Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Arlesheim

About DUI & DWI Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

In Switzerland, driving under the influence is regulated primarily by federal law that applies throughout the country. Arlesheim is in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, so local police and cantonal authorities enforce and administer the rules, but the legal thresholds and penalties are the same as in the rest of Switzerland. The term DUI or DWI is not commonly used in Swiss statutes. Swiss authorities refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to driving incapacity. Switzerland sets per se alcohol limits, uses evidential breath or blood testing, and imposes both criminal penalties and administrative measures such as license withdrawal. For drugs, Switzerland applies strict thresholds for certain substances and treats many cases as zero tolerance.

Enforcement in Arlesheim typically involves roadside checks by Polizei Basel-Landschaft, evidential testing when there is suspicion, and case handling by the public prosecutor and the cantonal traffic authority. Outcomes can include fines calculated according to income, license suspension, mandatory assessments by traffic medicine specialists, and in serious or repeat cases a criminal record entry or a custodial sentence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you have been stopped for suspected alcohol or drug impairment and face a breath or blood test. A lawyer can explain your rights and obligations during the stop and can help you avoid harmful statements while still complying with lawful orders. Legal help is important if you receive a penalty order or a notice of license withdrawal, since appeal deadlines can be short. A lawyer can challenge procedural errors, the reliability of tests, and the proportionality of sanctions. Representation is also valuable if you are a learner or probationary driver or a professional driver. These groups face a near zero alcohol limit and tighter consequences.

Legal support is especially important in repeat offense cases, high test results, collisions with injuries, alleged drug impairment, or test refusals. These scenarios can trigger lengthy license withdrawals, mandatory traffic medical and psychological evaluations, and criminal penalties that may affect employment and immigration status. Foreign license holders and cross-border commuters can also benefit from advice because Swiss authorities can restrict driving in Switzerland and can notify foreign authorities or insurers.

Local Laws Overview

Key Swiss rules that apply in Arlesheim include the following. The general blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.5 per mille. This corresponds to a breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg per liter. Learner drivers, probationary drivers during the initial probation period, and professional drivers are subject to an alcohol ban with only a minimal tolerance for measurement uncertainty. Even below the general limit, driving while actually impaired is an offense.

Testing follows a standard process. Police may conduct roadside screening. If the result or behavior indicates impairment, an evidential breath test or a blood sample is required. The evidential breath test is accepted for alcohol cases within defined ranges. Blood testing is used for drugs and in certain alcohol cases. Refusing a lawful test is a criminal offense and can lead to penalties similar to or harsher than high alcohol readings, plus license withdrawal.

Sanctions have two tracks. Criminal penalties can include a monetary penalty calculated as day-fines based on your income and personal circumstances. In severe or repeat cases, a custodial sentence is possible. Administrative measures are imposed by the cantonal traffic authority. A first offense at or above the legal limit usually leads to license withdrawal. A moderate offense often results in at least one month. A serious offense can result in at least three months. Repeat offenses escalate quickly. High readings, accidents, or drug cases can trigger traffic medical and psychological assessments. Authorities can require documented abstinence and treatment before relicensing.

Insurance issues often follow. Liability insurers may cover third-party damage but can seek partial reimbursement from you within legal limits. Your comprehensive or collision coverage can be reduced or denied. Premiums can increase. Employment consequences are common for professional drivers and for roles that require driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Arlesheim

The general limit in Switzerland is 0.5 per mille blood alcohol concentration, which corresponds to about 0.25 mg per liter in breath. Learner drivers, probationary drivers, and professional drivers are subject to an alcohol ban with only a small tolerance for measurement uncertainty. Regardless of numbers, if you are impaired, you can be charged.

What happens during a traffic stop for suspected DUI

Police may ask for your documents, observe your behavior, and conduct a roadside screening test. If there is suspicion, you will be directed to an evidential breath test and in some cases a blood test. You must comply with identity checks and lawful testing orders. You have the right to remain silent about the incident. You can ask for an interpreter if you do not understand German.

Do I have to take a breath or blood test

Yes. If police lawfully order an evidential breath or blood test, refusal is a criminal offense and typically results in penalties comparable to a high alcohol reading, plus administrative license withdrawal. If you have health concerns, tell the officers and the medical staff so they can document them and choose a suitable test.

What penalties could I face for a first offense

Outcomes depend on your alcohol or drug level, driving behavior, and any accident. A first alcohol offense at or above the limit can lead to a monetary penalty and an administrative license withdrawal. Moderate cases often lead to at least one month of withdrawal. Serious cases or aggravating factors such as very high readings or an accident can result in a longer withdrawal and a higher monetary penalty. Jail can be imposed in severe or repeat cases.

