In an increasingly global world, international cooperation has never been greater and, as a result, requests for extradition and other mutual assistances are increasingly common across the globe.
What is extradition?
Extradition is the mechanism whereby one state or nation releases a convicted, or suspected, criminal to another state or nation. When this occurs between two nation-states, extradition is regulated by treaties.
During extradition proceedings, a sovereign from the state requesting the extradition lodges a formal request to another, foreign, sovereign state. If the fugitive in question is found to be within the territory in question, the requested state may act to arrest the fugitive and instigate its extradition procedures. These procedures are particular to and subject to the laws and practices of the country in question.
Are you facing extradition?
Requests for extradition can be made on various legal grounds, including:
- Criminal prosecution
- Sentencing for criminal offences for which they have already been convicted
- Imposing a sentence that has already been handed out
If you become aware that a UK arrest warrant has been issued by another state or nation, including the European Arrest Warrant framework, you must get in touch with us so we can advise you of your options as early as possible.
How our extradition team can help
Our team will help navigate the complex legislation that deals with extradition requests. We provide assistance and advice at every stage and seek to protect your interests while fighting the request for extradition. We understand the outcome can have life-changing consequences and our team are used to going the extra mile in such cases.
Our extradition team start by checking that the relevant conditions have been met by the requesting country, for example, if the two countries have an extradition treaty in place.
Our extradition specialists then advise you on whether you can:
- Challenge the extradition
- Appeal against the extradition if already concluded
Get in touch immediately if you or someone you know finds themselves facing extradition from the UK. We can advise on what you can expect to face, both in the UK and abroad, should the extradition be successful.
Additional support
Our relationship with Scotland’s leading counsel on extradition is excellent, and we will instruct them on your behalf.
It is vital to get the advice of a specialist solicitor if you are facing extradition.
Specialist expertise and experience are pre-requisites if dealing with a technical and complex issue like extradition, especially when the consequences can be so far-reaching.
