Fort Lauderdale Extradition Lawyer

Attorney Helping to Address Interstate or International Extradition Requests in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Extradition is the legal process by which a person who has been accused or convicted of a crime in one jurisdiction may be arrested and transferred from another jurisdiction to face prosecution or serve a sentence. For people located in Fort Lauderdale, this process may arise if they are wanted in another state or country. The state of Florida may also seek the return of someone from another jurisdiction. Because these cases can involve complex legal issues and urgent deadlines, a prompt and informed response will be required, and a skilled lawyer can provide representation to help protect a defendant's rights.

At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney assists clients who are facing extradition proceedings, whether they have been arrested in Florida on an out-of-state warrant or are being sought by federal or international authorities. He works to protect the rights of those who may be subject to extradition, assess whether extradition requests are valid, and determine whether there are legal options available to challenge or delay the transfer.

Why Law Enforcement May Seek Extradition

Extradition typically occurs when a person has been charged with or convicted of a crime in one jurisdiction but is physically located in another. Law enforcement agencies may request extradition for several reasons:

• A person is accused of committing a crime in another state and fleeing or relocating to Florida.
• A person failed to appear in court after being released on bond and is believed to have left the jurisdiction.
• A person is on probation or parole in another state but allegedly violated the terms of supervision and has since been found in Florida.
• A person is accused of escaping law enforcement custody and crossing state or international boundaries.
• A person is wanted for prosecution in a foreign country and is found living or traveling in Florida.

Interstate Extradition Procedures

Interstate extradition in the United States is governed by the U.S. Constitution and the Uniform Criminal Extradition Law, which Florida has adopted. The extradition process typically involves the following steps:

1. Issuance of a Warrant: The state where the alleged crime occurred (the demanding state) issues a warrant for the person's arrest.
2. Arrest in Florida: The person may be located and arrested in Florida based on the out-of-state warrant. This is sometimes referred to as a "fugitive from justice" arrest.
3. Extradition Hearing: After the arrest, the person is entitled to a hearing in Florida to determine whether the extradition request is legally valid. The purpose of this hearing is not to determine guilt or innocence but to confirm the identity of the person and the legality of the request.
4. Governor's Warrant: In most cases, the demanding state must submit a formal request to the Governor of Florida, who may issue a governor's warrant authorizing extradition.
5. Waiver of Extradition: The person may choose to waive extradition and agree to return voluntarily. In some situations, this may speed up the process and help avoid extended detention.
6. Transport to the Demanding State: Once extradition is approved, the person will be transported to the jurisdiction where the charges are pending.

Extradition cases must follow specific procedures. Failure to comply with legal requirements may result in delays or the dismissal of an extradition request. Our lawyer can help ensure that a person's rights are upheld during this process.

International Extradition

Extradition from the United States to another country will often involve more complex laws, rules, and procedures than interstate extradition cases. Extradition may be a possibility if a treaty exists between the United States and the foreign government requesting extradition. A person who is subject to an international extradition request may be accused of:

• Committing a crime abroad and fleeing to the United States
• Engaging in crimes such as drug trafficking, fraud, or human trafficking that crossed international boundaries or affected people in multiple countries
• Violating immigration or customs laws in another country

In these cases, the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice may evaluate an extradition request and authorize the person's transfer. A defendant has the right to a hearing in federal court, and they may be able to contest the extradition based on treaty requirements, procedural issues, or claims of political motivation or human rights concerns.

International extradition proceedings can result in extended detention, and legal counsel is essential. Our attorney can provide representation in these complex cases, working to challenge unjust or unlawful extradition requests.

Protecting the Rights of Defendants Facing Extradition

Although extradition proceedings do not determine guilt or innocence, they involve important legal rights. A person who is facing extradition is entitled to due process, and courts must follow strict procedures to ensure that the request is lawful. Our lawyer is committed to protecting clients against improper or unjust transfers or other violations of their rights. He can provide detailed legal guidance and effective representation during every stage of the extradition process.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida Extradition Attorney

If you or a loved one have been arrested based on an out-of-state or international warrant, it is essential to act quickly. Extradition can result in extended detention and serious consequences. At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney provides experienced representation for clients facing extradition proceedings. He will work to ensure that your rights are fully protected. Contact our Fort Lauderdale extradition defense lawyer today by calling 954-524-4474 and setting up a free consultation.