Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Solna

About DUI & DWI Law in Solna, Sweden

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is taken seriously across Sweden, including in Solna. Swedish traffic and criminal rules apply uniformly throughout the country, so the same legal framework you find in Stockholm County governs incidents that occur in Solna. Offenses commonly described in Swedish as rattfylleri and grovt rattfylleri relate to alcohol, while narkotikapåverkan covers driving under the influence of drugs. Police have the authority to stop vehicles, perform breath tests at the roadside and order blood tests at a police station or hospital for evidence. Convictions can lead to financial penalties, suspension or revocation of the driving license and, in aggravated cases, criminal imprisonment. Administrative decisions about driving licenses are handled by the Swedish Transport Agency, while criminal prosecution is handled by the Swedish Police and the Prosecution Authority.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer for a DUI or DWI matter in Solna in several common situations:

- You were arrested or formally charged with an alcohol or drug-related driving offense.

- You refused a breath or blood test, or the police claim you refused.

- The case involves an accident, property damage, personal injury or death.

- You are a professional driver or your case could threaten a commercial license.

- Evidence and testing procedures are disputed, for example chain-of-custody or validity of tests.

- You face an aggravated charge, with higher potential penalties.

- You need help navigating the administrative process for a license suspension or revocation with the Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency).

- You are not fluent in Swedish and need help understanding police reports, court documents and legal procedures.

- You are concerned about immigration, employment or insurance consequences that could follow a conviction.

An experienced lawyer can explain the charges, advise on immediate actions, represent you in court and in administrative appeals, and work to reduce penalties or secure alternative outcomes when appropriate.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points to understand for DUI and DWI matters in Solna, Sweden:

- Legal alcohol limit: Sweden applies a low blood alcohol concentration limit. Even small amounts can be enough to trigger an offense, so drivers should be cautious. The Swedish system treats impaired driving strictly compared with many other countries.

- Drug-impaired driving: Driving while under the influence of illegal drugs or certain prescription medications that impair capacity is criminalized. Any detected or proven impairment can lead to charges.

- Testing by police: Police may use a preliminary breath screening at the roadside. If the police suspect an offense, they can order a more precise evidentiary test, usually a blood sample taken at a police station or a medical facility. Refusing an ordered test can itself be treated as an offense.

- Penalties: Penalties range from fines, calculated under the Swedish day-fine system that takes income into account, to license suspension or revocation and, in aggravated cases, imprisonment. A criminal conviction also generates a criminal record.

- Administrative measures: Separately from criminal proceedings, the Transportstyrelsen may revoke or suspend your driving license. You can appeal administrative decisions, but the process is separate from the criminal case.

- Procedure: After a stop and possible arrest, the police investigation is conducted and the prosecutor decides whether to bring charges. Cases normally start in the local district court. You have the right to a lawyer and, if you cannot afford one, you may qualify for legal aid for at least part of your defense costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Sweden?

Sweden enforces a low limit for blood alcohol concentration. Because national rules apply in Solna, any alcohol-related driving case is evaluated against that low threshold. If you are unsure whether you are over the limit, the safest option is not to drive.

What should I do if the police stop me and suspect intoxication?

Remain calm, be polite and follow lawful instructions. You may be asked to perform a preliminary breath screening. If you are taken to a station for further testing, you should be aware that refusing an ordered evidentiary test can have legal consequences. You have the right to contact a lawyer and to request an interpreter if you do not understand Swedish.

Can I refuse a breath or blood test?

You can physically refuse, but refusal to comply with a police order for a legally required evidentiary test may be treated as a crime or lead to stronger measures by the authorities. Refusal can complicate your criminal and administrative position, so discuss the circumstances with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What penalties might I face if convicted?

Possible consequences include fines, a suspended or revoked driving license imposed by the Transportstyrelsen, mandatory assessments or treatment, and in serious or aggravated cases, imprisonment. Monetary fines in Sweden are often calculated as day-fines, which take the offender’s income into account.

Will a DUI or DWI conviction affect my driving license right away?

The police can impose immediate measures at the scene. Separately, the Transportstyrelsen may revoke or suspend your license administratively. You will normally receive notice of administrative actions and information about how to appeal. Criminal convictions also influence license decisions made by Transportstyrelsen.

How does an aggravated DUI differ from a standard DUI?

An aggravated DUI generally involves higher levels of intoxication, very dangerous driving behavior, the presence of injury or death, or repeated offenses. Aggravated charges carry heavier penalties and a higher risk of imprisonment and long-term license loss.

Will a DUI or DWI affect my immigration status or employment?

A serious criminal conviction can have wider consequences. If you are a non-Swedish national, an aggravated or repeated offense could affect residency, work permits or future visa applications. Convictions can also impact employment that requires a clean driving record or professional licenses. Get legal advice if immigration or employment consequences are a concern.

How can a lawyer help with my case?

A lawyer can assess evidence, challenge testing procedures, advise on plea options, represent you at court hearings and in administrative appeals, negotiate with prosecutors and help minimize penalties. If you qualify for legal aid, a lawyer can also assist with applying for that support.

What kinds of evidence are used in DUI cases?

Common evidence includes breath test results, blood test results, police reports, witness statements, video or dashboard camera footage, and medical reports. Lawyers will scrutinize how tests were conducted, how samples were handled and whether legal procedures were followed.

How do I find a lawyer in Solna who handles DUI/DWI cases?

Look for criminal defense lawyers or law firms with experience in traffic law and DUI matters in the Stockholm area. Ask about specific experience with drunk-driving defenses, administrative license appeals to Transportstyrelsen and experience in local courts. Check whether the lawyer is a member of the Swedish Bar Association and inquire about fees and the possibility of legal aid.

Additional Resources

Below are key Swedish authorities and organizations that are relevant if you are dealing with a DUI or DWI matter in Solna.

- The Swedish Police (Polisen) - responsible for roadside stops, initial testing and investigation.

- The Swedish Prosecution Authority (Åklagarmyndigheten) - prosecutes criminal cases.

- The Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) - handles administrative decisions about driving licenses, suspensions and revocations.

- Sveriges Advokatsamfund - the Swedish Bar Association, for finding qualified lawyers and verifying credentials.

- Local district court for criminal proceedings, for Solna cases this is typically handled through Stockholm district courts.

- Municipal social services and rehabilitation providers, if you need support for alcohol or substance dependence.

- Legal aid services in Sweden for advice about financial eligibility for subsidized representation.

- Voluntary support groups, such as local chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous and other addiction support services, if you need treatment or counseling.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a DUI or DWI matter in Solna, consider the following practical steps:

- Do not delay in getting legal advice. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who handles traffic offenses in the Stockholm area as soon as possible.

- Preserve any evidence you have: take photos of the scene, record names and contact details of witnesses, keep receipts and any relevant messages or logs that show timelines.

- Keep all official documents and notices from the police, prosecutor or Transportstyrelsen. Administrative deadlines for appeals can be short.

- If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about eligibility for legal aid and request information about public defender options.

- If you are not fluent in Swedish, request an interpreter for police interviews, hearings and meetings with legal representatives.

- Be prepared to discuss your employment, driving history and any prior convictions openly with your lawyer, because full disclosure helps build the best defense strategy.

- Ask potential lawyers specific questions: their experience with DUI cases, success in similar circumstances, fee structure, and how they would approach your case.

Handling a DUI or DWI charge requires both legal knowledge and timely action. Securing competent advice early will give you the best chance to understand your options and to protect your rights, driving privileges and future prospects.