Suspect of crime

The police see to the investigation of crime. This process is called a pre-trial investigation. In the course of the investigation, the following points of information are established: The offender and the other parties, the circumstances of the offence (time, place, method, instrument) and the other items of interest to the prosecutor. The police also determine the loss caused by the offence and the possible claims for compensation of the injured parties. The prosecutors participate in the pre-trial investigation of certain serious offences, giving orders and instructions as to how it should proceed.

The prosecutor then decides how to proceed in the case by making an evaluation of charges. For each suspect and each alleged act, the prosecutor evaluates whether a criminal offence has been committed and if there is a prima facie case against the suspect. Even if the offence and the offender are known, the prosecutor may under certain circumstances decide not to prosecute, e.g. owing to the minor significance of the offence.

The parties can also be directed to mediation in penal matters. Successful mediation often results in a decision not to prosecute. The prosecutors and the police can supply more information on the availability of mediation.

Prosecutor front page

Updated on 7 July 2009