Penal order

In Swiss criminal procedure, the public prosecutor may dispose of certain cases by penal order when the facts are sufficiently established and the expected sanction falls within the simplified procedure’s limits. It may impose penalties such as a fine, monetary penalty or limited custodial sentence, depending on the case. The accused and other entitled persons may object within the prescribed period. If no valid objection is filed, the penal order becomes equivalent to a final judgment; if challenged, the case may proceed to ordinary prosecution or court review.