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Juvenile law in Trollhättan follows national Swedish rules and practices that are designed to protect children and young people, while balancing the need for public safety and individual accountability. The framework covers criminal responsibility for young people, child protection and care measures, custody and parental responsibility, and the provision of social and rehabilitative services. Important national laws and principles include the Swedish Criminal Code - Brottsbalken, the Social Services Act - Socialtjänstlagen, the Care of Young Persons Act - LVU, the Parents Code - Föräldrabalken, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is integrated into Swedish law. Local authorities in Trollhättan - primarily the municipal social services - work with police, prosecutors, courts and national agencies to apply these rules in individual cases.
Cases involving minors can be complex and emotionally charged. A lawyer can help protect legal rights, ensure procedures are followed correctly, and explain options and likely outcomes. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- When a young person is suspected of committing a crime and police want to question them or press charges. Minors have special procedural protections and often need representation during police interviews and court proceedings.
- If social services investigate your family or propose a care order under LVU, or if there is a risk a child will be removed from the home. Administrative hearings and appeals require legal knowledge.
- In custody, visitation and parental responsibility disputes under family law where a child’s best interest is central.
- If a young person faces placement in a secure youth institution or compulsory measures, or when negotiating rehabilitative alternatives such as youth care, counseling or community service.
- To obtain legal aid, represent the child or guardian in court, negotiate with authorities, gather and present evidence, or seek remedies after rights have been violated.
Key legal aspects that are particularly relevant in Trollhättan are consistent with Swedish national law but applied through local agencies and courts:
- Age of criminal responsibility: In Sweden a person becomes criminally responsible at 15 years old. Under 15, young people are not prosecuted for crimes; concerns are handled by social services and other child welfare actors.
- Special procedures for minors: When a young person aged 15-17 is suspected of an offence, police and prosecutors must observe special rules about questioning, the presence of a guardian, and access to a lawyer. Courts may impose juvenile-specific sanctions such as youth care - ungdomsvård, community service for young people - ungdomstjänst, or secure youth care - sluten ungdomsvård in the most serious cases.
- Child protection and compulsory care: The Social Services Act governs everyday child welfare work. Where there is a serious risk to a child’s health or development, the municipality can seek an emergency or longer-term care order under LVU at an administrative court. These cases involve different procedures and standards than criminal cases and usually hinge on the child’s best interest.
- Family law matters: Parental responsibility, custody and access matters are decided according to the Parents Code. The best interest of the child is the guiding principle, and family law disputes can involve both the district court and social services assessments.
- Rights and oversight: Children have specific rights to legal representation and to have their best interests considered. National agencies such as the National Board of Institutional Care - SiS, the Public Prosecution Authority - Åklagarmyndigheten, and the Swedish courts system oversee different parts of the juvenile response. In Trollhättan the municipal social services and local police station are the primary local contact points for day-to-day matters.
No one under suspicion should be questioned by the police without appropriate safeguards. If a child is suspected of a crime, they should be informed of their rights and offered access to a lawyer. For minors, a guardian or custodian should normally be present during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, public legal aid can be available for young suspects in criminal matters.
If social services believe a child is at risk, they will first investigate and may seek voluntary support measures. For serious risks, the municipality can apply to an administrative court for a compulsory care order under LVU. You will be notified and have the right to be heard in the process. A lawyer experienced in child protection can represent you in court and help challenge the grounds or the length of placement.
No. Children under 15 are not criminally responsible in Sweden. When a child under 15 behaves criminally, the focus is on welfare measures - typically social services interventions, counseling, family support and educational measures rather than criminal prosecution.
For offenders aged 15-17 the criminal justice system generally prioritizes rehabilitation. Possible outcomes include fines, youth care - ungdomsvård, youth service or community service - ungdomstjänst, or in the most serious cases secure youth care - sluten ungdomsvård. The court considers the young person’s maturity, circumstances and prospects for reintegration.
Custody and visitation matters are governed by the Parents Code. Parents can reach agreements between themselves, or apply to the district court for a decision. Social services may be involved if there are welfare concerns. Courts always decide based on the child’s best interests and may order assessments or mediation.
If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police or emergency services right away. You should also contact Trollhättan social services to report the situation. In emergencies, authorities can take swift measures to protect the child and may seek a temporary care order.
Yes. Decisions in administrative matters such as LVU placements can usually be appealed to the administrative court and, in some cases, to higher administrative courts. Criminal court decisions can be appealed through the ordinary appeals process. Time limits and formal requirements for appeals apply, so timely legal advice is important.
Communications with a lawyer are confidential. Professionals such as health care workers and school staff have confidentiality obligations, but there are also mandatory reporting duties if a child’s safety is at risk. A lawyer can explain what information can remain private and what must be reported.
Minors can be represented by their own lawyer. If a young person is suspected of a crime, it is usually advisable they have separate legal counsel rather than only a parent representing the child. Courts consider the young person’s capacity to participate in proceedings; in most cases professional legal representation is recommended.
Legal costs vary depending on the nature and complexity of the case. Sweden provides a system of legal aid and the possibility of a publicly funded defense in criminal matters; eligibility depends on income, case type and potential consequences. For urgent or serious juvenile matters, public counsel may be appointed. Ask a prospective lawyer about fees, legal aid options and whether they can help with an application for public funding.
When seeking help with juvenile law matters in Trollhättan, these local and national bodies and organizations can be useful:
- Trollhättan municipal social services - for child welfare assessments, guidance and support measures.
- Trollhättan police station - for reporting crimes or urgent safety concerns.
- The local district court - for family law and criminal proceedings.
- Statens institutionsstyrelse - SiS - the agency responsible for secure youth care and national youth institutions.
- The Public Prosecution Authority - Åklagarmyndigheten - for information about prosecutions involving young people.
- Barnombudsmannen - the Swedish Children’s Ombudsman - for rights information and advocacy on behalf of children.
- BRIS - Children’s Rights in Society - a national support organization that offers advice and support for children and parents.
- Brottsofferjouren - victim support services - for victims and families affected by crime.
- Local legal aid offices and lawyers specializing in family and juvenile law - for representation and advice about public funding.
If you need legal assistance with a juvenile law matter in Trollhättan, consider the following steps:
- Act promptly if there is a safety concern. Contact police or emergency services immediately in emergencies and inform social services about any immediate risk.
- Contact Trollhättan municipal social services to report concerns or to seek information about support services, investigations and voluntary measures.
- Seek legal advice early. Contact a lawyer who specializes in juvenile law, family law or criminal defense for minors. Ask about initial consultation fees, legal aid eligibility and what documents to bring.
- Gather and preserve relevant documentation such as school records, medical reports, police reports and any written communication with authorities. This information will help your lawyer assess the case.
- Understand the procedure and timelines. Ask your lawyer to explain the steps that follow, the possible outcomes and your rights to appeal.
- Keep the child’s best interests at the center of decisions. Where possible, use supportive services such as counseling, family mediation and school-based support to address underlying issues.
- If you are unsure where to start, contact a local legal aid clinic, BRIS for advice, or the municipal social services for guidance on immediate practical measures.
Legal matters involving children can be stressful. A qualified lawyer and the local support network can help you navigate the system, protect rights and seek the best possible outcome for the child and family.
