Criminal Law · European Union
Facing Extradition? Get an Extradition Lawyer Who Knows the Process
An extradition request means one country is asking another to hand you over — and the clock starts the moment you are arrested or learn of the request. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who handles extradition cases in Europe every day, so you understand the grounds, your rights and the defences available to you.
- Lawyers who handle surrender requests daily
- Clear guidance on grounds and defences
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For anyone who has received an extradition request, an arrest warrant, or a notice of surrender
Extradition is the legal process by which one country asks another to surrender a person so they can face prosecution or serve a sentence. Within Europe, it is frequently handled under the European Arrest Warrant, a fast-track system between EU member states; between an EU country and a non-EU state, a bilateral or multilateral treaty usually applies instead. Whether the request arrives as a formal warrant, a notice served at your door, or an unexpected arrest, the effect is the same: your freedom, your family and your ability to remain where you live are suddenly in question. The process moves quickly, has strict deadlines, and leaves little room for error. A lawyer experienced in extradition can explain what is being asked of you, whether the request meets the legal requirements, and which defences — from human rights grounds to bars on double jeopardy — may be available.
Why extradition is so hard to fight alone
Extradition is a legal process with its own rules,
deadlines and defences — and it moves fast
The moment a request arrives, you are in a procedure most people never see, where small procedural points can decide the outcome.
It happens before you’re ready
An arrest or a warrant served unexpectedly gives you days, sometimes hours, to respond to a process with strict deadlines — and every statement or decision made early can shape what follows.
The grounds are technical
Whether a request is valid can turn on whether the conduct is a crime in both countries, on identity, on time bars or on bars like double jeopardy — points that are easy to miss without specialist knowledge.
Human rights arguments are easily overlooked
Concerns about prison conditions, fair trial standards or your family situation can, in some cases, be grounds to refuse surrender — but only if they are raised properly and at the right moment.
What you get
An extradition lawyer who knows the grounds and the deadlines
We match you with criminal lawyers who regularly represent clients facing extradition and surrender requests.
Immediate assessment
Your lawyer reviews the warrant or request, checks whether it is legally valid, and tells you quickly where you stand and what your options are — before a deadline passes.
Defence strategy
Whether it is a challenge to the request’s validity, a bar on double jeopardy or a human rights argument, your lawyer builds the case against surrender and presents it at the right stage.
Representation at hearings
You are represented before the court that decides on surrender, with your position argued clearly rather than left to a process you do not fully understand.
Protection throughout
From your first contact with the authorities to any appeal, your lawyer protects your rights, advises you on what to say and ensures no step is taken without informed consent.
Coverage
Extradition lawyers across Europe
Extradition is governed by the European Arrest Warrant within the EU and by treaties beyond it, and the right lawyer is one who knows the system in the country where you are held. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Extradition — common questions
What is extradition?
Extradition is a formal process by which one country requests that another surrender a person to face prosecution or serve a sentence. Within the EU it is usually handled through the European Arrest Warrant, a fast-track procedure, while requests to and from non-EU states typically rely on bilateral or multilateral treaties.
What should I do if I receive an extradition request?
Contact a specialist lawyer immediately and avoid making statements to any authority before you have legal advice. Extradition moves quickly and has strict deadlines, so acting early — before you say or sign anything — is usually the most important step.
Can extradition be refused?
Yes, in some circumstances. A court may refuse surrender where the requirements are not met, where the conduct is not an offence in both countries, or on grounds such as double jeopardy, time bars, or serious human rights concerns. Whether these apply depends entirely on your case.
How long does the extradition process take?
It varies by country and the type of request. European Arrest Warrant cases are designed to be fast, often decided within weeks, while treaty-based requests can take considerably longer. Deadlines are strict, which is why early legal advice matters.
Will I be held in custody during the process?
Often, but not always. Depending on the country and the circumstances, you may be detained while the request is considered or released on conditions. A lawyer can argue for the least restrictive option available in your situation.
Can I appeal a decision to surrender me?
In most countries, yes — there is a right to challenge a surrender decision, usually within a short, strict deadline. A lawyer can advise whether an appeal is realistic in your case and represent you in it.
Free case review
Don’t face an extradition request alone
Tell us what has happened and we’ll connect you with an extradition lawyer in the country concerned — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.