Best Drug Crime Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Drug Crime Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Arlesheim is in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, and drug crime cases here are handled under Swiss federal law and enforced by cantonal authorities. The core statute is the Swiss Narcotics Act, known in German as Betäubungsmittelgesetz or BetmG. This law regulates controlled substances, criminalizes unauthorized possession, manufacture, cultivation, import-export, and sale, and penalizes consumption. While Switzerland takes a public health approach to addiction and supports harm-reduction services, criminal prosecution remains active for prohibited conduct, especially trafficking and offenses involving minors or large quantities.

Recent Swiss developments include medical cannabis being prescribable by physicians under federal oversight and limited research pilots for adult-use cannabis in select cities. These pilots do not legalize general possession or sale in Arlesheim. Cannabidiol products with very low THC may be legal, but many cannabis-related acts remain prohibited. Local policing, charging, and court procedures are managed by Basel-Landschaft authorities, usually in German.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer in Arlesheim if you are stopped or searched by police for suspected drug possession or consumption, if your home or phone has been seized under a warrant, or if you are accused of cultivation, import-export, distribution, or trafficking. Legal counsel is also critical if you receive a summary penalty order, face pre-trial detention, or must appear for questioning by the prosecutor. Foreign nationals should seek advice early because certain drug convictions can trigger residence permit consequences or expulsion orders.

A lawyer can assess evidence, challenge unlawful searches, protect your right to remain silent, negotiate with the prosecutor, seek alternatives such as treatment measures where appropriate, and file timely objections or appeals. If you are a parent or guardian of a minor who has been contacted by police, specialized juvenile procedures apply and legal guidance is important to protect the child and resolve the matter appropriately.

Local Laws Overview

Federal Narcotics Act BetmG. Unauthorized activities involving controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and high THC cannabis are criminal offenses. Prohibited conduct includes manufacture, acquisition, possession, transport, distribution, and facilitation. Consumption of illegal drugs is also punishable. Simple personal-use conduct is treated less severely than commercial or organized activities, but it remains unlawful.

Penalties. Penalties range from fines for consumption or minor personal possession up to substantial prison sentences for serious cases. Serious cases can involve large quantities, organized or professional dealing, endangering minors, or cross-border trafficking. Profits and instruments used in the commission of offenses can be confiscated, and vehicles or cash may be seized during the investigation.

Cannabis specifics. Adults found with very small quantities of cannabis for personal use may be processed with simplified on-the-spot fines in some situations. However, consumption remains illegal, and practice can vary. CBD products with very low THC are generally lawful to purchase and possess, but they must meet regulatory thresholds and are not a shield against impaired driving or illegal sales.

Medical cannabis. As of 2022, physicians can prescribe medical cannabis under federal rules. Possessing or growing cannabis without proper medical authorization remains illegal. Bringing medical cannabis across borders without explicit permission is not allowed.

Driving. Switzerland enforces strict rules against driving under the influence of drugs, including cannabis. Police may order blood tests, and there are per-se thresholds for certain substances. Offenses can lead to criminal penalties, administrative license measures, and higher insurance consequences.

Procedure in Basel-Landschaft. Investigations are conducted by Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft. Charging is led by the Staatsanwaltschaft Basel-Landschaft. Many matters are resolved by a summary penalty order. You generally have a short deadline to object, after which the order becomes final. Court proceedings are conducted in German, and interpreters can be arranged if needed.

Youth cases. Juveniles are subject to the Swiss Juvenile Criminal Law, with a focus on education and support. Measures can include counseling or treatment rather than punishment alone.

Immigration implications. Non-Swiss nationals can face residence permit issues or expulsion for certain drug offenses, particularly trafficking or repeated violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is possession of a small amount of cannabis legal in Arlesheim

No. Cannabis remains illegal outside limited research pilots not applicable in Arlesheim. Adults with very small amounts may face simplified fines, and practice differs regarding mere possession versus consumption. Police can seize the substance, and consumption is punishable. Legal outcomes depend on the facts, the amount, and your history.

