Crime Victims' Rights
Victims' Rights Law
The Victims' Rights Law, Tasha-2001, granted the victim status in the criminal proceeding: no longer only a witness, but a holder of rights. The main rights: receiving information about the stages of the proceeding, detention, release, filing of an indictment, hearings, and sentencing; protection from the defendant and those close to him; review of the indictment; accompaniment by a support person; and a hearing in his presence on dates that were set.
Enhanced rights in sexual offenses and serious violence
In sexual offenses and serious violence, the law grants more substantial rights: the right to express a position before a plea agreement, the prosecution must inform the victim of an intention to sign an agreement and allow the victim to voice a position; the right to express a position before a parole board before the offender's early release, and in clemency requests; restrictions on inquiry into sexual history; and unique rights in the investigation (choice of the investigator's gender, presence of a support person). These rights are not enforced on their own: a represented victim knows how to demand them in real time.
The victim versus the system: why is representation needed?
The prosecution's interest is not identical to the victim's interest: the prosecution weighs workloads, chances of conviction, and policy, and sometimes closes cases or signs lenient arrangements that the victim would have fought against. A lawyer acting on behalf of the victim ensures that the victim's voice is heard at every juncture: in the investigation, before the prosecutor, in the plea bargain, in sentencing (victim statement), in compensation, and before parole boards.
Representation of crime victims
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, accompanies crime victims throughout the entire process and fully exercises for them every right the law grants. Seek initial advice with no obligation.
Victims' Rights Law — what is important to know?
The Victims' Rights Law, Tasha-2001, granted the victim status in the criminal proceeding: no longer only a witness, but a holder of rights. The main rights: receiving information about the stages of the proceeding, detention, release, filing of an indictment, hearings, and sentencing; protection from the defendant and those close to him; review of the indictment; accompaniment by a support person; and a hearing in his presence on dates that were set.
Enhanced rights in sexual offenses and serious violence — what is important to know?
In sexual offenses and serious violence, the law grants more substantial rights: the right to express a position before a plea agreement, the prosecution must inform the victim of an intention to sign an agreement and allow the victim to voice a position; the right to express a position before a parole board before the offender's early release, and in clemency requests; restrictions on inquiry into sexual history; and unique rights in the investigation (choice of the investigator's gender, presence of a support person). These rights are not enforced on their own: a represented victim knows how to demand them in real time.
The victim versus the system: why is representation needed?
The prosecution's interest is not identical to the victim's interest: the prosecution weighs workloads, chances of conviction, and policy, and sometimes closes cases or signs lenient arrangements that the victim would have fought against. A lawyer acting on behalf of the victim ensures that the victim's voice is heard at every juncture: in the investigation, before the prosecutor, in the plea bargain, in sentencing (victim statement), in compensation, and before parole boards.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
Initial call No obligation