Can I Be Extradited from Canada for a Criminal Offence?

15/12/2016 

Being charged with a crime in your home province or elsewhere in the country can be intimidating and stressful. Being charged with a criminal offence abroad can add stress and frustration to what is already an emotionally traumatizing experience. One of the first questions people charged with a crime in the U.S. or elsewhere ask is whether they can be extradited from Canada to stand trial in another country.

What Is Extradition?

Extradition is the legal process by which a foreign country requests Canada to surrender a Canadian citizen charged with a crime into the foreign nation’s custody. The Canadian government only grants extradition requests when it has an extradition treaty with the foreign nation. The terms of the treaty control the extradition process, as well as which crimes are considered an extradition offence.

Prior to extradition out of Canada, an alleged criminal offender has a legal right to bail, as well as a hearing regarding the appropriateness and legality of the extradition. At Engel & Associates, we represent Canadian citizens facing extradition to the United States and other countries. We believe it is crucial for our clients to thoroughly understand the extradition process, their rights, and what to expect at every meeting and hearing. We also work side by side with American lawyers and legal counsel from other countries to ensure our clients have the best criminal defence representation possible in both countries.

Your Extradition Defence
If another country has issued an arrest warrant against you, it is important to begin preparing your extradition defence right away. Extradition is a multi-step process that involves a thorough investigation, hearings, and in some cases an appeal. The sooner your lawyer in Canada is involved in your case, the better your chances of fighting the extradition and ultimately achieving a favorable result.