Are CBD products legal

CBD products with very low THC can be lawful if they meet Swiss regulatory limits and labeling requirements. Products exceeding THC thresholds are treated as illegal cannabis. Even with CBD, do not drive if impaired and do not sell to minors.

What happens if the police stop me and search my bag or phone

Police can conduct identity checks and searches when legal conditions are met. More intrusive searches or access to devices usually require prosecutorial or judicial authorization, subject to exceptions for immediate danger. You have the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer. Do not resist physically, but state clearly that you wish to consult counsel before answering substantive questions.

What is a summary penalty order and how long do I have to object

A summary penalty order is a written decision by the prosecutor imposing a penalty without a full trial, common in drug cases. You typically have a short window, often 10 days from service, to file an objection. If you do not object in time, the order becomes final and enforceable. A lawyer can review the evidence and handle the objection.

Can I go to prison for a first-time drug offense

It depends on the conduct. Simple personal-use offenses often lead to fines, while dealing, import-export, or large quantities can result in custodial sentences even for first-time offenders. Courts consider quantity, role, intent, organization, and prior record.

Will a drug fine appear on my criminal record

On-the-spot fixed fines for minor cannabis cases generally do not appear on the official criminal record extract. However, fines or monetary penalties imposed through criminal proceedings can be recorded, depending on amount and suspension. Ask a lawyer to assess your specific situation and what an employer or authority might see.

What if I am in Switzerland with a foreign prescription for medical cannabis

Do not assume a foreign prescription authorizes possession in Switzerland. Importing or possessing cannabis without Swiss authorization can still be illegal. Consult a lawyer or a Swiss medical professional before traveling with any controlled substance.

Can the authorities seize my car or money if they think it is linked to drug activity

Yes. Police and prosecutors can provisionally seize assets believed to be connected to an offense or its proceeds. Courts can later order confiscation. You have rights to challenge seizures and to request the return of lawfully owned property. Act quickly with legal help.

What are the immigration consequences for non-Swiss nationals

Drug convictions, particularly for trafficking or repeated offenses, can jeopardize residence permits and may lead to expulsion orders. Even a suspended sentence can have immigration implications. Seek advice immediately if you do not hold Swiss citizenship.

Are there alternatives to punishment if I have a substance use problem

Swiss law allows for therapeutic measures and recognizes treatment and harm-reduction services. Courts and prosecutors may take cooperation with treatment into account. Early engagement with accredited services can improve legal and health outcomes.

Additional Resources

Kantonspolizei Basel-Landschaft. For reporting, property return queries, and procedural information.

Staatsanwaltschaft Basel-Landschaft. The cantonal prosecutor responsible for charging and summary penalty orders.

Courts in Basel-Landschaft. For hearings, objections to summary penalty orders, and appeals.

Gesundheitsamt Basel-Landschaft and Suchtprävention Baselland. Cantonal health and addiction prevention services offering counseling, treatment referrals, and harm-reduction information.

Federal Office of Public Health BAG. Federal information on narcotics regulation, medical cannabis, and prevention policy.

Swissmedic. The authority overseeing medical cannabis authorizations and controlled medicines.

Basel-Landschaft Bar Association. Lawyer referrals and information about legal representation and legal aid.

Unentgeltliche Rechtsberatung services in Basel-Landschaft. Free or low-cost initial legal advice for those who qualify.

Next Steps

Do not make statements before you understand your legal position. Politely provide identification, but exercise your right to remain silent about the facts until you have spoken with a lawyer.

Contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Basel-Landschaft as soon as possible. Bring any documents you have received, including seizure receipts, summonses, or a summary penalty order.

Observe deadlines carefully. If you received a summary penalty order, act within the objection period noted on the document. Missing a deadline can make the decision final.

Document what happened. Write down times, locations, what was said, and who was present. Keep copies of medical prescriptions or treatment records if relevant.

Consider health support. If substance use is part of the picture, reach out to local addiction services. Proactive treatment can help both legally and personally.

If you are not a Swiss citizen, consult both a criminal lawyer and, if needed, an immigration lawyer to assess permit and expulsion risks.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. For advice on your situation in Arlesheim or anywhere in Basel-Landschaft, consult a licensed Swiss attorney.