How Do I Avoid Being Extradited to the United States to Face Criminal Charges?

When facing charges in the United States, many people simply choose to flee. It’s an understandable decision – especially if you’re facing charges for a crime you didn’t actually commit. But what happens if the foreign country decides to send you back to the United States to face charges? This process is called “extradition,” and you may be able to avoid it with help from an experienced immigration lawyer in Palm Beach County.

Extradition Is Likely if There Is a Treaty in Place 

The United States has extradition treaties with most countries around the globe. This list is so exhaustive that it is easier to list nations that do not have an extradition treaty with the United States. These countries include:

• China
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Mongolia
• Russia
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• Vietnam

In addition, most former Soviet states do not have extradition treaties with the United States. You can add most African countries to this list, and Middle Eastern countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council do not extradite fugitives to the United States. It is worth noting that even if a nation has an existing treaty with the United States, it may still refuse to send alleged criminals back. Countries that have a habit of doing this include Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, Iceland, Egypt, Switzerland, and many others.

For obvious reasons, criminals tend to flee to countries without extradition treaties with the United States.

Murder Suspect Found in Jamaica and Extradited Back to Florida

 In October of 2024, it was reported that a man suspected of committing a murder in Florida had been extradited back to the Sunshine State after being located in Jamaica. Two men reportedly carried out the murder, which occurred months earlier in Tampa. Although one of these individuals was quickly located, the other ostensibly fled to Jamaica, making him difficult to find.

However, various law enforcement agencies tracked him down – at which point he was deported from Jamaica back to the United States, where he will face murder charges. Jamaica is one of the many nations that has an existing extradition treaty with the United States.

Is It Possible to Stop an Extradition? 

Each country may have its own unique extradition process, but this process generally follows the same formula. The United States must file an official extradition request, and an extradition hearing usually follows. It may be possible for the suspect to prevent the extradition from occurring, and an immigration or defense lawyer can represent them during the hearing.

Can a Palm Beach County Immigration Lawyer Help Me Avoid Extradition? 

A Palm Beach County immigration lawyer may be able to help you avoid extradition. The Devore Law Group has experience with deportation defense and similar hearings. We may be able to prevent your forcible return to the United States. However, each case is different – and it makes sense to discuss your situation in more detail during a consultation. Reach out today to get started with an action plan.

Sources: 

wtsp.com/article/news/crime/men-accused-shooting-24-year-old-death-june-tampa-arrested/67-3ef32d70-7f50-47ae-8c5a-4be4754c5037

dhs.gov/keywords/enforcement-and-removal-operations-ero