Closing a Criminal Case – How It Happens and What It Means

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Three grounds, three worlds

A criminal case that did not mature into an indictment is closed on one of three grounds, and the difference between them is enormous: lack of guilt, the determination that the suspect did not commit what was attributed to him; the police record is deleted entirely. Lack of evidence, insufficient evidence was found for prosecution; the police record remains. Lack of public interest (or "the circumstances of the matter do not justify prosecution"), the record remains here as well. The police record, although it is not a "criminal record" of a conviction, is accessible to security bodies, authorities, and authorized entities, and affects enlistment, security clearance, firearms licenses, public positions, and immigration proceedings.

Change of ground for closure

A person whose case was closed for lack of evidence or because the circumstances of the matter are not suitable for prosecution may consider filing a reasoned request to change the ground to absence of guilt. The request must be based on the investigative material and the appropriate legal grounds. A rejection does not create a sweeping rule of a single opportunity: it is possible to consider an objection according to the deciding authority, the guidelines, and the circumstances.

How do you act to close an open case?

An open investigation case does not have to wait for the system's decision: it is possible to act proactively with the investigations officer and the prosecution, present exculpatory evidence, point to weaknesses in the case and to personal circumstances, and request closure or a conditional arrangement. Many cases are closed precisely this way, through a professional approach at the right time, instead of dragging on for years and maturing into an indictment.

Legal representation

Israel Arama, a former member of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, handles case closures, changes of closure grounds, and deletion of records, drawing on familiarity with the prosecution's internal considerations. Seek an initial consultation without obligation.

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Client Reviews

I recommend him warmly, with all my heart. A case was opened against me for assault during the most complicated and stressful period of my life, and from the very first meeting I felt I was in safe hands. Beyond being a professional of the highest order who commands every last detail of the evidence and knows how to build a precise strategy, what stood out above all was the humanity and the availability. He was always there to reassure, to explain patiently what the next stage was, and to give the feeling that there was someone to rely on at every moment. Thanks to his representation, the legal outcome was the best I could have asked for.

Yitzhak S.

There is no doubt that choosing Israel Arama was the best decision I made. From the first moment I met someone exceptional, combining 100% professionalism with an eye-level approach, without grand words and without talk for its own sake. In court and in dealings with the authorities he is a genuine fighter. He fought for my case like a lion and did not give up on a single detail. Israel is a decent, straight and genuine man. Everything was explained to me as it was, without selling illusions but with complete confidence that someone was there to get me the best result — and the result speaks for itself.

Ayelu N.

I found myself in serious trouble with my ex-wife and felt my life was over. I called him first thing in the morning before the questioning, and he explained on the phone exactly what was going to happen in the interrogation room, without complicated words, and prepared me for every question. After the questioning I was released home; he sent letters, applied pressure where it was needed, and in the end the case was closed with no charge and no stain. As far as I am concerned, from now on I have an address for anything.

S.K.

When I was arrested my family was in a state of terrible anxiety. From the moment he came into the picture he dealt with everything, got me out to an alternative to detention, and always made sure to update my wife, calm her and explain exactly what was happening at each stage. Outside the courtroom he talks to you like a friend, but inside, facing the judge and the prosecution, he is one of the best I have seen. I came out of it in the best way anyone could ask for.

A.K.

I received an indictment and could not sleep at night from the pressure. I thank God that Adv. Arama handled this case, because he found failures in it that nobody else would have seen. He did not give up, went to meetings with the District Attorney's Office and fought until they simply withdrew and cancelled the indictment altogether! He saved my good name and my future. As a bonus he also got back the private firearm they had taken from me.

Giga Y.

Closing a Criminal Case – How It Happens and What It Means

Three grounds, three worlds

Change of ground for closure

How do you act to close an open case?

Legal representation

Schedule a Consultation

Client Reviews

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