Unconditional imprisonment

Fixed-term imprisonment

A fixed-term sentence of unconditional imprisonment may last from a minimum of 14 days to a maximum of 12 years. If a person is sentenced to a joint sentence of imprisonment for several offences at the same time, the maximum fixed-term imprisonment is 15 years.

If a sentenced person is simultaneously to serve several fixed-term sentences of imprisonment or prison terms that are part of a combination sentence, and they are not joined to form a joint sentence of imprisonment (maximum 15 years), the sentences must be combined together. The combined duration of fixed-term unconditional sentences of imprisonment to be enforced at the same time may not exceed 20 years.

Life imprisonment

The court may impose life imprisonment only for certain offences. Release is possible after 12 years of imprisonment at the earliest. Persons sentenced to life imprisonment for an offence committed below the age of 21 may be conditionally released at the earliest once they have served 10 years in prison.

Life sentence prisoners may be placed in probationary liberty under supervision before they are conditionally released. The decision on conditional release is made by the Helsinki Court of Appeal. Life sentence prisoners can also be released through a pardon granted by the President of the Republic.

More information:
Enforcement of prison sentences
Conditional imprisonment
Conversion sentence for unpaid fines
Prisons

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