On a Saturday evening in late May 2021, Florent M., then 26 years old, was driving his blue Ferrari FF Novitec from Dietikon to Spreitenbach, Switzerland. It was just before 7:00 PM when his high-speed journey ended in disaster. Losing control of his luxury car, Florent’s Ferrari skidded and crashed backward into a wall. While the young driver emerged unscathed, his car was left in ruins, with significant damage to the rear. The Zurich Cantonal Police had to close the road for about two hours due to the accident.
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The Initial Judgment
Following the accident, Florent’s troubles quickly mounted. Court documents revealed he had been driving at least 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone and had left a skid mark stretching approximately 170 meters. In the presence of his lawyer, Florent even admitted to reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Evidence further suggested that moments before the crash, he had engaged in a brief race with another vehicle, possibly a powerful BMW, as both drivers jostled for lane priority.
In May 2022, the Dietikon District Court convicted Florent of gross traffic violations and sentenced him to 43 months in prison. Despite this ruling, the court initially refrained from ordering his deportation.
Escalation and Deportation
Dissatisfied with the verdict, both Florent and the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office appealed the decision. By July 2023, the Zurich High Court upheld the lower court’s ruling but added a new dimension to the case: a six-year deportation order under Switzerland’s "Raser" (reckless driving) provisions. The court cited public interest and the risk of reoffending as decisive factors.
Unwilling to accept this outcome, Florent took his case to the Federal Court. However, on October 7, 2024, the highest court in Switzerland dismissed his appeal, affirming the deportation order. The court’s ruling emphasized the need to protect public safety, describing Florent as a potential risk.
A Controversial Outcome
Florent’s legal troubles extended beyond this incident. Prior convictions for traffic violations and attempted serious bodily harm painted a troubling picture of repeated offenses within a short timeframe. The Federal Court noted that while Florent’s personal circumstances had initially spared him from deportation, his reckless actions in May 2021 sealed his fate.
In November 2024, Florent was deported to Kosovo, a month after completing nearly three years in prison. Reflecting on his situation, he expressed remorse: “I regret all my actions, especially the reckless driving.” Yet he also criticized the deportation decision, calling it “unfair” and lamenting the limited time he had to prepare for his new life in Kosovo. “I was given only one day to get ready for the future,” he shared.
The Fallout
Florent’s case underscores the severe consequences of reckless behavior on Swiss roads. Despite his deep ties to Switzerland, where his family still resides, his repeated violations eroded the courts’ tolerance. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of privilege, accountability, and the law. As Switzerland continues to uphold strict traffic regulations, Florent’s experience highlights the importance of adherence to these rules and the potential ramifications for those who flout them.