Extradition Solicitors UK
International Extradition Defence
Specialist extradition lawyers representing clients in the UK and worldwide
Extradition proceedings are among the most complex areas of criminal law, involving multiple jurisdictions, international cooperation agreements and significant consequences for an individual’s liberty, reputation and future.
At AM International Solicitors, we provide specialist extradition representation for individuals facing requests from foreign authorities seeking their arrest, prosecution or return to serve a sentence.
Our extradition lawyers represent clients before:
- Westminster Magistrates’ Court
- The High Court
- The Supreme Court
- The Secretary of State for the Home Department
We handle both Part 1 and Part 2 extradition proceedings, including cases involving:
- European countries
- United States
- Russia
- Albania
- Romania
- Poland
- Hungary
- France
- Netherlands
- Other international jurisdictions
Our team has extensive experience dealing with serious allegations including fraud, money laundering, organised crime, drug offences, violent offences and homicide.
What Is Extradition?
Extradition is the legal process by which one country requests another country to surrender an individual.
A country may seek extradition where a person:
- Is wanted for prosecution for an alleged offence;
- Has already been convicted and requires sentencing;
- Has been sentenced and is required to serve a prison term.
Extradition proceedings require careful legal analysis because they involve both domestic UK law and international obligations.
In England and Wales, extradition law is primarily governed by the Extradition Act 2003, together with international agreements and post-Brexit arrangements.
Part 1 Extradition Countries
European extradition requests and post-Brexit arrangements
Part 1 extradition cases generally involve countries with streamlined extradition arrangements with the UK.
Before Brexit, extradition between the UK and EU member states was largely governed by the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) system.
Following Brexit, the UK no longer participates in the EAW system. Extradition arrangements with EU countries are now governed by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and the Extradition Act 2003.
Part 1 cases typically involve:
- Faster judicial procedures;
- Certification by the National Crime Agency (NCA);
- Hearings before Westminster Magistrates’ Court;
- Limited but important grounds to challenge extradition.
Our extradition solicitors regularly advise clients facing European extradition requests and understand the practical differences between pre- and post-Brexit proceedings.
Part 2 Extradition Countries
Complex extradition proceedings involving non-EU countries
Part 2 extradition cases involve countries outside the streamlined Part 1 framework.
These cases often involve additional procedural safeguards and may raise complex issues relating to:
- Human rights;
- Fair trial concerns;
- Prison conditions;
- Political motivation;
- Diplomatic assurances;
- Reliability of evidence.
Part 2 extradition requests commonly involve countries such as:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- India
- Russia
- Turkey
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- Other international jurisdictions
Our solicitors provide strategic representation throughout every stage of the process.
Extradition Process in the UK
Arrest and initial hearing
Once an extradition request is certified, an individual may be arrested and brought before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
At the first hearing, the court considers:
- Identity of the requested person;
- Bail or custody;
- Timetable for the extradition proceedings.
Extradition hearing
The court will consider whether extradition is legally permitted.
Potential challenges include:
- Whether the request is valid;
- Whether the offence meets extradition requirements;
- Whether dual criminality applies;
- Whether extradition would be disproportionate;
- Whether human rights would be breached.
Appeals
If extradition is ordered, there may be grounds to appeal to the High Court.
Our extradition team has significant experience preparing appeals involving:
- Errors of law;
- Procedural unfairness;
- Human rights arguments;
- Article 8 family life issues;
- Prison conditions;
- New evidence.
European Arrest Warrants After Brexit
Changes to EU extradition law
Prior to Brexit, the European Arrest Warrant provided a simplified surrender procedure between EU member states.
Since 1 January 2021, extradition between the UK and EU countries has changed significantly.
The current framework requires:
- Greater judicial scrutiny;
- Additional procedural requirements;
- Consideration of proportionality;
- Greater focus on human rights safeguards.
Our international extradition lawyers advise clients affected by these changes and represent individuals requested by EU countries.
Interpol Red Notices Defence
Protecting clients from international arrest alerts
An Interpol Red Notice is an international alert requesting that law enforcement authorities locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition proceedings.
A Red Notice can have serious consequences, affecting:
- International travel;
- Employment;
- Banking relationships;
- Immigration status;
- Personal reputation.
AM International Solicitors advises clients on:
- Challenging unlawful Red Notices;
- Applications to Interpol;
- Removal of notices;
- Preventing international restrictions;
- Coordinating with overseas lawyers.
We act for clients who require urgent protection from the consequences of international alerts.
Grounds to Challenge Extradition
Human rights and legal challenges
Our extradition lawyers regularly consider challenges based on:
Human Rights Concerns
Including:
- Risk of inhuman or degrading treatment;
- Prison conditions;
- Right to a fair trial;
- Article 3 and Article 6 ECHR issues;
- Article 8 family life considerations.
Invalid Extradition Requests
Challenges may include:
- Defective warrants;
- Failure to meet statutory requirements;
- Lack of evidence;
- Expired limitation periods;
- Failure of dual criminality.
Political Motivation
Where appropriate, we examine whether proceedings are politically motivated or whether the individual risks unfair treatment because of political circumstances.
Serious International Criminal Allegations
Our extradition lawyers represent clients facing requests relating to:
- Fraud;
- VAT and tax offences;
- Money laundering;
- Organised crime;
- Drug offences;
- Robbery;
- Violent offences;
- Homicide allegations.
We work with specialist barristers, foreign lawyers, medical experts, prison condition experts and international organisations where required.
Why Choose AM International Solicitors?
Our extradition team offers:
- ecialist extradition advocacy experience
- Representation in Magistrates’ Court and High Court proceedings
- Experience with Part 1 and Part 2 extradition cases
- International and multilingual capability
- Experience involving European and non-European requests
- Expertise in human rights challenges
- Experience dealing with Interpol Red Notices
We provide strategic, confidential representation for individuals facing some of the most serious international legal proceedings.
Contact Extradition Solicitors London
If you or a family member is facing extradition proceedings, an Interpol Red Notice, an international arrest request or an overseas warrant, contact AM International Solicitors for specialist legal advice.
Our extradition lawyers represent clients in London, throughout England & Wales and internationally.