Criminal defence, white-collar crime, regulatory investigations and extradition matters for foreigners.
Filter by specialisation
We're actively expanding our directory. In the meantime, use the lawyer wizard — it'll match you to the best available firm for your situation.
Use the Lawyer Wizard → Suggest a FirmLeading international law firm with strong English-speaking team specializing in corporate and commercial law
Prominent Swiss firm with extensive English-language corporate and IP practice; active 2024-2025
Geneva-based international firm with strong English-speaking practice; specializing in banking and finance
Full-service law firm with bilingual English teams across Switzerland; active in corporate and real estate
Zurich-headquartered firm known for bilingual English-speaking team in corporate and tax matters
Full-service law firm with significant English-language expertise in corporate and IP matters
Yes — in all EU countries you have the right to legal representation from the moment of arrest. You also have the right to an interpreter if you do not speak the local language.
Contact an English-speaking criminal defence lawyer immediately. Do not answer police questions without a lawyer present.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Switzerland's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsStGB (Schweizerisches Strafgesetzbuch – Criminal Code) and StPO (Strafprozessordnung – Criminal Procedure Code) govern all criminal matters. Unified federal code + cantonal procedural variations.
Instanzen (Court Hierarchy): Zwangsmassnahmengericht (investigative judge) issues detention orders; Strafgericht (trial court) handles first-instance trials; Obergericht (appellate court) reviews on law/fact; Bundesgericht (Supreme Court) reviews on law only.
Police Detention per StPO art. 217: Maximum 24 hours without judge's order (Haftbefehl). Judicial detention order can extend to 14 days; prosecutor must file indictment or release within 10 days. Attorney access rights: defendant has right to counsel within 24 hours (Anwaltsprivileg – attorney-client privilege applies).
Unentgeltliche Verteidigung (Legal Aid) under StPO art. 132: Provided if defendant indigent (defined by income/assets threshold, varies by canton). Covers attorney fees, expert witnesses, appeals. Reductions/recoupment possible if financial situation improves.
Strafbefehl (Penal Order): For minor offenses (typical fine < CHF 10,000 or detention < 180 days), prosecutor may issue penal order instead of trial. If defendant accepts, becomes final judgment; rejection triggers full trial. ~70% of prosecutions resolved via Strafbefehl (avoiding trial).
Case Study: Basel resident arrested for possession of marijuana (small quantity). Detention: 24 hours (pending Zwangsmassnahmengericht review). Prosecutor issues Strafbefehl (fine CHF 300). Defense counsel advises acceptance (avoids criminal record for fine-only case); defendant accepts within 10 days. Case closed. Alternative: if defendant objects, Strafgericht trial (~6 months wait); conviction typical (common drug) but possible sentence negotiation via plea (Verständigung – limited, Swiss system less plea-based than common law).
