How much does assistance with the return of seized property cost?

The fee is determined individually according to the circumstances of the seizure and the work required. We begin with a free initial call, without obligation, to understand what was seized and clarify the service details and fee.

What documents and authorisations are needed?

The seizure document or order, if provided, proof of ownership — such as a vehicle licence or invoice — and the case details, if known.

Who receives an application for the return of seized property?

The authority that seized the property can be contacted. In appropriate cases, I will apply to the court. The procedure depends on the stage of the proceedings and the type of seizure.

What is the difference between seizure and forfeiture?

Seizure is the authority's temporary holding of property during proceedings. Forfeiture is a final decision transferring the property to the state, subject to the conditions set by law. The procedures and arguments are different.

Can you guarantee when the item will be returned?

No. The decision rests with the authority or the court and depends on the needs of the investigation, the type of item and the circumstances. What I can do is ensure that the application is submitted early and has a sound basis.

Have the police seized your phone or vehicle?

Israel Arama, Attorney at LawFormerly with the State Attorney’s Office

I handle every case as if it were the fight of my lifeI apply for the return of your seized phone, vehicle or property

Free initial call
Phone, vehicle or other property
Review of the seizure documents
Service throughout Israel

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Frequently asked questions

Still have a question? Ask me directly. The initial call is free.

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In appropriate cases, you can request its return even while the investigation continues. I will check who seized the phone, under which order or authorisation, and the stage of the proceedings. A return date cannot be guaranteed.

Still have a question? Ask me directly. The initial call is free.

What you need to know: Return of seized property

An application to return property starts with the reason for its seizure

A phone, vehicle or other item may be held for investigation or under another decision. To assess its return, it is necessary to know who seized the property, what the owner was told and the stage of the proceedings. The everyday need for the item is important when explaining the harm, but does not by itself determine whether or when it will be returned.

What details help with the assessment?

A seizure receipt, warrant or court decision, if provided.
The date of seizure and the details of the unit or authority holding the item.
A document showing ownership, such as a vehicle licence or invoice.
The case number and earlier applications concerning the property.
An explanation of how the item is used and the harm caused by its continued retention.

Approaching the authority or applying to the court

The appropriate route depends on the legal authority for the seizure, decisions already made and the stated need to continue holding the property. Sometimes the authority holding it can be approached; in other cases a court application is required. Return subject to conditions is also an option to assess according to the circumstances; neither approval nor a particular date is guaranteed.

When a phone or computer has been seized

Holding the device and inspecting the information inside it are issues that require separate examination. It is important to review the source of legal authority and the scope of the warrant, and to identify privileged information or information belonging to others. Questions about unlocking a device and providing a password require case-specific advice, not a general answer for every search.

If it is argued that the device is still needed, the justification for retaining it and the possibility of returning it without compromising investigative needs are examined. Copying the information should not be assumed to require immediate return in every case.

Temporary seizure and forfeiture are not the same procedure

An application to return a seized item differs from responding to a forfeiture application. Ownership by someone who is not a suspect may also require appropriate documents and arguments. Adv. Israel Arama checks the applicable route before applying, so that the application addresses the correct decision rather than merely describing the item.

I have been there. I understand you!

I know the justice system from both sides: from a teenager who experienced the loss of liberty and completed rehabilitation successfully, to the start of my legal career at the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office (Criminal Division). That journey informs every case I handle — with thoroughness, determination and a personal, down-to-earth approach.

Because, above all, I see the person in front of me, not just their case.

Client reviews

Before I met Israel, I thought all was lost. Some people had managed to deceive me and take my vehicle without actually paying me. I went to the police, and they referred me to court. Through a short court process, Israel managed to get my vehicle back quickly.

David Z.

I found myself in serious trouble with my ex-wife and felt as though my life was over. I called him first thing in the morning before the questioning. He explained on the phone exactly what would happen in the questioning room, without complicated language, and prepared me for every question. After questioning I was released home. He sent letters, pressed where needed, and eventually the case was closed without any charge or blemish on my record. From now on, I know whom to turn to.

Sh. K.

When I was arrested, my family was terribly anxious. From the moment he became involved, he got things moving and secured my release to an alternative to detention. He always made sure to update my wife, reassure her and explain exactly what was happening at every stage. Outside the courtroom he speaks 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 with the best outcome I could have hoped for.

A. K.

If this experience taught me anything, it is how important it is to choose the right lawyer from the outset. I received a hearing letter and did not really think there was any chance of persuading the prosecution to change its mind. He took charge of the case and prepared remarkable arguments for the hearing. In the end, the case was closed before it even reached court. Adv. Israel is an incredibly skilled professional who knows the law inside out, and from the start he made me feel I had someone I could rely on. A true fighter for justice. He was worth every shekel.

D. M.

I am a completely ordinary person. I worked as a security guard at Soroka and had never had any dealings with the police. One day I was called in for questioning and my firearms licence was taken away, so I lost my job. I sent letters, but they would not return it. A friend recommended Israel. Within a month, he had changed the grounds for closing my case to absence of guilt and also managed to restore my firearm and livelihood. I had already used another lawyer before him, and there is really no comparison. I felt his effort and his availability for all my questions in a way I had not known was possible. He restored my faith in lawyers.

Mark V.

I met Israel completely by chance at the Be'er Sheva station, and he was like an angel from heaven. Unlike the other lawyers I had, he was always available, gave good advice and fought tooth and nail for me in a difficult case. He is truly excellent at what he does.

Nader A. A.