The judge ruled he could remain free pending an appeal.
The case stemmed from charges Mr da Silva, who was president from 2003 to 2010, and his wife illegally received more than $1.1 million from a construction company.
Lula has rejected claims that he received an apartment as a bribe in a corruption scandal linked to state oil company Petrobras.
He has said the trial was politically motivated and has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
The case is the first of five charges against him.
Running again?
