Criminal Records & Case Closure · Legal briefing
Presidential Clemency & Criminal Records
By Adv. Yechiel Rachamim Menahemov & Adv. Assaf ShpigelPublished:
The practical dilemma
A career opportunity or foreign visa issue arises before the statutory record period ends. Is early relief available?
The legal position
The President’s clemency power appears in Basic Law: The President, section 11(b), with further powers concerning criminal-information periods. Applications are individual and discretionary, not another appeal. Closed police cases and closure-ground changes have separate routes. Israeli relief does not bind a foreign visa authority or guarantee an immigration or licensing outcome. Official source 1 Official source 2
Your next step
Collect judgments, rehabilitation evidence and the practical need for relief. Identify whether clemency, shortened periods or closed-case relief is appropriate. Foreign visa matters also require review of the destination’s disclosure and immigration rules.