Statistics: Fewer Convictions in Thuringia Courts

Thuringian courts handed down fewer convictions last year, with a total of 14,768 individuals found guilty of offenses. This represents a 3.4% decrease compared to the previous year, according to initial figures from the State Statistical Office.

In total, 18,916 people faced legal proceedings for one or more crimes. Of these, 14,768 received sentences such as imprisonment, fines, or juvenile detention. Acquittals were recorded in 541 cases, while 3,593 proceedings were dismissed or resulted in a waiver of punishment. The conviction rate slightly increased to 78.1% from 77.9% in 2024.

A notable trend is the rise in the number of foreign nationals among those convicted, reaching a new high of 3,604, or 24.4% of all convicted individuals. This marks an increase from 22.8% in 2024. The statisticians noted that this figure includes individuals without a registered residence in Germany.

Convictions for drug offenses saw a substantial decline of 30.6%, falling to 915 cases. This decrease is attributed to the partial legalization of cannabis in April 2024, which decriminalized possession and cultivation under specific conditions, leading to fewer cases being prosecuted under drug laws.