Crime and criminal defense
Legal help in assault cases
An assault case can have serious consequences for both the accused person and the person subjected to violence. The circumstances, injuries, and available evidence all affect how the incident is classified. Our lawyers explain your rights, help you prepare for questioning, and protect your interests throughout the legal process.
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What constitutes assault?
Under Swedish criminal law, assault involves causing another person bodily injury, illness, or pain or rendering that person unconscious or placing them in a similar condition.
Visible injuries are not required. Conduct that causes physical pain without leaving marks may also constitute assault.
The assessment may take into account:
- the type and degree of force used
- the pain or injuries caused
- whether an object or weapon was used
- the other person’s vulnerability
- whether the incident was planned
- witness statements, recordings, and medical documentation
- whether the accused acted in self-defense
The offense may be classified as minor assault, assault of the standard degree, aggravated assault, or exceptionally aggravated assault.
Penalties for assault
The potential sentence depends on the classification of the offense and the circumstances of the case.
Minor assault is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to six months. Assault of the standard degree is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years.
When determining whether an offense is aggravated, the court considers factors such as whether the act was life-threatening, caused severe bodily injury or serious illness, or involved particular cruelty or brutality. Aggravated assault carries a prison sentence of one year and six months to seven years.
The outcome may also be affected by previous convictions, the seriousness of the conduct, the accused person’s age, and other circumstances.
If you are accused of assault
If the police ask you to attend an interview, you have the right to know the allegation against you. Understanding your rights and reviewing the incident before providing a detailed statement can be important.
Questions involving self-defense, intent, and evidence may determine the outcome. Witnesses, surveillance footage, messages, and documented injuries may all need to be considered alongside your account.
Our lawyers help you prepare for questioning, review the investigation, and present the circumstances supporting your position.
If you have been assaulted
Call 112 if the violence is ongoing or you are in immediate danger. In other situations, you can contact the police by calling 114 14 or visiting a police station.
Evidence may be important to the investigation. When possible:
- photograph injuries, including any that appear later
- seek medical care and have the injuries documented
- save messages, recordings, and other communications
- provide the police with witness contact information
- keep receipts and records of related expenses
You may be entitled to compensation for a violation of your personal integrity, physical injury, lost income, and expenses caused by the offense.
How we can help you
We assist both people accused of assault and people subjected to violence in understanding the process and protecting their rights.
Advice on your situation
We review the incident, the evidence, and the legal issues that may affect the case.
Support during the investigation
We help you prepare for questioning and explain the police and prosecutor’s investigation.
Representation in court
We represent you in the proceedings and present your position and the circumstances relevant to the case.
Compensation following an assault
We help people subjected to violence assess and present a claim for compensation.
Get legal help when the stakes are high
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
Book a consultation with one of our lawyers if you need help preparing for questioning, understanding the evidence, or protecting your interests as an accused or injured party.
Aja Wadii
Lawyer
Aja specializes in migration law, family law, and criminal law. In addition to Swedish and English, Aja also speaks Arabic.
Nadja Hatem
Lawyer
Nadja works within family law – mainly custody disputes and international child abduction cases. She has also worked in criminal law. She speaks Swedish, English, and Arabic.
Anuta Sjunghamn
Lawyer
Anuta works in migration law – primarily handling asylum cases. She also assists with family law disputes and criminal cases. Anuta speaks Swedish, English and Persian.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about assault
The penalty is a fine or imprisonment for up to six months. The actual sentence depends on the circumstances.
No. Conduct that causes physical pain may constitute assault even if it does not leave visible injuries.
Yes. Force may be lawful when it is a proportionate response to an ongoing or imminent criminal attack. The assessment depends on the circumstances.
Yes. Compensation may cover the violation, physical injury, lost income, and expenses caused by the offense.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.