Verdachtsstärke

Verdachtsstärke is a term used in German-speaking criminal procedure to describe the assessed strength of suspicion that a person has committed a criminal offense. It is not a fixed quantitative metric but a qualitative assessment made by police, prosecutors, and, where applicable, courts. A higher Verdachtsstärke justifies more intrusive investigative measures, while a lower level of suspicion may permit only limited or non-coercive actions.

In German law the concept is closely related to tatverdacht, particularly the levels hinreichender Tatverdacht (reasonable suspicion) and dringender Tatverdacht (urgent suspicion). These thresholds determine when certain measures may be applied, such as PTD-detention, house searches, or extensive investigative steps. The exact criteria and thresholds depend on statutory provisions, case law, and the context of the investigation, and may differ in other jurisdictions.

Assessment factors for Verdachtsstärke include the credibility and consistency of witness statements, the existence and reliability of physical or digital evidence, the consistency of alibis, and how well different facts corroborate each other. Forensic results, surveillance data, financial records, and other corroborative material can also influence the strength of suspicion.

Safeguards are built into the system to prevent overreach, including rights of defense, presumption of innocence, and judicial review of investigative measures. Critics note that Verdachtsstärke can be affected by biases or resource constraints, highlighting the need for clear standards and transparent procedures to ensure proportionality and fairness.