esitutkintamenettelyjä

Esitutkintamenettelyjä refers to pre-trial investigation procedures in the Finnish legal system. This stage of the criminal process is crucial for gathering evidence and determining whether sufficient grounds exist to bring charges against a suspect. The primary goal is to establish the facts of a suspected crime and to identify the perpetrator.

The pre-trial investigation is typically conducted by the police, but other authorities like the Border Guard or customs may also be involved depending on the nature of the offense. During this phase, investigators collect evidence through various means, including interviewing witnesses and suspects, examining crime scenes, and conducting searches. If necessary, forensic analysis of physical evidence may be performed.

The suspect has certain rights during the pre-trial investigation, such as the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. The investigator must inform the suspect of these rights. The investigation proceeds until the investigator determines that there is probable cause to suspect a specific person of committing a crime and that further prosecution is warranted.

Once the investigation is complete, the investigator compiles a report outlining the findings. This report is then forwarded to the prosecutor. The prosecutor reviews the evidence and decides whether to file charges and initiate a formal court case. If the prosecutor deems the evidence insufficient, the case may be closed, or further investigation might be requested. The pre-trial investigation is thus a gatekeeping mechanism for the judicial process, ensuring that only cases with sufficient evidence proceed to trial.