The criminal proceeding consists of two stages.
Introduction: the two stages of the criminal proceeding
The criminal proceeding consists of two stages. In the first stage, the defendant's guilt is determined, namely whether they committed the offense. If convicted, the proceeding moves to the second stage: sentencing. The court has broad discretion in determining the sentence, and it takes into account both the circumstances of the offense and the personal circumstances of the defendant.
Immediate Imprisonment
The most severe punishment, deprivation of liberty and serious harm to the defendant and their family. However, under the Parole Law, every prisoner has the right to apply to a parole board and request a reduction of one third of the sentence, subject to the conditions of the law.
Life Imprisonment
The most severe punishment, imprisonment for an indefinite period. It is imposed for the most serious murder offenses and certain security offenses. Commutation is possible only in exceptional circumstances, subject to the decision of the President of the State.
Legal representation throughout the entire proceeding
Familiarity with the full range of punishments, from the lightest component to life imprisonment, makes it possible to build a defense strategy aimed at the best possible result. Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents defendants at all stages of the criminal proceeding, from consultation before investigation, through conducting the trial, to the sentencing stage. Contact us for an initial consultation without obligation.
Prisoner petitions
There are rights even behind the walls
A prisoner and a detainee do not lose their rights upon entering prison: they lose freedom of movement, and nothing more. A prisoner petition is the proceeding in which a prisoner challenges decisions of the Prison Service and other authorities concerning the conditions of imprisonment, and it is heard before the District Court.
What can be petitioned about?
The common issues: denial of furloughs; placement and classification (transfer between prisons, wings, separation); living conditions, medical treatment, and medications; visits and telephone calls; integration into treatment programs and designated groups, without which the Parole Board will not consider early release; canteen, work, and wages; and decisions of various committees. Every decision of the Prison Service must have reasons, and it is subject to judicial review.
Why is legal support decisive?
A lone prisoner facing the system is limited in ability: access to information, documents, and case law is restricted, and drafting an effective petition requires familiarity with the Commissioner's directives and the case law. Beyond that, properly managed petitions serve a broader strategic purpose: building a proper imprisonment track, therapeutic placement, and protection of rights, all of which ultimately feed into the chance of early release.
Prisoner Representation
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents prisoners and detainees in prisoner petitions and in all dealings with the Prison Service, and assists families seeking to act on behalf of their loved ones. Contact us for an initial consultation without obligation.
Introduction: The Two Stages of Criminal Proceedings — What Is Important to Know?
The criminal proceeding consists of two stages. In the first stage, the defendant's guilt is determined, namely whether they committed the offense. If convicted, the proceeding moves to the second stage: sentencing. The court has broad discretion in determining the sentence, and it takes into account both the circumstances of the offense and the personal circumstances of the defendant.
Life Imprisonment — What Is Important to Know?
The most severe punishment, imprisonment for an indefinite period. It is imposed for the most serious murder offenses and certain security offenses. Commutation is possible only in exceptional circumstances, subject to the decision of the President of the State.
There Are Rights Even Behind the Walls — What Is Important to Know?
A prisoner and a detainee do not lose their rights upon entering prison: they lose freedom of movement, and nothing more. A prisoner petition is the proceeding in which a prisoner challenges decisions of the Prison Service and other authorities concerning the conditions of imprisonment, and it is heard before the District Court.
Why is legal support decisive?
A lone prisoner facing the system is limited in ability: access to information, documents, and case law is restricted, and drafting an effective petition requires familiarity with the Commissioner's directives and the case law. Beyond that, properly managed petitions serve a broader strategic purpose: building a proper imprisonment track, therapeutic placement, and protection of rights, all of which ultimately feed into the chance of early release.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
Initial call No obligation