RIGHTS OF THE SUSPECT
- Information Regarding the Suspected Crime: The police will explain the specific crime you are suspected of committing and the potential consequences if you are found guilty. Throughout the investigation, you will be presumed innocent, and both the evidence for and against you will be thoroughly examined.
- Right to Legal Counsel / Defender: You have the right to have a Legal counsel of your choice. This person will assist you throughout the criminal investigation, ensuring that your rights are respected and providing legal guidance. You may choose a lawyer who works as an advocate, a public legal aid counsel, or as licensed legal counsel (not an advocate).
If you are unable to pay the fees of the lawyer you choose, the State will pay the costs of your lawyer on your behalf.
You also have the right to consult with your chosen legal counsel before the preliminary questioning or interview. Legal counsels and public defenders are independent of the police, but the police can assist you in contacting them if needed.
Your legal counsel has the right to be present during questioning.
Right against self-Incrimination and right to Speak: You have the right to remain silent and not provide any information to the police. You are under no obligation to answer any questions if you do not wish to.
However, if you choose to speak or answer questions, be aware that anything you say could be used against you in court. It may be in your best interest to consult with your legal counsel before making any statements.
- Right to refuse to testify: You have the right to refuse to testify if doing so would incriminate yourself or a close relative. This includes your current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, sibling, direct ascendant or descendant, or anyone in a similarly close relationship with you.
- Language rights:
- If you speak Finnish, Swedish, or Sami, you have the right to use any of these languages during the criminal investigation.
- If you do not speak or understand Finnish or Swedish, you are entitled to a free interpreter. The interpreter will assist in communications with the police and your legal counsel, and is bound by confidentiality regarding your discussions.
- Right to request secrecy of documents: You have the right to request that certain documents remain confidential. Please consult with your legal counsel, the police, or the court for more information on this matter.
- Right to Mediation: You have the right to be informed about the possibility of mediation in your case. Mediation is voluntary, free of charge, and can be discontinued at any time, but it requires the agreement of both the victim and the suspect.
- Right to Information on Written Procedure: You have the right to be informed about the possibility that your case could be processed through a written procedure. This means that the judge will decide your case based on written materials only, without an oral hearing. You will not be summoned to court in such a procedure.
Additional rights for suspects Under 18: If you are under 18 years of age, you also have the following rights:
- To be informed about the stages of the criminal process and the roles of the authorities involved.
- To be notified that your parent, guardian, or legal representative has been informed of your rights in a criminal case.
- To be informed that your parent, guardian, or legal representative has the right to be present during your questioning.
- To be informed that, in certain circumstances, your right to receive information may be restricted regarding audio and video recordings to protect privacy.
- To be informed that oral proceedings in your case may be held without the public present, if necessary to protect your privacy.
If you have any questions about these rights or need further clarification, we are here to help you.
