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Wohlen, Switzerland Attorneys in related practice areas.
This guide provides a clear, practical introduction to criminal defense for people in Wohlen - a municipality in the canton of Aargau - and explains what to expect when facing police enquiries, criminal investigations or court proceedings. Criminal matters in Wohlen are governed by federal criminal law and federal criminal procedure law, applied and enforced locally by cantonal authorities - in particular the Kantonspolizei Aargau, the Staatsanwaltschaft Aargau - and the cantonal and district courts such as the Bezirksgericht Bremgarten and the Aargau Obergericht. Swiss criminal law focuses on both punishment and prevention, while procedure protects the rights of suspects and accused persons throughout the investigation and trial phases.
People typically need a criminal defense lawyer in situations such as the following:
- When police want to question you as a suspect or witness, or you are arrested or detained.
- If you receive a summons, criminal complaint, or charge in relation to offences like driving under the influence, theft, assault, domestic violence, drug offences, sexual offences, or fraud.
- If investigators search your home or confiscate property - a lawyer can advise on scope and legality of searches and evidence handling.
- When the prosecutor opens criminal proceedings - an attorney can represent you in hearings, negotiate measures such as bail or release, or seek diversion.
- If you face pre-trial detention or custodial measures - lawyers can challenge detention and argue for less restrictive measures.
- For white-collar cases or complex investigations where evidence is technical, cross-border, or voluminous.
- To protect your rights at trial, to prepare appeals against convictions or measures, and to limit collateral effects like entry in the criminal record.
Key legal frameworks and concepts relevant to criminal defense in Wohlen include:
- Federal Criminal Code - Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) - defines criminal offences and penalties across Switzerland, including the canton of Aargau.
- Swiss Criminal Procedure Code - Strafprozessordnung (StPO) - sets out rules for police investigations, arrest, pre-trial detention, evidence, interrogation, rights of the accused and trial procedure.
- Cantonal institutions - The Staatsanwaltschaft Aargau handles prosecutions in the canton, while cantonal and district courts decide cases and appeals. Local police handle initial investigations in Wohlen.
- Rights of the accused - includes presumption of innocence, right to be informed of charges, right to remain silent, right to counsel, right to an interpreter when needed, and the right to appeal.
- Detention and custody - police can detain suspects for a short time during initial investigation; further detention must be ordered by the prosecutor or judge. Commonly the first period of police custody is limited and further judicial steps are required for longer detention.
- Simplified procedures - for minor offences there are accelerated or summary procedures that may proceed faster than full criminal trials.
- Juvenile justice - persons under 18 are dealt with under juvenile procedures focused on education and rehabilitation; there are special protections and measures.
- Legal aid - the canton provides rules for free legal aid or court-appointed counsel if you meet income and asset criteria and your case has merit.
- Criminal record - convictions are recorded in the central register - entries can have long-term consequences and removal or sealing depends on the nature of the conviction and statutory time limits.
Yes. Under Swiss procedure you have the right to legal counsel. You can ask to speak with a lawyer before and during police questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can request court-ordered legal aid or appointment of counsel - the court will assess means and case merits.
Stay calm, identify yourself, and ask whether you are under arrest or free to leave. You have the right to remain silent - do not answer detailed questions without a lawyer. Politely request a lawyer and, if needed, an interpreter. Do not sign statements you have not had sufficient time to review with counsel.
Police may detain a suspect for a short initial period during the investigation; after that a prosecutor or judge must decide on continued detention. In practice, initial police custody is limited and further detention requires formal judicial authorisation. If you face detention, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to challenge or limit the measure.
No. A charge is an allegation and not a conviction. Many cases are dismissed, resolved by non-custodial measures, or result in acquittal. However, if convicted, the entry will normally be recorded in the Strafregister (criminal register) and can affect employment, travel and other opportunities. An attorney can advise on options to avoid or limit entries.
Typical stages are police investigation, possible pre-trial detention or measures, prosecutor filing charges, court proceedings - which may include preliminary hearings and trial - and then sentencing or acquittal. There is usually a right to appeal to higher cantonal courts and ultimately to the Federal Supreme Court on points of law.
Yes. You may request the presence of counsel during questioning. If you ask for a lawyer, police should allow a reasonable time for you to instruct counsel. In urgent situations there can be limits, but the right to counsel is a key protection that should be asserted early.
Penalties vary by offence seriousness and personal circumstances. Sanctions can include fines, conditional sentences, community service, probation, or imprisonment. Administrative penalties and driving bans may apply for traffic-related offences. A lawyer will evaluate the facts and advise on likely outcomes and mitigation strategies.
Cantonal legal aid systems can provide free or partially funded legal representation for people who lack sufficient means. In Aargau you can apply for unentgeltliche Rechtspflege - the court or prosecutor assesses income, assets and case prospects. If approved, counsel may be appointed or fees subsidised. Apply early and bring documentation of income and assets.
Bring an identity document, any police or court notices, summaries of what happened, witness names and contact details, documents or photos, and a timeline of events. Be honest about all facts - full disclosure helps counsel assess defences and negotiate effectively. Also ask about fees, expected costs, and how the lawyer will communicate with you.
Yes. Swiss procedure provides appellate remedies. After a cantonal court decision you may be able to appeal to higher cantonal courts and, in limited situations on points of law, to the Federal Supreme Court. Time limits for filing appeals are strict - consult a lawyer immediately after an unfavourable ruling to preserve rights.
When seeking help or information in Wohlen and the canton of Aargau consider these local and national bodies and resources for guidance and formal procedures:
- Kantonspolizei Aargau - local police for reporting incidents and for questions about investigations.
- Staatsanwaltschaft Aargau - the cantonal public prosecutor handles criminal prosecutions in the canton.
- Bezirksgericht Bremgarten and Aargau Obergericht - the district and cantonal courts that handle criminal cases and appeals.
- Cantonal legal aid offices - for information about unentgeltliche Rechtspflege and applying for free legal assistance.
- Federal Office of Justice - maintains national criminal register and provides information on federal criminal law and procedure.
- Local bar associations and criminal defense practitioners - to find experienced local counsel who handle cases in German and who know cantonal practice.
- Victim support services - if you are a victim of crime, cantonal victim services can provide information about your rights and support during proceedings.
If you are facing a criminal matter in Wohlen - take these practical steps:
- Do not delay contacting a criminal defense lawyer. Early advice can prevent self-incriminating statements and preserve evidence and rights.
- If detained or questioned by police, clearly request a lawyer and an interpreter if you need one. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have counsel.
- Gather and organise any documents, photos, messages or witness names that relate to the matter before your first meeting with counsel.
- Ask the lawyer about likely costs, fee agreements and legal aid options if you cannot afford private counsel.
- Follow your lawyer's instructions about communication with investigators, court deadlines and evidence preservation.
- If you are a victim or need emergency help, contact local police or victim support services right away.
Note - This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised legal advice. For tailored assistance, consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Wohlen or the canton of Aargau as soon as possible.
