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In Sweden the common terms for driving under the influence are "rattfylleri" - driving under the influence of alcohol - and offences involving drugs in traffic, often called "narkotikapåverkan i trafik" or "drograttfylleri". Swedish law is strict - even relatively low blood-alcohol levels can lead to a criminal charge. Police in Trollhättan follow national procedures for testing, arrest and evidence collection. Convictions can lead to fines, suspension or loss of your driving licence, a criminal record and in serious cases imprisonment.
There are several common situations where you should consult a lawyer who knows Swedish traffic criminal law and local practice in Trollhättan:
- If police arrest you, take you in for questioning or charge you with rattfylleri or narkotikapåverkan - you have the right to legal assistance.
- If your driving licence is temporarily confiscated by police or if Transportstyrelsen starts an administrative process to revoke or disqualify your licence.
- If a blood, breath or urine sample is taken and test results show alcohol or drugs - a lawyer can help challenge procedure or interpretation.
- If you face a charge of grovt rattfylleri - aggravated drunk driving - or if the prosecution seeks a custodial sentence.
- If there are complex factual issues - disputed test methods, medical conditions that affect results, errors in police procedure, or credible witness evidence.
- If you need to apply for a public defender - "offentlig försvarare" - or seek legal aid - "rättshjälp" - because you cannot afford private counsel.
Key legal and procedural aspects you should know for Trollhättan and the rest of Sweden:
- Legal thresholds - For alcohol the commonly used thresholds are low: a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.2 per mille or higher can result in a charge of rattfylleri. A much higher BAC - commonly 1.0 per mille or more - or particularly dangerous driving may lead to a charge of grovt rattfylleri.
- Drug cases - Driving under the influence of narcotics is a criminal offence even if no specific numeric limit applies in the same way as alcohol. Police use medical and toxicology tests to establish impairment and presence of substances.
- Testing methods - Police can conduct breathalyser tests at the roadside. If there is reasonable cause they can detain you for further testing and arrange a blood or urine sample through medical personnel. Procedures and chain of custody are important if results are disputed.
- Police powers and immediate consequences - The police can detain you, arrest you, perform sobriety tests and secure biological samples. They may temporarily confiscate your driving licence. A criminal report will be sent to the prosecutor.
- Administrative consequences - The Swedish Transport Agency - Transportstyrelsen - handles driving licence suspension and revocation. Administrative processes can run alongside criminal prosecution and may use the same test results.
- Penalties - Depending on the severity you may face fines, driving disqualification or revocation, community service, probation or imprisonment. A conviction will also typically appear on your criminal record and affect insurance, work and travel to some countries.
Stay calm and cooperate with identity checks and safety instructions. You have the right to remain silent about the events - avoid making admissions that could incriminate you. You should, however, provide identification when asked. Request to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible if you are detained or formally suspected.
Yes - if there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication the police can require a blood or urine sample. Blood samples are usually taken by medical staff and must follow formal procedures. If you refuse, that refusal can be used as evidence and may itself be punished.
Penalties vary with the severity. For less severe offences you can expect fines and a driving disqualification. For more serious or gross offences penalties become heavier and can include longer licence revocation periods and imprisonment. A conviction also creates a criminal record.
Suspension periods depend on the seriousness of the offence, any prior convictions and aggravating circumstances. Administrative suspension by Transportstyrelsen can begin quickly, while final length of disqualification is determined through administrative decisions or court sentencing. Periods range from months to years in serious cases.
Yes. Challenging test results is a common defence strategy. Grounds for challenge include procedural errors, improper handling or storage of samples, faulty equipment, medical conditions affecting results, or mistakes in laboratory analysis. A specialist lawyer can evaluate the evidence and commission independent expert opinion if appropriate.
If you face serious charges and risk imprisonment you can apply for an appointed public defender - "offentlig försvarare". The court will decide whether you are eligible. If you cannot afford private counsel you can also apply for legal aid - "rättshjälp" - which may cover part of the costs.
Foreign convictions may be relevant in several ways - as evidence of prior behaviour or when the court considers sentencing and aggravating circumstances. If you have a foreign driving ban you may also face administrative actions regarding Swedish licences. Be sure to disclose prior convictions to your lawyer so they can advise properly.
Common evidence includes breathalyser or blood test results, police observations, video from dashcams or bodycams, witness statements and any erratic driving data. The prosecution may also use medical reports and laboratory toxicology results. A defence lawyer will review all evidence and the lawfulness of how it was obtained.
Look for lawyers who specialise in traffic criminal law or criminal defence and who have experience with drunk or drug-driving cases. Ask about courtroom experience, familiarity with Transportstyrelsen processes and whether they have worked on similar local cases. You can ask the Swedish Bar Association - Advokatsamfundet - for recommendations and check reviews or local referrals.
Bring any police reports, copies of test results if you have them, medical records related to the incident, your driving licence, correspondence from Transportstyrelsen or prosecutors, witness names or contact details and a timeline of events. Also bring information about prior convictions and your income if you plan to apply for legal aid.
Relevant Swedish authorities and organisations to contact or consult:
- Police - Polisen - for immediate incidents and copies of police reports.
- Swedish Prosecution Authority - Åklagarmyndigheten - handles criminal prosecutions.
- Swedish Transport Agency - Transportstyrelsen - handles administrative licence decisions.
- Swedish Bar Association - Advokatsamfundet - for finding authorised lawyers and ethical guidance.
- Legal aid - Rättshjälp - for information on state assistance to cover legal costs.
- Local court - tingsrätt - where criminal trials are held; check which district court covers Trollhättan for case information.
- Victim support and counselling - Brottsofferjouren and local social services may be relevant if others were harmed.
If you need legal help for a DUI or DWI matter in Trollhättan follow these practical steps:
- If detained - request a lawyer immediately and do not make detailed statements without legal advice.
- Collect documents - obtain the police report, test results and any medical records as soon as possible. Keep a clear timeline of events and contact details for witnesses.
- Contact a specialised lawyer - choose an attorney with traffic-criminal experience. Ask about fees, the likely strategy and whether they can apply for legal aid or act as an appointed public defender if necessary.
- Respond to administrative notices - do not ignore letters from Transportstyrelsen or the prosecutor. Deadlines matter and missing them can worsen outcomes.
- Prepare your defence - with your lawyer, consider evidence that can explain or undermine test results, procedural errors, medical explanations or mitigating circumstances. Early preparation can improve the result.
- Understand the consequences - discuss both criminal and administrative outcomes, possible plea options and long-term effects such as insurance or employment implications.
Getting prompt, specialised legal advice gives you the best chance to protect your rights and achieve the most favourable result in a DUI or DWI matter in Trollhättan.
