Criminal law · Switzerland
Your criminal lawyer in Switzerland for clear, discreet guidance
Facing a criminal investigation or charge in Switzerland is unsettling. We match you with a vetted Swiss defence lawyer who knows the cantonal courts and federal criminal procedure, so you can act with confidence.
- Specialists in Swiss criminal procedure and cantonal practice
- Clear explanation of your position and options after arrest or charge
- Free, no-obligation matching within 24–48 hours
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Criminal defence in Switzerland
Why the right criminal lawyer in Switzerland changes everything
Swiss criminal proceedings move quickly, and the outcome can affect your liberty, reputation and future. A criminal lawyer in Switzerland who understands both the federal Criminal Procedure Code and the practice of your canton can protect your rights from the first police interview to any appeal. Our free matching service connects you with a defence lawyer who handles exactly your type of case, whether you are in Zürich, Genève, Basel or elsewhere. You explain your situation once; we provide a shortlist of suitable lawyers, and you choose whom to contact. There is no cost to be matched and no obligation to instruct a lawyer.
Swiss legal framework
How criminal defence works in Switzerland
Switzerland is a federal state of 26 cantons with unified federal criminal law but cantonal court organisation. This means the competent court, language of proceedings and practical procedure depend on the canton in which the case is brought.
Court structure and cantonal competence
Civil and criminal cases are heard at first instance by district and cantonal courts, with appeals to cantonal courts of appeal and finally to the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne. At federal level the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona has first-instance jurisdiction for certain offences. Each canton has its own court hierarchy, so the competent court and language of proceedings depend on the canton.
Right to a defence lawyer and mandatory counsel
In Swiss criminal proceedings the accused is entitled to a defence lawyer. In serious cases, notably where detention or a heavy sentence is at stake, the appointment of a defence counsel is mandatory. A lawyer admitted in one canton may represent parties before judicial authorities throughout Switzerland because the practising certificate is recognised nationally under the Free Movement of Lawyers Act.
Costs and legal aid in criminal matters
Court costs in cantonal criminal proceedings are governed by cantonal tariff schedules, and the unsuccessful party generally bears the costs. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed or determined by cantonal fee schedules. Free legal aid is available to natural persons who lack sufficient financial resources and whose case does not appear devoid of any chance of success, including court-funded legal representation where necessary.
Languages and procedure
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Proceedings are conducted in German, French or Italian depending on the canton. Clients must take this into account when litigating in Switzerland, and a defence lawyer familiar with the relevant cantonal language and procedure is essential.
Key deadlines you cannot afford to miss
Criminal and related claims have strict time bars in Switzerland. For example, general contractual claims become time-barred after 10 years, periodic payments after 5 years, and non-contractual damages claims after 3 years relative or 10 years absolute. A criminal defence lawyer can advise which deadlines apply to your situation and ensure you do not lose rights by delay.
The data on this page comes from official Swiss federal sources (Fedlex, Federal Office of Justice and official cantonal information) as of March 2025.
Common worries
If you are facing criminal proceedings in Switzerland
These are the situations our matched defence lawyers handle every day.
Police interview or arrest
You have been summoned, detained or questioned and do not know what to say. A Swiss criminal lawyer can be present during interviews, protect you from self-incrimination and ensure procedural rules are respected.
A charge or indictment
The authorities have issued a penal order or indictment. You need to decide whether to accept it or contest it within short time limits, and a lawyer can assess the evidence and likely consequences.
Cross-border or federal case
Your case involves federal offences, international elements or multiple cantons. A defence lawyer familiar with the Federal Criminal Court and Lugano rules can coordinate strategy across jurisdictions.
Why work with a matched Swiss criminal lawyer
The value of a specialist on your side
We select lawyers based on their experience with Swiss criminal procedure and the specific canton.
Cantonal insight
Swiss criminal procedure is federal, but court organisation and languages vary by canton. Your matched lawyer knows the local courts, prosecutors and practices in the canton where your case is pending.
Protection of your rights
From the first police contact, a defence lawyer ensures you are not questioned without counsel where required, that evidence is challenged, and that any detention is reviewed.
Clear fee structure
You receive transparent information about lawyers’ fees, court costs and the possibility of free legal aid if you lack sufficient resources, so you can plan without surprises.
Fast, discreet matching
We understand urgency. Our service connects you with a suitable criminal defence lawyer within 24–48 hours, with no cost for the matching and complete confidentiality.
Jurisdictions we cover
We match clients with criminal lawyers across Switzerland
Our network includes defence lawyers in every Swiss canton and major city, ready to assist with proceedings before cantonal courts and the Federal Criminal Court.
Frequently asked questions
Criminal lawyer in Switzerland – what you need to know
What does a criminal lawyer in Switzerland do?
A criminal lawyer in Switzerland advises and represents you at every stage of Swiss criminal proceedings, from police interviews and detention hearings to trial and appeal. They check whether procedural rules were followed, examine the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors where possible and defend your rights before cantonal courts or the Federal Criminal Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a Swiss criminal case?
In serious cases, Swiss criminal procedure requires a defence counsel, for example when detention or a heavy sentence is at stake. In all criminal proceedings you are entitled to a lawyer, and it is generally wise to have one from the first police contact to protect your position.
How are criminal courts organised in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a federal state of 26 cantons. First-instance criminal cases are heard by district or cantonal courts, with appeals to cantonal courts of appeal and ultimately to the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne. Certain federal offences are tried by the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona. The competent court and language depend on the canton.
Can a lawyer from one canton represent me in another canton?
Yes. Under the Federal Act on the Free Movement of Lawyers, a lawyer admitted in one Swiss canton may practise and represent parties before judicial authorities throughout Switzerland. The practising certificate is recognised nationally, so you can choose a lawyer from any canton.
What does legal aid cover in Swiss criminal cases?
Free legal aid in Switzerland is available to natural persons who lack sufficient financial resources and whose case does not appear devoid of any chance of success. It can cover exemption from court costs and the appointment of a court-funded lawyer where necessary to protect your rights.
How quickly can you match me with a criminal lawyer in Switzerland?
Our matching service is free and confidential. After you submit your request, we usually provide a shortlist of suitable Swiss criminal lawyers within 24 to 48 hours. You can then contact the lawyers directly and decide whether to instruct one, with no obligation.
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Find the right criminal lawyer in Switzerland for your case
Tell us briefly what you are facing, and our team will match you with a vetted Swiss defence lawyer who handles cases like yours. Free, confidential and without obligation.