Misstänkte

Misstänkte is a Swedish term that translates to "suspect" in English. It refers to an individual who is believed to have committed a crime, but against whom no formal charges have yet been filed. The term is used in the context of criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

A person can become a misstänkte for various reasons. This might include being identified at the scene of a crime, having their fingerprints or DNA found at the crime scene, or being reported by a witness. The police have the authority to investigate individuals they consider to be misstänkte. This investigation can involve questioning the individual, searching their property, and gathering evidence.

It is important to distinguish a misstänkte from someone who has been formally charged or convicted. A misstänkte is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The designation of misstänkt does not imply guilt and is a preliminary stage in the criminal justice process. If sufficient evidence is gathered, the authorities may decide to press charges, at which point the individual would transition from being a misstänkte to a åtalad (accused). If insufficient evidence is found, the suspicion may be dropped.