A crime victim is anyone who has been harmed by a criminal offense committed against them. In Israel, victims are not formally a party to the criminal case against the offender, but the law grants them a range of rights.
The Crime Victims’ Rights Law, 5761-2001 sets out these rights at every stage of the criminal process – from filing a complaint to the right to be heard if the offender later applies for a pardon.
Early advice, legal guidance, and representation in criminal and disciplinary proceedings are essential if victims are to exercise their rights in full.
This helps ensure that victims’ rights and interests are protected and that the prosecution faithfully reflects the victim’s position. It also matters for the conduct of the criminal case against the offender and for the victim’s ability to pursue their rights in the civil arena – whether in a future claim for damages or in obtaining orders that protect their safety and well-being.
Our representation covers every key stage of the process: accompanying victims when they file a complaint and give their statement, appearing at hearings in courts and tribunals, and filing objections, appeals, and petitions to the High Court of Justice against decisions by law-enforcement authorities – such as a decision to close the case or to agree to a lenient plea bargain with the defendant.
How we can help
- Advice to victims on their rights
- Preparation for questioning and for a confrontation with the suspect
- Preparation for testifying in court
- Appeals against decisions not to investigate or not to prosecute
- Objections to decisions to close an investigation or to settle for a lesser charge
- Representation before the authorities to secure your rights
- Applications for protective orders and restraining orders against stalking (threatening harassment)
- Proceedings under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law