When and Why Do You Need An Extradition Attorney?

There can be many situations where seeking out a legal professional is the only safe option, whether that’s dealing with criminal cases or simply trying to claim insurance. However, one situation that many people are horribly unprepared for is extradition.

Extradition is the process of one country asking another to return a person to them, usually to either stand trial or serve a sentence that they’re “avoiding” by remaining abroad. As you might expect, these can be serious cases, and they aren’t something that you can deal with on your own.

But how does an extradition attorney help, and when should you look into getting one if you could end up facing extradition-related proceedings at some point in the future? The more you know, the better prepared you are for dealing with the extradition process.

Understanding Extradition

Extradition is a complex legal process with a simple goal, involving countless specific legal terms and meanings that all focus on getting a specific person back to the country that wants them present. In most cases, this is going to be so that they can be tried or sentenced in that country.

While many countries have extradition treaties with many others across the world, this doesn’t mean that they have to honor the decision every time. A large part of fighting against extradition is proving that it would be unfair, unwise, disproportionate, or violating the person’s human rights.

Extradition melds the laws from multiple countries at varying levels of complexity, and often leaves the extradition target with no real way to defend themselves on their own. This is why they need an experienced extradition attorney who knows the intricacies of the process and can help them navigate it.

When Do You Need an Extradition Attorney?

By its very nature, extradition applies in situations where two countries are involved: the one you’re currently in, and the one that wants you. For example, if you were to commit a crime while abroad on holiday and then returned home, the authorities in the country where the crime took place might try to extradite you back there to face charges.

This is especially common in situations where you have decided to flee a country after committing a crime, especially if it was premeditated. In these situations, attempting to fight the extradition process on your own can be highly risky and often dangerous, especially if it’s clear that you did indeed attempt to run away intentionally.

In these situations, you need an extradition expert. While a regular lawyer can defend you in the courtroom, an extradition attorney influences which courts are even going to hold the trial, as well as the legal system that you’ll be tried under. Considering that extradition is a matter of international law, there’s a lot to understand and consider.

It isn’t hard to tell when you would need an expert like this, considering that extradition is a very obvious process. Even so, it’s important to seek out a specialist rather than relying on the first lawyer you find – sometimes, extradition can be prevented with only the smallest pieces of information that a less experienced attorney may miss.

What Can an Extradition Attorney Do?

When it comes to extradition, there are a few specific ways that an extradition attorney can help. In general, their overall goal is to prevent extradition (or, in fringe cases, trying to ensure that it actually happens if their client would rather be tried in another country than the one they’re currently in).

1. Determine Whether Extradition is Likely: Before the process begins, an attorney can assess your case and determine whether there are grounds for extradition. They may also be able to inform you about the legal differences in how each country would sentence you.
2. Assess Your Options: An extradition attorney can advise you on whether it’s possible to fight extradition based on the circumstances surrounding your case. This can also mean looking into the specifics of what the crime actually was, whether any exceptions to extradition treaties might apply, and whether the request would even be legal for the other country to make.
3. Defend You in Court: Extradition cases still need to be handled legally, and that means that an attorney can help you defend yourself when the request is finally made. In most cases, this means arguing that the extradition attempt would be unfair, unjust, or otherwise a violation of your human rights.
4. Handle Negotiations: If negotiations are necessary, an attorney can handle them on your behalf. This may allow you to get an easier sentence or ensure other more favorable outcomes if the attempt itself is unavoidable.
5. Ensure That Your Rights are Protected: Regardless of the outcome of the extradition case, an attorney can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. This may include making sure that you have a fair trial, are not mistreated during transport, and are treated humanely. This can also extend to your family – for example, they can try to ensure that your extradition would leave them in an unfeasible living situation.

Overall, an extradition attorney is your best bet if you find yourself in a position where extradition is a possibility. Not only can they help you navigate the legal intricacies and potential pitfalls of the process, but they can also ensure that you have the best chance of getting the outcome that you deserve.

How to Find an Extradition Attorney

Getting hold of an expert in extradition law is easier than you might think. A quick search for “Extradition Lawyer” can bring up countless results, and from there, you can simply use the same narrowing-down methods that would apply for any attorney or legal expert.

Slow down, explore their services, and make sure that you choose a trustworthy and well-regarded lawyer. Names like Nick Oberheiden can be a good place to turn as a starting point, and sometimes the most obvious options are the best choices.

No matter how serious the crime is or how likely extradition might be, you want to be prepared to fight against it. Make sure that you seek out experts that you’re happy working with, and don’t be afraid to go the extra mile in legally protecting yourself if you have to.