Criminal proceedings in the Canton of Zurich are governed by the Swiss Criminal Procedure Code (StPO). For companies, private individuals, and international actors, professional legal support is essential.
Legal XII Tables Avocats represents clients in all criminal-law matters — from economic and financial offences to international legal assistance and classic individual offences.
1. Initiation of Criminal Proceedings
A criminal investigation in Zurich may be initiated in three ways:
- A criminal complaint filed by a private individual or a company
- Ex officio action (e.g., by the police or the public prosecutor’s office)
- Voluntary self-reporting
Upon receiving a complaint, the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office assesses whether there is sufficient initial suspicion. If so, a formal investigation is opened.
2. Investigation Phase
This is the most active stage for the police and the public prosecutor. Typical investigative steps include:
- Interviews and interrogations
- House searches and seizures
- Telephone or data surveillance (subject to strict legal requirements)
- Expert reports or technical examinations
Important: Suspects have the right to be assisted by a lawyer at any time.
This is particularly crucial in white-collar cases or matters with cross-border implications, where early strategic intervention can be decisive.
👉 Legal XII Tables Avocats provides support from the very first police interview, ensuring that your rights are fully protected.
3. Conclusion of the Investigation
At the end of the investigation, the public prosecutor decides between three outcomes:
a) Dismissal
The case is closed if:
- no criminal offence is established,
- there is insufficient suspicion, or
- a required criminal complaint is missing.
b) Penal Order (Strafbefehl)
The most common outcome in practice.
The prosecutor issues a written sentence without a court hearing, such as:
- daily penalty fines (Tagessätze)
- fixed fines
- suspended penalties
A penal order may be challenged within 10 days. If not contested, it becomes final and counts as a conviction.
c) Indictment
For more complex cases or more severe penalties, the prosecutor files an indictment with the competent court.
4. Court Proceedings
Depending on the case, the competent courts in Zurich are:
- District Court (Bezirksgericht)
- Higher Court of the Canton of Zurich (Obergericht)
- Federal Supreme Court
A main hearing typically includes:
- Reading of the indictment
- Examination of evidence
- Witness testimonies
- Closing arguments
- Pronouncement of judgment
Companies, board members, and executives involved in economic criminal matters particularly benefit from developing a well-prepared defence strategy before the main hearing.
5. Legal Remedies
A judgment can be challenged through:
- Appeal (against first-instance judgments)
- Complaint
- Appeal to the Federal Supreme Court
Deadlines are short and must be strictly observed.
6. Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Criminal proceedings — especially those involving economic offences, asset-related crimes, or international components — create significant risks for:
- Reputation
- Financial assets
- Professional standing
- Residency status
- Business continuity
Attorney Lionel Patrick Serex and the team at Legal XII Tables Avocats combine deep expertise in criminal law, strategic insight, and extensive experience in complex, high-stakes cases.
➡️ Book a consultation online:
https://legal12tablesavocats.ch/en/e-service/
