International Crime & Extradition Defence Solicitors
International crime is closely linked with extradition – if an action taken in another country leads to an investigation, you may find yourself facing enquiries, and in some cases facing an extradition request. If you, or someone that you know, face charges of committing a crime in another country, have been arrested, or are worried about a European or International Arrest Warrant, Draycott Browne can help.
We know that if you are accused of international crime or are facing extradition, it will be an incredibly stressful time; most people are unfamiliar with international criminal law so it would stand to reason that you may be confused as to what your rights are in the circumstances. You need to make sure that you have the best legal representation available to you, and should seek urgent, expert assistance from a criminal defence lawyer with specialist knowledge and skills in this complex area of the law.
So, if you face extradition or are required to provide information or evidence in line with an international mutual assistance request, we can be there to guide you through the process, working to minimise the repercussions on you as far as possible. We offer effective and efficient legal assistance to those who find themselves involved in international criminal proceedings. Our team has worked on a wide range of international crime and extradition cases - we will listen to your side of the story, evaluate the evidence, and will do everything we can to build you the best possible defence.
What is extradition?
Extradition is the process by which one country can ask for the return of a person from another country so that they can stand trial, or to serve a sentence that has been passed upon them. The UK has relationships with over 100 countries worldwide for extradition proceedings – but even if there is no arrangement in place, it is still possible in some circumstances for an extradition request to be made.
Extradition is becoming increasingly more prevalent, and cases of people being arrested on European arrest Warrants are becoming a much more frequent occurrence here in the UK, as are International Arrest warrants. If a person or a business is subject to an investigation in another country, they may find themselves dealing with an extradition request, or INTERPOL red notice in order to face charges such as terrorism, tax evasion, fraud, or money laundering. There are certain offences, (particular war crimes and corruption) that are able to be prosecuted in a territory completely removed from where the offence is alleged to have been committed.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial that you speak to our extradition solicitors immediately, in order to ensure that your rights are upheld.
Dedicated expertise for defending all allegations of serious crime offences.
Our Specialist International Crime & Extradition Defence Team
What is an interpol red notice?
In cases where the provisional arrest or extradition of a person is deemed necessary, INTERPOL may issue a Red Notice.
An INTERPOL Red Notice is a worldwide request to identify, locate and arrest a person pending legal action. This is different from an International Arrest Warrant, and is issued and published at the request of an INTERPOL member country.
Red Notices are issued following proper judicial proceedings in the issuing country, which is the country where the crime has been committed and not necessarily the country of origin of the individual. They contain information relating to the identification of the wanted person and the crimes they committed. These can commonly include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Child Abuse
- Armed Robbery
It should be noted that INTERPOL has no power to arrest or force local authorities to enforce the Red Notice in any specific way, as each member country can decide the legal validity of the Notice and issue proceedings as they see fit.
The extradition process
The process for extradition from the UK differs depending on whether the request is made from a Category 1 territories, or a Category 2 territory. (Categories are defined under the Extradition Act 2003 – legislation that sets out how overseas governments are able to secure the surrender of individuals who are resident in the UK.)
For a Category 1 territory the steps are:
- a warrant is submitted, usually via Interpol, by the country requesting the extradition
- the relevant UK authority will undertake a proportionality test and then issue a certificate applied
- the subject of the warrant is arrested
- an initial hearing takes place where the judge confirms that the person brought before them is the same person requested on the warrant. They then fix a date for the extradition hearing in cases where the subject of the warrant does not agree to be extradited.
If the case is more serious or urgent, the ‘requested person’ may be arrested before the warrant is received, although it must arrive by the time the court hearing takes place. This must happen within 48 hours of the arrest taking place.
How is an extradition request defended?
Draycott Browne’s extradition solicitors have extensive knowledge and experience of The Extradition Act 2003, and considerable experience of assisting clients facing charges of international crime or expedition. We know how to build a robust defence case on your behalf, and we know what is involved in challenging a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) or non-EU extradition. We also understand how certain articles of the Human Rights Act can be used to create a defence, such as your rights to a family life, and to avoid inhumane and degrading treatment. We can plea bargain and do everything that we can to secure a reduction in sentence where necessary.
Specialist International Crime & Extradition Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s International Crime & Extradition Solicitors today.
How Draycott Browne can help?
When we act for you, we take as much of the burden from you as we can; we will communicate with all of the relevant authorities, investigators and national and international police on your behalf, ensuring that your legal rights are safeguarded. We will robustly challenge any requests or extradition proceedings where there are grounds to do so.
We have extensive experience of dealing with arrest warrants from Part 1 and Part 2 territories and have international contacts who collaborate with us on matters of extradition and investigations into offences including money laundering, fraud and corruption. It is vital that you respond to any request for extradition in the right way – an error may seriously jeopardise your chances of achieving a good outcome. Ensuring that you have knowledgeable and tenacious representation is key to achieving the best possible end result.
In relation to international crime and extradition, we can:
- offer advice and representation to overseas nationals who are involved in UK police investigations
- aid with confiscation, restraint and receivership
- act in tax investigations
- assist with fraud, financial crime and FCA investigations
- assist overseas lawyers
- negotiate cross border legal problems
- challenge Interpol Red Notices
- work with and advise relevant embassies in relation to international crime and investigations
- advise on all aspects of international crime
- deal with political and economic extradition
- handle extradition order appeals
- assist executives from the UK if they find themselves facing fraud allegations in the US.
When you choose Draycott Browne to assist you with your case, you can have faith in the fact that you will have access to some of the best extradition and international crime solicitors working in this area of the law. We offer advice and assistance around the clock and have a formidable reputation in the legal world for our skilful defences and our unwavering commitment to each case. Get in touch with us as soon as you can – our dedicated legal team are ready to help you with the challenges ahead.
24 hour availability
Our legal advisors are available to respond to your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will represent you at the police station and throughout the duration of your case to make sure you are treated fairly and appropriately.
Legal aid
To assist you with the financial cost of defending your name, we can help you apply for legal aid so that you can focus on what really matters.
The criminal defence lawyers at Draycott Browne can guide you through the application process so that you have the best chance of receiving the financial assistance you need.
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Contact the International Crime Solicitors
If you or a loved one has been arrested for an international crime, or has an international arrest warrant to their name, it is essential that you engage the expertise of professional solicitors who will be able to help and advise you on a defence strategy as soon as possible.
By entrusting your case to us, you can be assured that you will have a team of highly experienced and tenacious legal specialists who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of this area of law.
As one of the UK's leading Criminal Defence Law Firms, we are highly regarded nationally across the legal profession and noted for consistently delivering positive results for our clients.
Our expert International Crime Solicitors regularly act for clients in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. As recognised Criminal Lawyers we can represent you wherever you live in England and Wales.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, contact Draycott Browne today.