Chicago, IL Extradition Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Assisting Clients Fighting Extradition To and From Illinois and the U.S.

Facing criminal charges in another country is a daunting prospect, since you are likely unfamiliar with that country's laws. The prospect of being forcibly removed from your own country to face international criminal charges is even more distressing, and many people have no idea where to begin when it comes to understanding and responding to extradition requests.

In criminal cases involving extradition to or from the United States or to a different state within the U.S., you need a skilled defense attorney on your side who understands the applicable laws of different jurisdictions, the nuances of international treaties, and the best strategies for fighting extradition. Attorney Stephen M. Komie has over 40 years of experience defending clients in state, federal, and international trials, and he has successfully defended clients in multiple extradition cases.

International Extraditions

While countries are not obligated under international law to surrender someone within their borders to another country, many countries have extradition treaties with each other that specify the circumstances under which they will agree to an extradition and the procedures which will be followed during extradition proceedings.

The attorneys of Komie and Associates can provide clients with a full understanding of the applicable treaties in each individual extradition case, and we can make a number of arguments against extradition, including:

• Double jeopardy - If someone has already been convicted and served punishment for a crime, they should not be extradited to another country for that same crime.
• Political crimes - A person should not be extradited if the crime they are charged with is a political crime in the country requesting extradition.
• Severe punishment - If a person may face a punishment that violates their human rights, they should not be extradited. This exception often applies to people facing extradition to the United States, where they may face the death penalty.
• Dual criminality - A person should only be extradited if their alleged crimes are illegal in both the country they are being held in and the country requesting extradition.
• Rule of Specialty - This rule, which is included in most extradition treaties, ensures that a person may only be prosecuted for crimes specified in an extradition request. This prevents someone from being extradited to another country, then charged with a crime for which extradition would not have been allowed.

Extraditions Within the United States

While extradition traditionally applies to the surrender of an alleged fugitive from one country to another, it can also apply between states within the United States. The process of rendering an alleged criminal from one state to another is also known as interstate rendition, and it is governed by the U.S. Constitution, as well as applicable federal and state laws.

When you are facing extradition to another state, you need an attorney who will protect your rights and ensure that proper laws and procedures are followed. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in criminal trials across the U.S., and we can help you fight improper interstate extradition as you defend yourself against criminal charges.

Contact a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a crime and are facing international or interstate extradition, you should contact the attorneys of Komie and Associates as soon as possible. We will ensure that the applicable laws and treaties are followed correctly, help you fight improper extradition, and build a defense strategy that will help you achieve the ideal outcome in your case. Contact a Chicago extradition defense attorney at 312-263-2800 to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, and throughout Illinois and the U.S.