Extradition

We regularly represent clients in extradition appeals at higher courts, including the Supreme Court.

Our Solicitors are also well-versed with applications to the European Court of Human Rights.

Extraditions based on alleged crimes

Having practiced in the extradition and criminal law sector for several decades, we have built up considerable experience regarding EU (European Arrest Warrant “EAW”) and worldwide extradition cases. We prevent and successfully defend extradition requests. We regularly advise on available technical, statutory and human rights challenges and proactively defend our clients from these requests. We have notable experience of successfully defending politically motivated extraditions.

Our expert lawyers have provided advice in relation to many countries across the world, including all EU countries. We have also advised on and provided representation on requests from clients worldwide. This includes countries such as the USA, Russia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria.

We have also successfully negotiated sentence transfers and deal with returning prisoners to their country.

Family and Immigration based extraditions

We have a wealth of experience in Family Law and Immigration & Asylum considerations involving extradition requests. We will make a robust challenge against extradition requests on technical, legal or human rights considerations. Human rights considerations can include the right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the right to a private or family life under Article 8, and the right not to suffer inhumane or degrading treatment against Article 3.

Other ways of successfully preventing extradition may be based on the express content of the extradition request itself. The law in the United Kingdom also provides a number of bars to extradition. These include the physical or mental health of a person, passage of time, double jeopardy, and extraneous considerations such as politically motivated requests.

International contacts and experience

We are closely involved in a number domestic and international lawyers’ associations, including:

• The Defence Extradition Lawyers’ Forum (DELF),

• The Extradition Lawyers Association (ELA),

• International Bar Association,

• The European Criminal Bar Association,

• Spanish Bar Association

• and other international bodies.

This means that we have strong links to a network of international lawyers and experts. We always endeavour to work with them to achieve favourable outcomes for our clients' cases.

If you have any questions relating to extradition and international criminal law, please contact a member of our criminal and extradition department on 020 3540 4444.