Why Consult an Extradition Lawyer?

Are you the subject of an extradition request, a European Arrest Warrant or an arrest in connection with international proceedings? In these situations, time is critical. Consulting an extradition lawyer allows you to understand your rights quickly, assess the legality of the proceedings and prepare an effective defence.

Extradition proceedings may have significant consequences, including deprivation of liberty, surrender to a foreign State, criminal prosecution or the enforcement of a sentence abroad. The lawyer's role is to explain your rights, examine every aspect of the case and take appropriate action from the earliest stages of the proceedings.

What is the role of an extradition lawyer?
When should you consult a lawyer?
What can a lawyer examine in the case file?
How does a lawyer prepare the defence?
Why choose a lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar?
FAQ

What is the role of an extradition lawyer?

An extradition lawyer represents individuals sought by a foreign State. The case may involve a traditional extradition request—often from a country outside the European Union—or surrender proceedings under a European Arrest Warrant.

Its role includes, in particular:

inform the requested person of their rights;
explain the procedure and the next stages of the proceedings;
verify the validity of the extradition request;
ensure that the applicable time limits have been respected;
identify possible grounds for refusing or challenging extradition;
prepare written submissions and the defence memorandum;
represent the requested person before the Prosecutor General and the Investigating Chamber, and plead on their behalf;
organise any available legal remedies where appropriate.

In practice, the lawyer ensures that the requested person does not have to face the proceedings without proper legal guidance. They analyse the facts, the applicable legal framework, the guarantees provided by the requesting State and the concrete risks associated with surrender.

When should you consult an extradition lawyer?

As early as possible. Extradition proceedings can move quickly, particularly following an arrest, an appearance before the Prosecutor General or a hearing before the Investigating Chamber.

It is advisable to contact a lawyer—either personally or through a relative—as soon as:

you become aware that a foreign State is seeking you;
you are informed of the existence of a European Arrest Warrant;
you are arrested in connection with an extradition request and taken into custody; garde à vue ;
you are placed in extradition detention;
you receive a summons or notification relating to international proceedings.

The earlier the lawyer becomes involved, the more effectively they can gather the necessary evidence, verify the applicable deadlines, prepare the legal arguments and anticipate upcoming hearings.

Key takeaway

In extradition matters, the first few hours can be decisive. Seeking legal assistance immediately allows you to understand the legal framework and your rights before making any important decisions.

What can a lawyer examine in the case file?

An extradition request is far more than a simple request for surrender. It must comply with strict legal requirements. For a general overview of the mechanism, you may also consult the firm's article on extradition. The lawyer will then examine the case file to determine whether the proceedings are lawful and whether any legal arguments may be raised in the defence.

Among the key issues to be examined are:

the applicable legal framework (including the existence of an international treaty or the application of domestic law);
the nature of the alleged offences;
the requirement of double criminality, where applicable;
whether the prosecution or the sentence is time-barred;
risks of violations of fundamental rights;
assessing detention conditions in the requesting State;
the guarantees provided by the foreign State.

Every case must be assessed individually. A procedural irregularity, a serious risk or a statutory ground for refusal may significantly influence the defence strategy.

How does a lawyer prepare the defence?

Preparing a defence in extradition proceedings requires both legal and factual analysis. A lawyer does more than simply attend the hearing: they analyse the proceedings, prepare the legal arguments, gather supporting evidence, draft written submissions for the Investigating Chamber and prepare for the hearings.

This analysis may include:

the legal framework governing the proceedings;
the grounds for refusing extradition;
the requested person's personal circumstances;
the requested person's personal circumstances;
the guarantees requested or challenged;
the legal remedies available following the decision.

The defence strategy also depends on the circumstances of the case. Should the extradition be challenged? Should the requested person consent to surrender? Should an application for release be made? Should a procedural defect be raised? Each of these choices may have significant legal consequences.
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To better understand the different stages of the proceedings, you may also read the dedicated article: How does the extradition procedure work in France?

Why choose a lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar?

Extradition proceedings and European Arrest Warrant cases are often handled before specialised courts, particularly the Investigating Chamber. The assistance of a criminal defence lawyer admitted to the Paris Bar, practising in criminal law, criminal procedure and international criminal law, ensures that the defence is prepared in a structured and effective manner.

Ms. Lois Pamela LESOT, Attorney at the Paris Bar, represents individuals involved in extradition proceedings, European Arrest Warrant cases and other proceedings with an international dimension. She practises in Paris, the Paris region and before courts throughout France.

If you are looking for an extradition lawyer in Paris, the firm can assist you by analysing the proceedings, preparing your defence and taking the necessary procedural steps.

Useful articles on extradition

FAQ: Extradition Lawyer

Is a lawyer required in extradition proceedings?

Legal representation is essential in this type of procedure. Extradition proceedings involve complex legal rules, strict deadlines and potentially serious consequences. A lawyer helps you understand your rights, obtain access to the case file and prepare the most effective legal arguments.

Can extradition be prevented?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Extradition may be challenged where there are legal grounds for refusal, such as limitation periods, violations of fundamental rights, a risk of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment, procedural irregularities, or any other ground provided for under the applicable legal framework.

What is the difference between extradition and a European Arrest Warrant?

Traditional extradition generally applies to requests made by countries outside the European Union. A European Arrest Warrant is a surrender procedure between Member States of the European Union that is faster and governed by specific legal rules. Under French law, the final decision on the execution of a European Arrest Warrant must, in principle, be delivered within sixty days of the requested person's arrest, although extensions are possible in the circumstances provided by law.

When should you contact an extradition lawyer?

It is advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as you are arrested, notified of a warrant or become aware of an extradition request. Early legal assistance makes it possible to verify the applicable deadlines, obtain the necessary documents and prepare the defence before the hearing.

Need legal representation in extradition proceedings?

Are you the subject of an extradition request, a European Arrest Warrant or an arrest connected with international proceedings? Contact Ms. Lois Pamela LESOT, Attorney at the Paris Bar, to obtain a legal assessment of your situation.

Ms. Lois Pamela LESOT
Phone: +33 6 52 02 54 42
Email: lesot@loispamelalesot.com

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