Persons summoned by the court or the public prosecutor’s office as a witness are entitled to reimbursement of their travel expenses as well as to compensation for other expenses and loss of earnings.

A summons by the police can also entail a right to compensation. This is subject to the law of the respective German Land. If witnesses are summoned to testify by the police, the public prosecutor’s office or the court, they receive a summons letter by post. The letter names the time and place of the testimony and provides information on how to apply for witness compensation. If any more questions arise, witnesses can contact the police, the public prosecutor’s office or the court, either by phone or in person.