Decreasing numbers of crime related convictions in Switzerland

The number of criminal convictions in Switzerland fell slightly last year compared to 2020. The number of those registered in criminal records totalled 97,386, a drop of 1%.

Figures for those for violations of the Criminal Code (CP) and the Narcotics Act (LStup) stand in contrast to the rising figures for violations of the Foreigners and their Integration Act (LStrI).

These were the findings of statistics on the subject compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The overall number of convictions is therefore likely to continue its declining trend, albeit less sharply this time compared to 2020, when it had fallen by 9 percent, a statement issued today said.

Road Traffic Act (LCStr) numbers, meanwhile, are stable in comparison with the previous year. However, if you look at the numbers over a longer period of time, you can see a 5% decrease over the past 10 years.

Serious traffic violations (mainly speeding) and impaired driving (mainly due to alcohol, as well as drugs and medication) constitute the majority of convictions for offenses under the LCStr. Under these two headings, the downward trend (-22% and -36%) over the last 10 years is especially pronounced.

Besides the laws already mentioned, there are others for which people are registered in criminal records. Since 2008, figures are available for all those that contain a felony or a crime, the FSO points out. However, they often involve only fines, which is why they are not included in the statistics.

The largest number of convictions in 2021 involved violations of the Weapons Act (4,025). In quantitative terms, 558 sentences during the same period placed the Animal Protection Law in the second place.

Also, 1,895 expulsions were handed down last year, 90 percent of which were of a mandatory type. Over half were imposed for a duration of more than five years. Thirty-four percent of those affected were EU citizens.

When considering all cases for which compulsory expulsion is provided for by law, such a conviction was received in 59% of cases. This rate corresponds to a decline of 3 percentage points from 2020.