Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
DUI and DWI refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Switzerland the regulation of road safety and the legal limits for driving under the influence are set at the federal level while enforcement and administrative measures are handled by the canton - for Wohlen that is Canton Aargau. Police stops, breath or blood tests and on-the-spot administrative measures are common. Depending on the level of impairment and the circumstances - for example an accident or repeat offending - consequences range from fines and temporary driving bans to criminal prosecution, longer revocation of the driving licence and possible custodial sentences. Medical-psychological or medical fitness assessments can also be required before a licence is reissued.
A lawyer with experience in Swiss traffic law can be essential to protect your rights, limit administrative penalties and navigate criminal proceedings. Common situations where people need legal help include:
- High measured alcohol or drug levels, or a reading above the thresholds that trigger criminal charges.
- Involvement in an accident that caused damage, injury or death.
- Refusal of breath or blood tests, or procedural problems with the tests.
- Immediate licence seizure, provisional driving bans or threats of licence revocation.
- Repeat offences or a prior record for impaired driving.
- Disputes about evidence, chain of custody for blood samples, or the legality of the police stop.
- Need to apply for a reissued licence and to prepare for required medical-psychological evaluations.
A lawyer can advise on whether to challenge the police findings, negotiate reduced penalties, represent you in criminal court and in proceedings before the canton’s road traffic office, and guide you through the requalification process for your driving licence.
Key legal points that apply in Wohlen and Canton Aargau include:
- Federal legal framework: The Swiss Road Traffic Act and related federal ordinances set the fundamental rules on fitness to drive and alcohol and drug limits. Serious offences may be prosecuted under the Swiss Criminal Code.
- Alcohol and drug thresholds: Switzerland has statutory thresholds that determine whether an offence is handled administratively or criminally. Higher concentrations or dangerous conduct commonly lead to criminal charges.
- Immediate police powers: Police in Aargau can stop drivers, administer breath tests and order blood tests. They can temporarily confiscate a driving licence at the roadside or impose provisional driving bans when safety is at risk.
- Administrative sanctions: The cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt Aargau) handles administrative measures like licence suspension, revocation and fitness assessments. Conditions for reissuing a licence can include medical checks, psychological assessments and proof of rehabilitation.
- Criminal consequences: If criminal charges are brought, penalties may include fines, community service, probation or imprisonment and a criminal record. Aggravating factors include causing injury or death, driving at very high alcohol levels or repeat offences.
- Refusal of testing: Refusing to submit to required tests can lead to administrative and criminal consequences similar to those for high alcohol levels. Refusal may be treated as an aggravating factor.
Switzerland sets statutory thresholds for blood and breath alcohol levels that trigger different types of sanctions. The precise thresholds and how they are measured may be expressed in blood alcohol concentration or breath alcohol units. Thresholds and consequences are determined under federal law and applied by the canton. If you are unsure about your measurement or threshold it is important to seek legal advice promptly.
The police can stop you, ask for identification and request a breath test. If the initial test indicates impairment they can order a blood test, temporarily retain your driving licence or impose a provisional driving ban. The police will document the stop and measurements. You should remain calm, provide required identity documents and consider asking for legal counsel before making detailed statements.
You can refuse, but refusal is treated seriously. Refusing mandatory testing can result in administrative penalties and may be used against you in criminal proceedings. In many cases a refusal leads to similar or harsher consequences than a positive test result. Speak with a lawyer right away if you have refused or are considering refusing a test.
Not always. Police may impose a provisional driving ban or seize your licence at the scene when safety is at risk. The canton’s road traffic office can order a suspension or revocation after reviewing the case. The length of suspension or revocation depends on the severity of the offence, prior record and case circumstances. A legal specialist can help challenge the measures or to prepare for required assessments to get your licence back.
Driving with high alcohol or drug levels, causing an accident with injury or death, or repeat offending can lead to criminal prosecution. Penalties may include fines, community service, probation or imprisonment, and a criminal record. Criminal convictions often carry additional consequences for driving privileges.
Criminal convictions remain part of your criminal record and can affect future employment, travel and insurance. Administrative penalties are recorded with the cantonal authorities and may influence future licensing decisions. The exact retention periods depend on the type of record and Swiss law. A lawyer can explain how a particular outcome will affect your records and any possibilities for expungement or mitigation.
If you do not understand German or the local language used by police, you have the right to request interpretation. It is important to be able to understand what is happening and to communicate correctly. Ask the police about an interpreter and request legal counsel before answering detailed questions about the incident.
Insurance companies commonly increase premiums or refuse coverage after impaired driving incidents, especially if there was an accident or criminal conviction. If you rented a car, rental agreements may be voided or incur additional charges. Notify your insurance provider and consult a lawyer if you face civil claims or disputes related to insurance coverage.
Procedural errors, improper testing equipment calibration or chain-of-custody problems for blood samples can be grounds to challenge the evidence. A lawyer can review the police report, request documents and, when appropriate, seek independent testing or expert opinions to challenge the reliability of the measurements.
Reinstatement procedures are handled by the cantonal road traffic office. Requirements may include serving the suspension period, passing medical or psychological fitness assessments, completing rehabilitation programmes and sometimes retaking driving tests. A lawyer can guide you through required documentation, deadlines and represent you in communication with the Strassenverkehrsamt.
Useful organisations and bodies to contact or research include:
- Strassenverkehrsamt Aargau - the cantonal road traffic office responsible for licensing and administrative driving measures in Aargau.
- Kantonspolizei Aargau - for matters relating to the police stop, accident reports and enforcement actions in Wohlen.
- Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA - the federal office responsible for road policy and legislation in Switzerland.
- Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband - the Swiss Bar Association to find qualified lawyers or for information about legal counsel.
- Local legal aid offices and cantonal legal protection insurance providers - for help accessing affordable legal assistance.
- Addiction and counselling services such as cantonal Suchtberatung or national organisations for support with alcohol or drug dependency if that is an issue.
- Touring Club Switzerland or similar traffic safety organisations for information on safe driving and preventive measures.
If you are facing a DUI or DWI matter in Wohlen follow these practical steps:
- Stay calm and protect your immediate rights - you may provide identity information but limit volunteered statements until you have legal advice.
- If tested, ask for a copy of the police report and document times, locations and any witnesses. Take photographs if relevant.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in Swiss traffic and criminal law - ideally with local experience in Canton Aargau or Wohlen. If you cannot afford private counsel ask about legal aid or legal protection insurance.
- If you received an administrative order from the Strassenverkehrsamt follow deadlines for appeals and requests. Missing a deadline can limit your options.
- If you are required to undergo medical or psychological assessment do not delay. Begin any recommended treatment or rehabilitation promptly and keep records.
- If you were in an accident, inform your insurer but get legal advice before accepting blame or signing settlement documents.
Getting informed early and working with an experienced lawyer can improve outcomes, protect your rights and help you understand the steps needed to recover driving privileges when possible.
