The courts have defined vehicle offenses as a "criminal industry" that has become a national scourge, and explicitly ruled that "severity in sentencing is undoubtedly one of the important and principal means that must be employed in order to fight this affliction" (CrimA 738/98).
Introduction: vehicle offenses as a "national scourge"
The courts have defined vehicle offenses as a "criminal industry" that has become a national scourge, and explicitly ruled that "severity in sentencing is undoubtedly one of the important and principal means that must be employed in order to fight this affliction" (CrimA 738/98). The methods of crime in this field have become more sophisticated over the years, and the courts respond accordingly, with stringent and tangible punishment.
Table of offenses and punishments
- The offense: theft from a vehicle; maximum penalty: 3 years' imprisonment
- The offense: breaking into a vehicle; maximum penalty: 3 years' imprisonment
- The offense: breaking into a vehicle with intent to commit theft or a felony; maximum penalty: 7 years' imprisonment
- The offense: possession of a vehicle break-in tool without a reasonable explanation; maximum penalty: 3 years' imprisonment
Breaking into a vehicle, there is a critical distinction: mere breaking in carries a penalty of 3 years, but breaking in with intent to commit theft or a felony raises the penalty to 7 years' imprisonment. The intent at the time of the break-in determines the sentencing framework.
Possession of a break-in tool, as with breaking into a building, here too anyone found in possession of a tool for breaking into a vehicle and without a reasonable explanation is exposed to prosecution even without actually breaking in.
Why is early representation critical?
The fine distinctions between the different offenses, theft versus unauthorized use, mere breaking in versus breaking in with intent to commit a crime, receiving a stolen part versus commercial dealing in stolen parts, each one of them can change the sentencing framework by many years. The version given during the investigation, the circumstances presented to the prosecution, and the defense strategy at the hearing, are what determine which offense the defendant will ultimately be charged with.
Legal representation in vehicle offenses
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents suspects and defendants in vehicle offenses of all kinds. Familiarity with the prosecution's classification considerations and with the evidentiary weak points in these cases allows for focused and effective action. Contact us for an initial consultation without obligation before giving a statement.
Introduction: Vehicle offenses as a "national scourge" — what is important to know?
The courts have defined vehicle offenses as a "criminal industry" that has become a national scourge, and explicitly ruled that "severity in sentencing is undoubtedly one of the important and principal means that must be employed in order to fight this affliction" (CrimA 738/98). The methods of crime in this field have become more sophisticated over the years, and the courts respond accordingly, with stringent and tangible punishment.
Table of offenses and penalties — what is important to know?
The offense: theft from a vehicle; maximum penalty: 3 years' imprisonment The offense: breaking into a vehicle; maximum penalty: 3 years' imprisonment; the offense: breaking into a vehicle with intent to commit theft or a felony; maximum penalty: 7 years' imprisonment; the offense: possession of a vehicle break-in tool without a reasonable explanation; maximum penalty: 3 years' imprisonment Breaking into a vehicle, there is a critical distinction: mere breaking in carries a penalty of 3 years, but breaking in with intent to commit theft or a felony raises the penalty to 7 years' imprisonment. The intent at the time of the break-in determines the sentencing framework. Possession of a break-in tool, as with breaking into a building, here too anyone found in possession of a tool for breaking into a vehicle and without a reasonable explanation is exposed to prosecution even without actually breaking in.
Why is early representation critical?
The fine distinctions between the different offenses, theft versus unauthorized use, mere breaking in versus breaking in with intent to commit a crime, receiving a stolen part versus commercial dealing in stolen parts, each one of them can change the sentencing framework by many years. The version given during the investigation, the circumstances presented to the prosecution, and the defense strategy at the hearing, are what determine which offense the defendant will ultimately be charged with.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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