Sarkozy was found guilty of trying to illegally obtain information on another legal case against him from a judge in return for promises to use his influence to secure a prestigious job for the judge.
Judges said there was serious evidence of collaboration between Sarkozy, his lawyer, and the judge to break the law.
He received a three-year prison sentence, with two of those years suspended. Sarkozy is expected to appeal against the conviction, a process that would place the sentence on hold.
His conviction was only the second time in modern history that a former French president has been convicted of a crime.
Nicolas Sarkozy served as President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra from 16 May 2007 until 15 May 2012.