Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in Dornach

About Juvenile Law Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Juvenile law in Dornach operates within the Swiss federal framework and is applied locally by the authorities of the Canton of Solothurn. Switzerland has a dedicated juvenile criminal law that applies to young people from age 10 up to and including 17 at the time of the alleged offense. The system is education focused and aims to protect, guide, and reintegrate young people rather than punish them like adults. Proceedings are adapted to the age and development of the child or teenager, are confidential, and involve parents or guardians whenever possible.

In addition to juvenile criminal matters, child protection issues such as neglect, custody conflicts, school attendance problems, or urgent safety concerns fall under child protection law and are handled by the Child and Adult Protection Authority known as KESB. In Dornach, which lies in the district of Dorneck in the Canton of Solothurn, juvenile criminal cases are typically overseen by the cantonal youth prosecution service, and child protection matters by the regional KESB. Schools, social services, and local police also play coordinated roles.

Because Switzerland is federal, the core rules are the same across the country, but procedures and responsible offices are organized at the cantonal and regional levels. This means practical steps and contact points in Dornach will be those of the Canton of Solothurn and the regional authorities serving Dorneck.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Families in Dornach often seek legal help when a child or teenager is questioned by police, receives a summons from the youth prosecutor, or is suspected of an offense such as shoplifting, assault, vandalism, cyber offenses, drug possession, or traffic related matters. A lawyer helps safeguard the young person’s rights during police interviews, ensures the family understands the process, and negotiates educational measures or diversion programs where appropriate.

Legal advice is also important during child protection interventions by KESB, for example if there are concerns about a child’s safety, school refusal, conflicts between parents about custody or contact, or proposed measures such as family support services or out of home placement. A lawyer can prepare you for hearings, explain options, and file objections or appeals within deadlines.

Other situations where counsel is valuable include school disciplinary proceedings with legal consequences, interactions with victim support services when a child is a victim of a crime, cases involving foreign nationals where immigration effects may arise, and when families need help understanding criminal records or the sealing and deletion of juvenile entries.

Local Laws Overview

Juvenile criminal law is governed by Swiss federal legislation applicable in Dornach. Key points include the age of responsibility beginning at 10 years old. Children under 10 cannot be prosecuted for crimes but child protection measures may be considered. For ages 10 to 17, the youth prosecutor and juvenile court apply a range of educational measures and sanctions tailored to the young person’s development, family situation, and the gravity of the behavior.

Sanctions and measures can include a reprimand, a personal performance order such as supervised community service, a fine, counseling or therapy, educational support, mediation with victims, or placement in a suitable home or institution when needed for protection or education. For older youths in serious cases, custody like sanctions may be possible within strict limits, with schooling and support provided. Proceedings are not public and records are handled under special confidentiality rules.

Juvenile procedure emphasizes child friendly communication, early involvement of parents or a trusted adult, and the right to legal representation. The police in Dornach coordinate with the Kantonspolizei Solothurn. The canton’s youth prosecution service leads investigations and diversion. The KESB responsible for the Dornach region handles protection orders, supervises implementation of civil protective measures, and coordinates with schools and social services. Most proceedings are conducted in German. Interpreters can be arranged when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age counts as a juvenile in Dornach and the rest of Switzerland

Juvenile criminal law applies to young people who are 10 to 17 years old at the time of the alleged offense. Under 10, no criminal prosecution is possible, but child protection measures may be considered by KESB. Once a person turns 18, adult criminal law applies.

Will my child have a criminal record if found responsible

Juvenile decisions are recorded in a dedicated system with strict confidentiality. Many juvenile entries do not appear on the standard private criminal record extract requested for employers. Authorities and certain institutions may access records where legally permitted. Entries are deleted after specific retention periods that depend on the measure or sanction imposed.

Can parents or a trusted adult be present during police questioning

Yes, the authorities generally inform parents or guardians promptly and allow a parent or a trusted adult to attend interviews. In some situations the authorities may limit presence temporarily to protect the process or the minor, but the minor’s rights must still be respected.

