Extradition Defense Lawyers | Extradition Lawyers
EXTRADITION DEFENSE LAWYERS
Spodek Law Group, is a nationwide federal defense law firm, created by Todd Spodek. If you, or a loved one is facing extradition, then you need fast, and swift action by a law firm who gets it. Extradition is a legal process that was designed to transfer a person who was accused or convicted of a crime from one place to another. If you are dealing with extradition, then it’s possible you are at risk of going to jail – and another legal entity is trying to take you from where you are – to where they want to take you. You may also struggle with a permanent criminal record that will appear in future background checks.
WHAT IS EXTRADITION?
Extradition is a legal process that was established by treaties between countries, or agreements between states, to ensure that people who were charged with crimes cannot escape legal proceedings by crossing borders and trying to evade justice. This is a legal process, designed to prevent you from escaping justice. An extradition case can result in the accused person being moved from a location where they were found back to the place that was originally seeking you and trying to prosecute you. The U.S. Department of Justice explains the steps that are required in extradition cases, and how the federal government can get involved and extradite you. This process can be quick, or it can last a long time, depending on the complexity of the situation.
Anyone who was arrested for extradition needs experienced legal counsel, right from the start, in order to fight being sent away and to prevent additional penalties. If you fail to find the right attorney, you could lose your chance to argue against extradition, and you might be sent to another state or country that has stricter laws, which can lead to harsher sentences.
WHY EXTRADITION MATTERS
If you are extradited, then you might be locked up far away from your home, which causes family hardship. In addition, you may face expensive travel, legal, and court costs. Extradition also exposes you to a different legal system that might not offer the same protections that you enjoy where you currently live. In the end, an extradition that was not challenged can increase your risks of longer prison terms and heavier fines.
Statement: Failing to contest extradition may result in automatic transfer.
Consequence: Once you are transferred, you could lose valuable time to prepare your defense, and you might be subject to higher bail or harsher incarceration conditions.
HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP DEFENDS EXTRADITION CASES GLOBALLY
We are Spodek Law Group, and we focus on delivering strong representation. If you are facing extradition, then we can file motions to challenge the legitimacy of the request, and we can question the evidence that was collected by foreign or out-of-state authorities. Our goal is to show that the charges were unsupported, or that procedural errors occurred, so you can avoid being sent away.
Key defense strategies that we might use include:
- Challenging Probable Cause: Evidence that was illegally obtained can be ruled out, which often weakens the prosecutor’s case. If key pieces of evidence are thrown out, then the request for extradition may become less valid, which can lead to a dismissal or a reduction in charges. The prosecution relies on introducing evidence to convince a judge, and jury, that you are a criminal, or allegedly did the crime. If you take out the evidence, you drastically weaken their case. It’s simple math.
- Demonstrating Due Process Violations: If the authorities that requested your extradition broke rules in gathering evidence, then you have grounds to oppose the extradition. That can result in negotiations to lessen charges or drop them entirely.
- Showing Humanitarian Concerns: In rare cases, if you can prove that you risk cruel or inhumane treatment in the other jurisdiction, then that claim may halt or limit extradition.
Statement: Our attorneys know how to fight extradition, the legal ways to avoid it, and what the government will do try to force it.
Consequence: By challenging the grounds for extradition early, you can avoid unnecessary detention, and you can preserve your opportunity to argue the underlying charges where you have greater protection.
LEGAL PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH EXTRADITION
Individuals who are extradited typically face charges that were serious enough to justify the cost of transporting them. That can include white collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, or money laundering. If you are extradited and convicted, then you could face:
- Long prison sentences
- Substantial fines
- Permanent criminal record
- Loss of professional licenses
According to the U.S. Department of State, the extradition process usually involves coordination with other governments, other government entities, other agencies, which means you must navigate international or interstate systems. If you fail to do so properly, you might be forced to plead guilty, or you could accept harsh plea terms that will follow you for the rest of your life.
FAQ QUICK-REFERENCE TABLE
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if I am innocent? | You still need an attorney. Evidence that was overlooked or not collected could prove your innocence, and a lawyer can push prosecutors to drop the case early. |
| Can I avoid extradition? | Yes, if there are legal errors in the request. Our firm files motions to challenge the process, and we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges. |
| What if I already have a record? | Prior convictions may increase bail or sentencing, but an attorney who was skilled in criminal defense can still find ways to protect your rights. |
Some clients believe that contesting extradition wastes time, and they want to go to the requesting jurisdiction to “get it over with.” Others believe that fighting extradition is important, because it gives them more time to gather evidence and prepare a better defense. The judge who is handling your extradition request might see no reason to keep you local, which can complicate your case. Law enforcement officers, who are looking to prosecute you, sometimes push for speedy transfers, so they can move forward with the trial on their own turf.
Our Perspective: We strongly encourage you to consider the consequences before allowing yourself to be extradited to another country. We think that defending yourself increases your chances of avoiding long prison terms and burdensome fines.
CONTACT OUR EXTRADITION DEFENSE TEAM
If you or a loved one is confronted by an extradition request, Spodek Law Group can help you right away and get you into a better legal situation. Our criminal attorneys, who were recognized nationwide, defend clients in federal courts and help secure the best possible outcomes. We are here 24/7, and we want to review your case immediately, so we can form a winning strategy.
Statement: If you do nothing, extradition may proceed automatically and you will be taken to the country requesting you.
Consequence: You could end up in a distant country, facing aggressive prosecutors, with little opportunity to protect your rights and freedoms.