How are fines calculated in Switzerland

Monetary penalties are often imposed as day-fines. The court sets the number of day-fines based on the seriousness of the offense, then sets the value per day based on your income and personal situation. In minor cases, fixed fines can be used. Court costs and fees are added. Nonpayment can result in enforcement measures or substitute custody.

Will my license be suspended and for how long

License withdrawal is an administrative measure by the cantonal traffic authority. Durations depend on the severity of the offense and your prior record. A moderate first offense usually brings at least one month. A serious offense brings at least three months. Repeat offenses increase the minimum duration. For high alcohol levels or drug cases, the authority can require a traffic medical or psychological assessment before returning your license.

What about driving after using cannabis, cocaine, or medications

Switzerland applies strict per se thresholds for several illegal drugs. If laboratory analysis finds a qualifying level in your blood, you can be punished even without signs of impairment. Many prescription drugs and over the counter medications can impair driving. If you are unfit to drive because of medication, you can face penalties. Always read medication warnings and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

I hold a foreign license or I am a tourist. What happens

Swiss authorities can prohibit you from driving in Switzerland and can notify your home country. The ban applies even if your physical license remains valid abroad. If you are resident in Switzerland, administrative measures can affect your Swiss licensing status. Fines and penalties are enforceable in Switzerland. Collection can extend abroad depending on treaties and insurer involvement.

Will a DUI appear on my record

Criminal penalties can be entered into the criminal register. Whether it appears on a standard extract and for how long depends on the penalty type and severity. Administrative license withdrawals are recorded by the traffic authority. Professional licensing bodies and employers may request disclosures. Ask a lawyer to evaluate the record and disclosure implications for your case.

Can a lawyer really help and when should I contact one

Yes. Early advice can protect your rights, reduce the risk of self-incrimination, and preserve defenses. A lawyer can review testing procedures, challenge unlawful stops or measurement issues, negotiate sanctions, and guide you through medical and psychological assessments. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible, ideally immediately after the stop or upon receiving any police summons or penalty order. Appeal deadlines can be as short as 10 days.

Additional Resources

Polizei Basel-Landschaft. Contact for incident reports, police questioning, and release of property.

Staatsanwaltschaft Basel-Landschaft. Public prosecutor that issues penalty orders in many traffic cases.

Strassenverkehrsamt Basel-Landschaft, also known as Motorfahrzeugkontrolle Baselland. Cantonal authority for license withdrawal, medical assessments, and relicensing.

Federal Roads Office FEDRO ASTRA OFROU. Federal authority responsible for national traffic law and guidance.

Swiss Road Traffic Act and related ordinances. Core legal framework for traffic offenses and administrative measures.

Swiss Council for Accident Prevention bfu. Public information on safe driving, alcohol, and drugs.

Touring Club Schweiz TCS and similar mobility clubs. Practical guidance and legal protection insurance information.

Cantonal legal advice services and bar associations in Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt. Sources for referrals to defense lawyers with traffic law experience.

Next Steps

Write down everything you remember about the stop, the time of last drink or drug use, medications, medical conditions, and the names of any witnesses. Keep any paperwork you received, including receipts, test notices, and the police report number. Note all deadlines listed in letters or penalty orders.

Do not drive if your license has been seized or you have been notified of a driving ban in Switzerland. Driving during a ban is a separate offense that can worsen your situation.

Contact a lawyer who handles DUI and traffic law in Basel-Landschaft. Ask for an initial assessment focused on your test results, the legality of the stop, potential penalties, and options to reduce consequences. If you do not understand German, request communication in your preferred language or with an interpreter.

If you receive a penalty order or an administrative notice of license withdrawal, check the objection or appeal deadline immediately. Deadlines can be short. A lawyer can file a timely objection or appeal and request access to the file, including calibration records and laboratory reports.

If alcohol or drug issues are suspected, consider proactive steps. Arrange a consultation with a traffic medicine specialist. If appropriate, start counseling or treatment and document abstinence. Early action can help with assessments and can support a more favorable licensing decision.

Review your insurance situation and employer requirements. Notify your insurer as required by your policy. If driving is part of your job, discuss temporary adjustments with your employer after consulting counsel.

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws and practices can change. For tailored advice, consult a qualified lawyer in Basel-Landschaft who can review your file and represent your interests before the police, the prosecutor, and the traffic authority.