Best Sex Crime Lawyers in Dornach

About Sex Crime Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Sex crime cases in Dornach are governed by Swiss federal law, primarily the Swiss Criminal Code, and are investigated and prosecuted by authorities in the canton of Solothurn. The Kantonspolizei Solothurn investigates, the Staatsanwaltschaft des Kantons Solothurn prosecutes, and cases are heard by the cantonal courts. Dornach is a municipality in the Solothurn region, so local procedures follow cantonal practice, but the definitions of offenses and penalties are set by federal law.

Swiss sexual offense law focuses on the absence of freely given consent and on the protection of children, adolescents, and persons in situations of dependency. Offenses range from sexual coercion and rape to sexual acts with children or dependent adolescents, exploitation of distress, promotion of prostitution, and the production or distribution of pornography involving minors. Penalties can include imprisonment, monetary penalties, protective orders, professional bans, and entries in the criminal records system.

Victims and those accused both have defined rights during investigations and court proceedings. Victims have access to confidential support and practical help under the Federal Act on Assistance to Victims of Crime, known as the Opferhilfegesetz or OHG, while accused persons benefit from the presumption of innocence and the right to legal counsel. Early legal advice is important for both sides given the sensitivity and complexity of these cases.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Victims may need a lawyer to understand reporting options, preserve evidence, request protective measures, secure medical and psychological support, and pursue compensation through the criminal case or a related civil claim. A lawyer can help ensure your rights are respected during interviews, request non-disclosure of private information, coordinate with the victim support center, and prepare you for hearings.

Individuals under investigation or accused should seek immediate legal representation before any police interview. Early advice helps protect against self-incrimination, manage search and seizure of phones or computers, challenge pretrial detention, negotiate procedural outcomes such as a penal order, and prepare a defense based on digital, forensic, or witness evidence. A lawyer can also advise on employment, immigration, and professional licensing consequences that may follow from a conviction.

Witnesses and employers may also need guidance on confidentiality duties, responding to subpoenas, or handling workplace implications such as internal investigations or leave requests.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss Criminal Code offenses relevant to sex crime include sexual acts with children, sexual acts with dependent adolescents aged 16 to 18, sexual coercion, rape, exploitation of distress or dependency, promotion of prostitution, and pornography offenses. Rape and sexual coercion hinge on lack of consent, which includes situations involving coercion, threat, or inability to consent. Online behavior is covered as well, including the production or distribution of child sexual abuse material, and certain forms of abusive image sharing or invasive recording may be punishable under privacy and criminal provisions.

Age of consent in Switzerland is 16. Sexual conduct with persons under 16 is criminalized. Sexual conduct with 16 to 17 year olds may be a crime if there is exploitation of dependency or a relationship of authority, such as a teacher, coach, or caregiver. Grooming behavior and attempts to commit sexual offenses can be prosecuted under various provisions of the code.

Rape and most sexual offenses are prosecuted ex officio, meaning the authorities can proceed without a formal complaint by the victim. In practice, the victim’s participation and testimony are often crucial. The Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure sets out rights for victims, including the right to information, to be accompanied by a trusted person, to request protective measures such as shielding identity or avoiding direct confrontation, and to claim damages and moral compensation as a private claimant.

Protective measures are available under both criminal procedure and civil law. Under the Swiss Civil Code, courts can order no-contact and no-approach orders and can evict a perpetrator from a shared home. Police in Solothurn can issue short-term protection orders in urgent situations, with court review to follow.

Victim assistance under the OHG provides confidential counseling, emergency shelter, help with medical and psychological treatment, and financial contributions to certain costs. Services are available regardless of whether you report to the police, though certain benefits may require cooperation with authorities.

Limitation periods vary by offense severity, and for crimes against minors they are longer with time limits often starting when the victim turns 18. Because the details are technical and subject to periodic reform, prompt legal advice is recommended to avoid missing deadlines.

Convictions lead to entries in the national criminal records system. Courts can impose professional bans, including restrictions on working with minors or vulnerable persons. For non-Swiss nationals, convictions can affect residence permits and future immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as consent under Swiss law

Consent must be freely given. Any sexual act without free and informed agreement, including situations involving force, threats, coercion, intimidation, exploitation of a person’s distress, or when someone is incapacitated, can be a crime. Silence or submission under pressure is not consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

What is the age of consent in Switzerland

The general age of consent is 16. Sexual acts with persons under 16 are criminal offenses. With 16 to 17 year olds, sexual acts may be criminal if there is a relationship of dependency or authority, such as a teacher, instructor, or caregiver, or if the adolescent is exploited.

