Correction
Database tables corrected on 17.6.2026.
Read more about the correctionProsecutions, sentences and punishments 2024
Around 51,000 sentences were passed in courts of first instance in 2024
releaseAccording to Statistics Finland, courts of first instance issued 50,691 criminal convictions in 2024, which is two per cent fewer than in 2023. Examined by main offence, traffic offences decreased most in absolute numbers. By contrast, sentences for offences against life and health increased most.
Change
New database tables replacing old tables have been published in the statistics 3.6.2026.
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Key selections
- In 2024, most of the sentences passed in courts of first instance concerned property offences (31%) and traffic offences (29%).
- Eighty-one per cent of the persons sentenced in courts of first instance were men and 19 per cent women. More than one-half of those sentenced were aged 25 to 49.
- Around 5,900 unconditional imprisonment sentences were passed, which is eight per cent more than one year earlier. Fifteen sentences of life imprisonment were passed, six more than in 2023.
- District courts issued more than 32,000 fines. Close on 33,000 fines were sentenced by a summary penal order, and the number of fine orders issued by the police was 76,600.
- Part of the decisions in courts of first instance in 2024 were obtained from the new system (AIPA system) which must be taken into account when comparing data from different years. However, based on analyses and comparisons conducted, the impacts of the system renewal seem to be minor.
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Future releases
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Referencing instructions
Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Prosecutions, sentences and punishments [online publication].
Reference period: 2024. ISSN=2343-1679. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 24.6.2026].
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Further information about the statistics
Prosecutions, sentences and punishmentsDocumentation of the statisticsRelated topics
TopicsJustice and elections
Contact information
Service email
rikos@stat.fiInquiries primarily
Katri Lepikkö
Senior Statistician
029 551 3223
Other experts
Pekka Hänninen
Senior Statistician
029 551 2606
Head of Department in charge
Harri Lehtinen
Head of Department in charge
029 551 3403