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Prosecutions, sentences and punishments 2023

Number of sentences for sexual offences 33 per cent higher in 2023 than one year earlier

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According to Statistics Finland, 51,856 criminal convictions were passed in district courts and courts of appeal at first instance in 2023, one per cent more than in 2022. Examined by main offence, growth (33%) was recorded in sexual offences for which 910 sentences were given. Criminal convictions against public authorities and public order increased second most, by 17 per cent, as 2,274 such convictions were given.

Correction

Database table 12cj - First court instance fine sentences and summary penal orders and fine orders by amount and number of day fines, gender, age and group of offence, corrected.

Read more about the correction

Key selections

  • Of traffic offences the number of imputed sentences in courts of first instance decreased in 2023 by 15 per cent, narcotics offences decreased by 21 per cent and offences against life and health grew by 12 per cent compared to average numbers in 2019 to 2022.
  • Chapter 20 of the Criminal Code on sexual offences was renewed at the beginning of 2023. Eighty-eight per cent of sexual offences that became final in 2023 were sentenced according to the offence headings of the old act.
  • Thirty-three per cent more sentences were passed for sexual offences as the main offence in 2023 than in the previous year.
  • The numbers of fines and summary penal orders issued in courts of first instance in 2023 remained on level with the previous years, but fine orders issued by the police grew by four per cent from the previous year.

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: 2023. ISSN=2343-1679. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 12.5.2026].
Access method:

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Contact information

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rikos@stat.fi

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Laura Lipasti
Senior Statistician
029 551 3041

Head of Department in charge

Hannele Orjala
Head of Department in charge
029 551 3582