Does my child need a lawyer and when is one appointed

A juvenile may have a lawyer at any time. In serious cases, during detention, or where complexity requires it, the appointment of a defense lawyer is mandatory. Even in less serious cases, early legal advice helps protect the child’s rights and may lead to diversion or educational solutions.

What kinds of sanctions or measures can be imposed on juveniles

Options include a reprimand, a fine, a personal performance order such as community service, counseling or therapeutic programs, educational support, mediation with victims, and in appropriate cases placement in a suitable institution. For older youths and serious offenses, custody like sanctions may be ordered within strict legal limits and with a focus on education and reintegration.

Can a juvenile case be diverted or settled without a conviction

Yes, the youth prosecutor can use diversion such as mediation, social training, counseling, or personal performance orders. If the young person completes agreed steps, the case may be closed without a conviction or with a minimal sanction, depending on the circumstances.

How are victims who are minors supported

Minor victims have access to victim support services that provide counseling, information, and financial assistance where legal requirements are met. The authorities adapt procedures to protect child victims, including careful interview methods and protective measures when necessary.

What happens after an arrest or police contact in Dornach

The police verify identity, inform parents or guardians, and conduct an age appropriate interview. The youth prosecutor decides on next steps, which may include release, referral to services, diversion, or formal proceedings. Detention of minors is used sparingly, requires legal oversight, and is subject to strict time limits.

Are parents financially responsible for damages caused by their child

Under Swiss civil law, minors and their parents or guardians can be liable for damages. Liability depends on the circumstances, including supervision and the minor’s capacity of judgment. Insurance coverage may apply. A lawyer can assess responsibility and negotiate with insurers or victims.

Will school disciplinary action affect juvenile proceedings

Schools handle their own disciplinary measures, which are separate from the justice system. However, information may be shared with authorities when safety or legal duties require it. Families have procedural rights in serious school measures and may appeal to cantonal education authorities. Legal advice helps coordinate school and legal responses.

Additional Resources

Kantonspolizei Solothurn - for police matters and victim reporting in Dornach and the surrounding region.

Jugendanwaltschaft des Kantons Solothurn - the cantonal youth prosecution service responsible for juvenile criminal cases.

KESB Dorneck Thierstein - the regional Child and Adult Protection Authority handling child protection cases affecting Dornach.

Opferhilfe Solothurn - victim assistance office providing counseling and support to victims, including minors and families.

Schulsozialarbeit Dornach - school social work services that support pupils and families with conflict resolution and preventive counseling.

Sozialdienste der Gemeinde Dornach and cantonal youth services - local social services coordinating family support and youth programs.

Federal Office of Justice - general information about Swiss juvenile criminal law and procedure.

Local bar associations and lawyer referral services in the Canton of Solothurn - to find attorneys experienced in juvenile and child protection law.

Next Steps

If your child or teenager is involved in a legal issue in Dornach, stay calm and gather essential information such as dates, times, names of officials, and any documents received. Avoid allowing your child to give detailed statements before consulting a lawyer. Politely request that a parent or trusted adult be present at any interview and ask for a lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a lawyer who practices juvenile criminal defense or child protection law in the Canton of Solothurn. Ask about experience with youth cases, availability for urgent interviews, languages spoken, and legal aid options. Share all documents promptly and follow advice on communications with police, the youth prosecutor, schools, or KESB.

Attend all scheduled meetings and hearings on time, bring identification and relevant records, and comply with any interim instructions such as counseling or school attendance. If you receive a decision from the youth prosecutor, juvenile court, school authority, or KESB, note the appeal deadline immediately and seek advice on whether to challenge the decision or agree to proposed measures.

This guide is general information only and not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and individual facts matter. For reliable guidance tailored to your situation in Dornach, consult a qualified lawyer in the Canton of Solothurn.