Being accused of a federal crime in a foreign country can be frightening. Whether you are guilty of a white-collar crime that you did not understand was illegal in that country, are part of a larger group being taken to court over charges you do not understand or are innocent of the charges filed against you, you need professional assistance.
Based in Houston,SKJ Law Firm has a vast amount of experience in helping our U.S. corporate and individual clients with white-collar crime, RICO charges, healthcare fraud, and more all around the globe.
Should I Ignore Criminal Proceedings if They’re in Another Country?
The saying “You can run, but you cannot hide” applies here. Whether you are in a foreign country where you are facing criminal charges or at home here in the U.S., you need to take those charges seriously.
Ignoring criminal proceedings could lead to:
- A trial is going on without you and without the chance for you and your legal team to help you fight toward a positive outcome.
- You could be convicted, and, in some cases, that conviction could lead to your extradition to the country where the crime is alleged.
- Depending upon the foreign country, by not attending the trial you may also be forfeiting any chance of a re-trial.
While you may have acquired or been awarded a public attorney in the country of the offense, you need an American firm to help you understand and develop your best defense. If you so desire, and we feel comfortable with the circumstances, SKJ Law Firm may work in conjunction with your foreign-based attorney to help you receive the best possible outcome.
The Extradition Process
Extradition of a U.S. citizen entails that the individual is taken to a foreign country, otherwise known as the requesting state, where the alleged crime occurred. There, you will face a court of law under their authority and their laws for trial. If found guilty, you may also have to serve out your sentence there.
However, the U.S. has agreements, known as treaties, with more than 100 different countries. Each has its own legal grounds for extradition. If you are currently staying in a country outside of the U.S. or the requesting state, you may face extradition back to the U.S. rather than the requesting state itself.
Each case in a country for which the U.S. has no treaty needs to be addressed separately. For your case, you need a law firm well-versed in any situation.
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?
Your attorney or legal team will help you navigate the complexities of dealing with the legal systems of other countries. Those experienced in the realm of foreign law, such as members of the SKJ Law Firm, will help you understand your rights, which is critical in understanding the filings against you. Your attorney should be familiar with and comfortable with helping you understand the extradition system, if necessary, while developing a legal defense toward your best outcome.
What Should I Do If I’m Being Accused of a Crime in Another Country?
If you are a U.S. citizen and accused of a crime outside of the U.S., you should contact American lawyers with expertise and experience in international law and extradition. When a legal team takes your case, they will assist you in all aspects of those legal allegations.
SKJ Law: Experts in International Crime
The SKJ Law Firm has more than 100 years of combined experience with international law. We have helped numerous companies and individuals receive a positive outcome from court hearings in foreign countries all around the world. From white-collared crimes to commercial and civil law, criminal law to racketeering, contact SKJ Law Firm to discuss your case.
SKJ Law Firm will only take your case if we can make a positive difference. If we decide to represent you, you can be assured that we will do everything to help you achieve a successful outcome. Call us at (713) 228-8500.
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