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Representing International Defendants Facing Extradition To The United States

More than 100 countries have extradition treaties with the United States. People in these countries who have been charged or convicted of serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy, are often brought to federal jails in New York and arraigned here.

The following are recent examples of extraditions that led to federal court proceedings in New York:

  • A Dominican man was extradited to the U.S. for alleged conspiracy to transport large quantities of cocaine to the U.S. After being arrested in his home country, he was brought to New York for arraignment in the Eastern District of New York.
  • A citizen of the United Kingdom was extradited to a federal jail in the Southern District of New York over allegations of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He and co-conspirators were accused of laundering money through U.S. and foreign banks as part of a fraudulent telemarketing scheme.
  • A Colombian drug trafficker, who spent 11 years in prison in his country after being arrested there for drug offenses and other crimes, was extradited to a federal jail in Brooklyn and arraigned in the Eastern District of New York.

These are just a few of the many defendants extradited or threatened with extradition to the U.S. to be processed through federal courts in New York. Some of the most common criminal charges that trigger extradition orders from abroad include:

  • Narcotics trafficking
  • Money laundering
  • Conspiracy
  • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations
  • Murder and kidnapping

Fighting Extradition And Fighting Conviction

Despite strong evidence against them, international defendants in such cases have rights to the presumption of innocence while they await trial in their countries or in New York. Defense strategies may include the following:

  • Fighting the extradition before they are taken from their countries
  • Negotiating terms of an extradition
  • Pursuing a positive trial outcome in New York

Attorneys Edward V. Sapone and William S. Petrillo, along with other defense lawyers at our firm, have achieved many noteworthy favorable outcomes for international clients as well as for people facing interstate extradition within the U.S. borders. With a strong track record, Sapone & Petrillo is in high demand in extradition defense cases.

Inquire Now

Whether you are fighting extradition in your country or have already been brought here because of criminal charges, learn how we can help you. Call 212-349-9000​ or complete our online form to get started developing your defense.