compliance.

In the interests of people. In your interests.

Clear. Strategic.

Loyal at all times.

We advise people who are in trouble –
we represent them in criminal proceedings in tax and commercial law, but also in general criminal matters, both nationally and internationally. Wallasch & Gärtner are focused on legal expertise, forward thinking and consistent representation of your interests.

Whether you are an individual, an entrepreneur or a manager: when you are under pressure, we are at your side. Because your rights deserve our full commitment.

hardfacts

Lawyer + Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law + Certified Consultant for Criminal Tax Law (DAA)

Oliver Wallasch

I have been working consistently as a defence lawyer in criminal cases since the beginning of my legal career in 1997.

This focus is complemented by in-depth expertise in tax and commercial criminal law as a specialist lawyer for criminal law and certified advisor for criminal tax law (DAA). I represent clients nationwide and internationally – in particular in complex, cross-border proceedings and in extradition law. My approach in every case: wise and competent legal arguments and reliable action exclusively in the interests of my client.

Between 2018 and 2025, I was repeatedly recognised by FOCUS magazine as one of Germany's leading criminal defence lawyers (Top Lawyer).

hardfacts

Studies

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn + Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt a. M.

Additional qualifications

Specialist lawyer for criminal law + Certified consultant for criminal tax law (DAA)

Main areas of practice

Commercial criminal law, criminal tax law, general criminal law

Passion

Advisory Board Member Fair Trials NGO

Lawyer + Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law

Sarah Gärtner

As a specialist lawyer for criminal law, I represent clients throughout Germany in preliminary investigations and in main proceedings at local and regional courts.

In close consultation with my clients, I develop a legally and tactically professional defence strategy tailored to their individual interests at every stage of the proceedings.

My main areas of practice are general criminal law, commercial criminal law and juvenile criminal law, with a particular focus on the educational principles enshrined in law.

hardfacts

Studies

Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt (graduated with distinction)

Additional qualifications

Specialist lawyer for criminal law

Main areas of practice

General criminal law + commercial criminal law + juvenile criminal law

Passion

Chair of the board of the Papageno Musiktheater e.V.

hardfacts

Knowing what is necessary. And when.

Clear on facts.

Close to people.

On the one hand: emotionally charged situations, possibly even deprivation of liberty, existential questions. 
On the other hand: complex corporate structures, different players, economic constraints. For us, this is not a contradiction – it is precisely the space in which we operate.

Our strength? Experience that matters. Legal expertise, negotiating skills and a keen sense of what can be achieved in such cases.

At the heart of everything we do: in court, in consultations with legal authorities and in public.

Areas of expertise

Criminal tax law

When responsibility suddenly becomes a burden

Criminal tax proceedings often take entrepreneurs by surprise. The consequences often go beyond the actual government investigations, with possible personal consequences, including imprisonment: damage to reputation, obstacles to business operations or internal unrest within the company often become reality.

Are you affected by a search warrant, considering voluntary disclosure of tax evasion, or are you undergoing a tax audit with possible criminal tax investigations to follow? Then you need legal assistance that not only considers the law but also understands business in its entirety. 

We analyse your situation, examine opportunities and risks, and develop robust, individual, effective and legally precise defence strategies. We always work discreetly and in close consultation with you and are happy to bring in additional external advisors from our team if needed – with the clear goal of protecting your company and your personal position. We are not a large law firm. We are a specialised and individual boutique with a network of experts built up over many years – including tact and determination.

Rechtsanwalt Oliver Wallasch sitzend auf einem Stuhl

Independent.

We decide based on a clear principle: in the interests of people and on the basis of the law. We act independently – in court, with the Public Prosecutor's Office and in public opinion. This is not just our attitude, it is our principle. Your problem is our motivation.

– OLIVER WALLASCH –

Frontalbild der Rechtsanwälte Oliver Wallasch (links) und Sarah Gärtner (rechts)

Areas of expertise

Commercial criminal law

When decisions become charges

Allegations of economic crime such as breach of trust, accounting offences, suspected corruption or subsidy fraud are not only legally challenging, but also jeopardise the ability of companies and executives to act and their credibility.

Are you a board member, managing director or senior executive and suddenly find yourself within the focus of criminal investigations due to your economic activities? We advise and represent you and your company with a deep understanding of economic relationships, a keen sense of internal structures and a clear defence strategy to protect your position.

We act independently of public prosecutors and courts, but always with a strong network, even beyond national borders. Thanks to proven cooperation with experienced colleagues worldwide, we can also act effectively and discreetly in cases with international implications. Cost minimisation is included; the ‘billable hour’ is not our focus.

Targeted.

What we do is systematic and always focused on what really matters. When pressure is intensive, we remain cool. For us, quick action is not a reflex but the result of focused planning, because timing is not a matter of luck but of precise tactics.

– SARAH GÄRTNER –

Areas of expertise

Compliance

When symbolic corporate policy becomes sustainable structures.

In times of increasing regulation and public sensitivity to legally compliant behaviour, compliance has long been more than just adherence to rules. For companies, it means responsibility, leadership and protection against significant risks. A proven and practised compliance system can avoid fines, liability risks and damage to your image, while strengthening the trust of employees, business partners and the public.

Do you need certainty in your actions, even when it comes to sensitive issues such as corruption, taxes, internal rule violations or organisational failures? We support you in structurally anchoring legally compliant behaviour within your company. From precise risk analysis and the establishment of reliable control mechanisms to the professional handling of specific incidents, we are at your side with advice and support.

Our goal: to create practical, effective compliance management that fits your corporate culture and works in everyday life. We rely on approved processes, a clear stance and an understanding of entrepreneurial freedom, legal certainty and the strengthening of internal integrity. We would also be happy to put together a team to advise you on an ongoing basis in your business processes.

Frontalbild von Rechtsanwältin Sarah Gärtner

Your emergency number

+49 (0) 172 69 17 806

The first step

Clear words.

Your request starts here.

Pfeil nach oben