More than seven thousand people have been sent to prison following a conviction

Ministry of Justice data shows the proportion of convicted charges leading to prison sentences, has reached an all-time high, at 27 percent.

People convicted of robbery, sexual offences and homicides have the highest imprisonment rates.

Criminal defence lawyer Steve Cullen says it's worrying to see such a large number of people involved in illegal activity.

He says it could be due to a wave of young people coming through, social media, or gang and drug influences.