Selvittämisvaiheessa

Selvittämisvaiheessa refers to the investigation phase in Finnish criminal proceedings. This stage begins when a suspicion of a criminal offense arises and ends when the prosecutor decides whether to press charges or not. The primary goal of the selvittämisvaiheessa is to gather enough evidence to determine if a crime has been committed and to identify the perpetrator.

During this phase, law enforcement authorities, typically the police, conduct various investigative actions. These may include interviewing witnesses and suspects, collecting physical evidence from the crime scene, analyzing forensic data, and reviewing surveillance footage. The objective is to establish the facts of the case and to build a coherent picture of the events. The prosecutor's office may also be involved in directing the investigation and assessing the evidence as it is collected.

The duration of the selvittämisvaiheessa can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence to be gathered, and the availability of resources. In simpler cases, it might be completed within days or weeks, while more intricate investigations can take months or even longer. The principle of proportionality guides the investigative efforts, meaning that the intensity of the investigation should be commensurate with the seriousness of the alleged offense.

Upon completion of the investigation, the collected evidence is presented to the prosecutor. The prosecutor then reviews all the information and makes a decision. This decision can be to file charges and bring the case to trial, to dismiss the case due to insufficient evidence, or to request further investigation if more information is needed. The selvittämisvaiheessa is a crucial part of the justice system, ensuring that potential cases are thoroughly examined before any formal legal proceedings are initiated.