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Drunk driving is treated seriously throughout Sweden, including Trollhättan. Offences cover driving with alcohol in the bloodstream and driving under the influence of narcotics or other intoxicating substances. Swedish law prioritizes road safety and public protection - penalties and administrative sanctions aim both to punish and to prevent repeat offending.
Key Swedish terms you may hear in a case include rattfylleri - general drunk driving, grovt rattfylleri - aggravated drunk driving, and drograttfylleri - driving under the influence of drugs. Criminal investigations are led by the prosecutor - the åklagare - and criminal cases are tried in the district court - tingsrätt. Administrative matters about your driving licence are handled by the Swedish Transport Agency - Transportstyrelsen.
- You were stopped, breath-tested or arrested and charged with an offence - even a first charge can lead to fines, licence suspension or criminal record.
- You face allegations of aggravated drunk driving - for example where alcohol level is high, or driving behavior caused significant risk or injury.
- Your case involves an accident with property damage, injury or death - these cases carry higher penalties and complex evidence issues.
- You are a professional driver or hold a commercial driving licence - consequences for work and licencing can be more severe.
- The police obtained blood or urine samples - a lawyer can review how samples were taken, preserved and analysed.
- You want to challenge test results, the legality of the stop, or police procedure - procedural errors can be important to your defence.
- You face administrative action by Transportstyrelsen - you may need to appeal a licence revocation or negotiate conditions for licence reinstatement.
- You have prior convictions - repeat offences attract stricter sanctions and may require a tailored legal strategy.
Sweden enforces low limits for alcohol when driving. A blood alcohol concentration above 0.2 per mille (0.02 percent) is generally enough to constitute an offence. The law distinguishes between ordinary and aggravated offences - aggravation depends on the degree of intoxication, driving behaviour and consequences.
Police in Trollhättan can perform breath tests at the roadside and may require a more accurate analysis by taking a blood or urine sample. Refusing a police-ordered test can lead to serious consequences - you may be suspected of an offence and face both criminal and administrative measures.
Penalties vary by seriousness. Minor offences commonly lead to fines and licence suspension. More serious or aggravated offences can lead to higher fines, longer suspension periods, and imprisonment. Sweden uses a system of day fines - fines are calculated with reference to personal income and the severity of the offence.
Separate from the criminal case, Transportstyrelsen can take administrative action against your driving licence. Police may confiscate or temporarily suspend a licence at the scene or report the matter to Transportstyrelsen, who can make formal decisions about withdrawal and conditions for reinstatement.
For drivers convicted of certain drunk driving offences, conditions may be imposed before licence reinstatement - for example, medical assessments, addiction treatment requirements or participation in an alcolock program if that option is available in a given case.
Sweden has a low tolerance. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.2 per mille (0.02 percent) is typically sufficient for an offence. Higher levels increase the chance of a more serious charge.
The police may perform a breath test. If the breath test indicates alcohol or if the police suspect intoxication, you may be taken for a more accurate test - typically a blood or urine test - and you could be detained while the matter is investigated. The police will record the stop and the tests, and may confiscate your licence or submit a report to Transportstyrelsen.
Refusing a police-ordered test can lead to serious consequences. Refusal may be treated as an aggravating factor and can result in criminal charges or adverse administrative decisions. If you have concerns about the test procedure, tell the police you want to speak with a lawyer but do not physically resist or obstruct testing.
Penalties range from fines and licence suspension to imprisonment for aggravated offences. The size of a fine is often calculated as a number of day fines based on income. Administrative suspension or revocation of your driving licence can occur separately from criminal penalties.
Yes - a conviction can affect employment, especially for professional drivers or jobs that require driving as a condition of employment. Licence suspension may prevent you from performing your duties and could lead to disciplinary measures or loss of professional licences.
Times vary. Police investigation, prosecutor review and court proceedings can take weeks to several months depending on complexity and whether the case is contested. Administrative actions by Transportstyrelsen may run on a separate timetable. If you need to appeal decisions, additional time will be required.
Yes. If you are charged with a criminal offence and cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for a public defender - offentlig försvarare - or other legal aid depending on financial means and case seriousness. Ask the police or court about applying for legal aid early in the process.
Pleas and negotiations are common in criminal practice. Whether to plead or negotiate depends on the evidence, prior record, and possible penalties. A lawyer can evaluate your case and advise whether negotiation with the prosecutor is in your best interest.
Key evidence includes breathalyser and blood test results, chain of custody records for samples, police reports, dashcam or CCTV footage, witness statements, and any medical records after an accident. A lawyer will review how evidence was collected and whether procedures were followed correctly.
You can appeal administrative decisions. Time limits apply for appeals, so act quickly. A lawyer can help you prepare an appeal, gather supporting evidence such as medical reports or rehabilitation records, and represent you in administrative hearings or court appeals if needed.
- Trollhättan Police - local police station that handles stops, tests and immediate processing of drunk driving incidents.
- Swedish Transport Agency - Transportstyrelsen - handles driving licence decisions, revocations and conditions for reinstatement.
- Local district court - tingsrätt - for criminal trials if your case goes to court. Your case will be listed with the appropriate regional court.
- The Public Prosecutor - åklagare - reviews police investigations and decides whether to prosecute.
- The Swedish Bar Association - useful to find qualified criminal defence lawyers and to check lawyer credentials.
- Legal aid information - ask local authorities or a lawyer about eligibility for public defence and financial legal aid - sometimes called rättshjälp.
- Victim and support services - organisations that provide advice and support if you were injured or if the case involves other affected persons.
1. If you are detained or charged - request a lawyer immediately. You have the right to legal representation and to be informed of the charges against you. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about a public defender.
2. Preserve information and evidence - write down everything that happened, note witnesses, record times and locations, and keep any medical records or repair invoices if an accident occurred.
3. Do not make detailed statements without legal advice - be factual, provide identification and basic details, but avoid giving interpretations or explanations until you have consulted a lawyer.
4. Ask for copies of police reports and test records - these are essential for preparing a defence or an administrative appeal.
5. Contact a local criminal defence lawyer experienced in traffic and intoxication cases - they can assess forensic evidence, challenge procedure where appropriate, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court and in appeals to Transportstyrelsen.
6. Consider legal aid options early - if you qualify, a public defender can be assigned and will protect your rights from the outset.
7. Act quickly on deadlines - appeals of administrative decisions and procedural steps in criminal cases have strict time limits. Your lawyer will advise on these timelines.
Finally, this guide is general information and not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your situation. Seek prompt professional legal help to protect your rights and interests in any drunk driving matter in Trollhättan.