Do I need to file a complaint to start a case

Rape and most sexual offenses are prosecuted ex officio. This means authorities can proceed without a formal complaint. However, reporting to the police helps initiate an investigation and preserve evidence, and your participation is often essential. For some related offenses, a complaint may be required. A lawyer can assess the exact requirements.

Can I get medical help and preserve evidence without reporting immediately

Yes. Many Swiss hospitals offer medical care and forensic evidence preservation even if you are not ready to file a police report. This can include documentation and secure storage of evidence for a period so you can decide later. Ask for a forensic examination and victim support services.

What should I do right after an assault in Dornach

If you are in danger call 117 for police or 144 for medical help. Try to get to a safe place. Seek prompt medical care both for health and for evidence collection. If possible, avoid washing or changing clothes until medical staff advise you. Contact the Victim Support Center in the canton of Solothurn for confidential help and practical guidance.

Will the accused see my address or identity

Victims have protective options. You can request that your home address be kept confidential in the case file and that contact with the accused be minimized. The Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure allows measures such as limited disclosure, separate waiting areas, and conducting certain interviews without the accused present. Discuss specific protection needs with your lawyer and the victim support center.

How long do I have to report a sex crime

Time limits depend on the offense. Serious sexual offenses generally have longer limitation periods. For crimes against minors, the clock often starts when the victim turns 18 and runs for a longer period. Because rules change and exceptions exist, get individualized legal advice as soon as possible.

What penalties apply for rape or sexual coercion

Penalties range from substantial monetary penalties to multi-year prison sentences, depending on the facts, aggravating factors, and any prior convictions. Courts can also impose no-contact orders, professional bans, and probation conditions. Each case is assessed individually.

I am accused. Should I talk to police without a lawyer

You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. It is strongly advisable to speak with a lawyer before any interview. A lawyer will help you understand the allegations, the evidence, and the potential consequences, and will protect your procedural rights during questioning and searches.

How can I claim compensation and therapy costs

Victims can join the criminal case as a private claimant to seek damages and moral compensation. In addition, the OHG victim assistance system can cover or contribute to medical and psychological treatment and certain other costs, subject to conditions. A lawyer or the victim support center can help you prepare and submit claims.

Additional Resources

Emergency services in Dornach and throughout Switzerland can be reached via 117 for police, 144 for medical emergencies, and 112 as a general European emergency number. If you need immediate emotional support, contact 143, the national crisis line known as Die Dargebotene Hand. For children and young people, 147 is available.

Victim Support Center of the canton of Solothurn provides confidential counseling, practical assistance, and financial support under the OHG. You can reach the center through the canton of Solothurn’s public service contacts or by asking any police station or hospital to connect you.

Hospitals in the region, including facilities in the Solothurn and Basel areas, can perform medical examinations and forensic evidence preservation. Ask for a forensic documentation exam and for a referral to victim support services.

The Kantonspolizei Solothurn handles reports of sexual offenses. You can report at any police station or request that officers come to you if you are unable to travel. In urgent danger, call 117.

Local shelters and counseling services, such as the Frauenhaus and specialized trauma counseling centers in the broader Solothurn and Basel regions, can provide safe accommodation and therapy referrals. Police and the victim support center can facilitate contact.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call 117 or 112. Seek medical care as soon as possible at a hospital or emergency clinic. Consider asking for forensic evidence preservation even if you are undecided about reporting. Contact the canton’s victim support center for confidential guidance and practical help.

If you wish to report, you can do so at any police station in the canton of Solothurn. Bring any information you have, such as messages, photos, or the names of potential witnesses. Do not delete digital content, even if it is distressing, because it may be important evidence. If you have already removed items, tell the police or your lawyer so recovery options can be explored.

Engage a lawyer early. In Dornach and the wider Solothurn area, criminal defense and victims’ rights lawyers can advise you on your options, protective measures, compensation claims, and the likely timeline of a case. Ask about legal aid. Under Swiss law, victims with limited means and persons facing serious charges may qualify for state funded legal assistance.

If you are accused or expect to be contacted by authorities, do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer and do not consent to searches or provide devices without understanding your rights. Exercise your right to remain silent until advised by counsel.

This guide is informational and does not replace tailored legal advice. Because facts and laws matter, schedule a consultation with a qualified lawyer in Solothurn to discuss your situation in detail.