Etukäteistuomio

Etukäteistuomio, often translated as pretrial detention or remand, is a legal measure in Finland where a person is held in custody before their trial. This measure is employed when there is a substantiated suspicion that the individual has committed a crime punishable by imprisonment, and there is a risk that they might obstruct the investigation, abscond, or commit further offenses. The decision to impose etukäteistuomio is made by a court, usually at the request of the prosecutor, and requires specific grounds to be met.

The primary purpose of pretrial detention is to ensure the smooth progress of the criminal investigation and to prevent potential harm to society or the ongoing proceedings. While the suspect is deprived of their liberty, they are not yet convicted of any crime, and the presumption of innocence remains in effect. The duration of pretrial detention is determined by the court and is regularly reviewed to ensure its continued necessity. Suspects in pretrial detention have certain rights, including the right to legal counsel and to be informed of the reasons for their detention. The conditions of detention are regulated by law, aiming to uphold the dignity of the individual while maintaining security. This measure is considered exceptional and should only be used when less restrictive measures are deemed insufficient to achieve the stated legal objectives.