Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Kungälv

About Drunk Driving Law in Kungälv, Sweden

Drunk driving in Kungälv is governed by Swedish national traffic and criminal law and enforced locally by the Police Authority - Polismyndigheten - in the Västra Götaland region. Sweden has one of the strictest legal alcohol limits for drivers in Europe. Driving under the influence can give rise to both criminal charges and administrative sanctions against your driving licence. Local police can stop drivers, carry out breath or blood tests and, when necessary, detain a suspect and forward the case to the prosecutor - Åklagarmyndigheten - for possible charges. Transportstyrelsen handles administrative matters for driving licences, including suspensions and revocations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help protect your rights and minimise the consequences when you face drunk driving allegations. Common situations where legal help is important include:

- You were stopped and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

- You refused a breath or blood test, or you face charges for refusing to submit to testing.

- Your measured blood alcohol concentration suggests an aggravated offence - grovt rattfylleri - or you were involved in an accident with injury or death.

- You are a professional driver or hold a licence with special conditions - consequences for losing a licence can be severe for work.

- You have previous convictions or an aggravated factual picture making penalties more severe.

- Evidence issues are present - for example disputing test procedures, timing of tests, medical conditions that could affect readings, or procedural errors by police.

- You need help with both the criminal case and the separate administrative process before Transportstyrelsen to regain or protect your licence.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points relevant in Kungälv and across Sweden include the following:

- Legal alcohol limit: The general blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.02 percent (0.2 per mille). Any measurable alcohol above this level can be an offence.

- Aggravated drunk driving: Grovt rattfylleri is usually charged when blood alcohol is very high - typically around 1.0 per mille or more - or when driving behavior or circumstances are particularly dangerous. This carries harsher criminal penalties.

- Tests and refusal: Police can carry out breath tests at the roadside and require a further breath or blood sample at a station. Refusing a lawful test is itself a criminal offence and can lead to charges and license consequences.

- Immediate police measures: Police can seize or temporarily withdraw your driving licence at the scene. They may also detain you pending investigation.

- Criminal penalties: Convictions range from fines to imprisonment depending on severity. Lesser offences commonly result in fines and conditional sentences while aggravated offences can lead to prison terms. Courts also impose driving disqualifications.

- Administrative sanctions: Transportstyrelsen may suspend or revoke your licence separately from the criminal case. Regaining a licence often requires meeting specific conditions, which can include medical assessments or a waiting period.

- Rights during the process: You have the right to legal counsel, to be informed of the charges, and to appeal criminal convictions and administrative decisions. You also have rights to an interpreter if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the blood alcohol limit for driving in Sweden?

The legal limit is 0.02 percent blood alcohol concentration - often expressed as 0.2 per mille. Any measurable alcohol above this value can lead to an offence.

What happens if the police stop me and suspect I am intoxicated?

Police can perform a preliminary breath test at the roadside. If the result suggests an offence they can demand a further breath or blood sample at a police station. You may be detained during the investigation and the police can seize your licence.

Can I refuse to do a breath or blood test?

Technically you can refuse, but refusal is a criminal offence in itself and often results in the same or worse consequences than submitting to a test. Refusal can be treated as evidence of guilt and lead to charges and administrative sanctions.

What penalties can I face if convicted of drunk driving?

Penalties depend on the severity. For standard rattfylleri you can expect fines or conditional sentences and a driving ban. For grovt rattfylleri penalties are more severe and can include prison. Transportstyrelsen may also suspend or revoke your licence independently of the criminal sentence.

Will I lose my driving licence immediately?

Police can withdraw your licence at the scene. Independently, Transportstyrelsen can impose a suspension or revocation during or after the criminal process. Immediate temporary withdrawal at the scene is common when there is clear evidence of intoxication.

How long can a driving disqualification or suspension last?

Length of suspension depends on the facts and your driving history. Suspensions can range from months to years for serious or repeat offences. Revocations may require a longer wait and specific requirements to regain a licence.

How do I get my licence back after a suspension or revocation?

To regain a licence you normally must wait the period set by Transportstyrelsen, satisfy any medical or alcohol assessment requirements, and apply for a new licence or reinstatement. If Transportstyrelsen imposed conditions, you must meet those before the licence is returned.

Should I contact a lawyer right away?

Yes. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is advisable - ideally before police questioning or any administrative hearing. A lawyer can advise you about testing, representation, evidence preservation, and communications with prosecutors and Transportstyrelsen.

Will a drunk driving charge affect my employment?

Potentially yes. If your work requires a valid licence - for example professional drivers - losing a licence can affect your job. A criminal record can also affect background checks and professional licences. You should tell your lawyer about employment risks early so they can plan mitigation.

What evidence do prosecutors use in drunk driving cases?

Common evidence includes breathalyser or blood test results, police observations about your driving and behaviour, witness statements, dashcam or CCTV footage, and accident reports. Medical conditions and timing of tests can be relevant to challenge evidence.

Additional Resources

Relevant organisations and bodies that can help or provide official information include local police - Polismyndigheten - in Kungälv and the wider Västra Götaland region, Transportstyrelsen for driving licence matters, Åklagarmyndigheten - the public prosecutor - for criminal prosecutions, and the Swedish Courts - Sveriges Domstolar - for information about hearings and appeals. For legal representation and advice you can contact a criminal defence lawyer who specialises in traffic law, and you can explore legal aid - rättshjälp - if you cannot afford private counsel. The Swedish Bar Association - Sveriges advokatsamfundet - can help locate accredited lawyers. If you need social or alcohol support services, your local municipality in Kungälv can provide information about treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Next Steps

If you are facing a drunk driving investigation in Kungälv, consider these practical next steps:

- Stay calm and cooperate with lawful police procedures, but exercise your right to legal counsel before making detailed statements.

- Contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer who handles traffic offences - ask about experience with drunk driving cases and with Transportstyrelsen procedures.

- Preserve and collect evidence - note the time of stops and events, collect witness names, keep any medical records that may be relevant.

- Request copies of police reports, test results and any administrative decisions as soon as possible - your lawyer will request these formally if needed.

- Notify your insurer if the allegation involves an accident - but consult your lawyer before providing detailed admissions.

- If your licence was taken or suspended, contact Transportstyrelsen or your lawyer to understand timelines, requirements and steps to apply for reinstatement.

- If you cannot afford private counsel, ask about legal aid - rättshjälp - and about any local clinics or public defenders who can assist.

Getting legal advice early improves your options and helps you make informed decisions about pleas, evidence challenges, and administrative procedures. A qualified lawyer will guide you through both the criminal case and the parallel administrative licence process so you can take the next steps with clarity.