Once the pre‑trial investigation of a criminal matter has been completed, the police (or another pre‑trial investigation authority*) refer the matter to a prosecutor for consideration.
The prosecutor carries out the consideration of charges, meaning that they examine the material received from the police and decide either to bring charges or to waive charges.
If the prosecutor brings charges, the criminal matter will be heard by the District Court on a scheduled hearing date or, with the consent of the injured party and the suspect, using the written procedure. If a hearing date has not yet been scheduled at the time the charges are brought, the District Court will notify the parties of the date at a later stage.
Please note that once the matter has been referred to the District Court, all questions relating to it must be directed to the District Court.
If the prosecutor decides not to bring charges, they will issue a decision to waive charges and notify all parties concerned accordingly.
Read more about the processing of a criminal matter.
*Other pre‑trial investigation authorities include the Finnish Border Guard, the Defence Forces and Customs.