The court will appoint a counsel for a person who has been granted cost-free proceedings, unless he can himself look after his interests in an appropriate manner. The cost-free proceedings cover, fully or partially, the fee of the counsel appointed by the court as well as the other legal costs, such as trial fees and document charges. Counsel or support personnel can be appointed for victims of sexual or violent crime free of charge. A victim of crime can in Finland seek compensation from the State for the damage he has sustained, if the offender cannot be identified or if no damages can be recovered from him. The application for compensation is filed with the State Treasury.
Personal injury is fully compensable, but other types of damage only to a limited extent.