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Prosecutions, sentences and punishments 2022

Number of traffic offence sentences imposed in courts of first instance decreased by 13 per cent in 2022

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According to Statistics Finland, 51,186 criminal convictions were given in courts of first instance in 2022, which is six per cent fewer than in 2021. The number of traffic offence sentences decreased most, in 2022 there were 13 per cent fewer such sentences than one year earlier. Offences against the public authorities and public order increased most, by 13 per cent from the previous year.

Key selections

  • In 2022, the sentences imposed for sexual offences increased compared with the previous year by five per cent in main offences and by 14 per cent in imputable offences.
  • The number of unconditional imprisonment sentences went down by three per cent and that of conditional imprisonment sentences by seven per cent from 2021.
  • Eight per cent fewer fines were issued by district courts than one year earlier, most often fines were issued for petty thefts (16%) and driving while intoxicated (12%).
  • Decisions by courts of appeal in criminal cases differ from decisions by district courts more often than before, as the court of appeal confirmed the decision of the district court in 78 per cent of cases in 2016 and in 72 per cent of the cases in 2022.

Figures

See key statistical data in the figures.

Persons sentenced to imprisonment by offence category 2014-2022

Decisions by courts of appeal compared with decisions by district courts by offence category 2016-2022

Database tables

Pick the data you need into tables, view the data as graphs, or download the data for your use.

Updated database tables
11if
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • District Court Judgment
  • Court of appeal
  • Court of Appeal judgment
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126m
Classifications used:
  • Court of appeal
  • Offence group
  • Penalty change at Court of Appeal
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126n
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • Court of appeal
  • Appellant
  • Court of Appeal decision
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126p
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • Places of residence
  • Nationality
  • Statistic
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126q
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Court
  • Age
  • Principal offence
  • Duration of the prohibition
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126u
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Court
  • Age
  • Principal offence
  • Duration of the prohibition
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126v
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Amount of fine
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126x
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Court
  • Age
  • Principal offence
  • Duration of the prohibition
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12cj
Classifications used:
  • Sex
  • Offence group
  • Day-fine
  • Age
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12d2
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Sanction
  • Principal offence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12d3
Classifications used:
  • Sanction
  • Similarity of offences
  • Principal offence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
13r7
Classifications used:
  • Court
  • Sentence
  • Principal offence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
13r8
Classifications used:
  • Principal offence
  • Sentence
  • Gender
  • Age
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
13re
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Offence group
  • Length of sentence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:

Future releases

Referencing instructions

Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Prosecutions, sentences and punishments [online publication].
Reference period: 2022. ISSN=2343-1679. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 1.6.2026].
Access method:

Related topics

Population and society

Contact information

Service email
rikos@stat.fi

Inquiries primarily

Laura Lipasti
Senior Statistician
029 551 3041

Head of Department in charge

Hannele Orjala
Head of Department in charge
029 551 3582