In 2019, public prosecutors examined 4.5 million cases, of which 3.1 million were progressed and the remainder dropped. The suspected perpetrators could not be prosecuted in 29% of cases examined. Of cases in which the perpetrators could be prosecuted, 10% were dropped due to inexpediency, and the remainder were the subject of a penal response in the form of alternative procedures to prosecution (36%), criminal fines (5%) or proceedings brought before an investigating or trial court (49%).

In 2019, criminal courts handed down 597,300 rulings, a similar number to the judgments given in simplified procedures, summary judgements and subpoenas through plea bargaining. Criminal courts acquitted 4% of perpetrators, ranging from 11% for environmental damage to 1% for traffic and transport infractions.

There were 562,700 final convictions of natural persons, including 2 200 for crimes. More than half of main penalties were prison sentences. Of these, 24% involved imprisonment, 27% were fully suspended, and 33% were fines.

As of 1 January 2021, 61,700 people were imprisoned in France, including 17,700 who were in custody awaiting trial. Of these, 1 400 had been granted day parole.