International Crimes Information Center
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Frequently Asked Questions about International Crime
Q: Will the US government help me if I am arrested in a foreign country?
A: Under international law, a foreign government that arrests a US national must inform the US embassy or consulate of the arrest once the US national requests that they do so. Additionally, the United States has treaties with some nations that require the country to notify the US embassy and/or consulate of the arrest or detention of a US citizen whether a request is made or not. US embassies and consulates can provide only limited assistance to US citizens arrested in a foreign country. A consular officer will visit the arrested person in jail, if necessary, and provide him or her with a list of English-speaking lawyers. The officer will also try to ensure that the US citizen is not mistreated, or is not treated any worse than any other prisoner in the local jail. If so requested, the officer will contact any friends or family members and notify them of the arrest.
Q: If an American is convicted of a crime in a foreign country, can he or she serve the sentence in an American prison?
A: The US has entered into prisoner transfer treaties with many nations that allow a person convicted of a crime to be transferred to his or her home country to serve the prison sentence. A prisoner who wants to be transferred should notify the US embassy or consulate of his or her desire. The application then must be approved by the foreign country and the US Department of Justice before the transfer can take place. A prisoner who is transferred to the US will have his or her sentence reevaluated, and may be resentenced according to US law.
International criminal matters require immediate intervention from an attorney who knows how to protect your rights and negotiate the best possible result according to the applicable law and the facts of your case. Don't delay. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an attorney experienced in international criminal law.
International Crime - An Overview
International criminal law refers to crimes that involve more than one country. It sometimes refers to crimes committed in one country that have an effect in another country. It also deals with securing suspects, witnesses and evidence from other countries to prosecute a crime. International criminal law is a complex field that is undergoing continuous change. If you are involved in an international criminal matter, contact an attorney with knowledge and experience in the field, like the attorneys at Leventhal & Slaughter, P.A. in Orlando, Florida.
Intellectual Property Piracy
Piracy, or theft, of trademarks and copyrighted material is a growing concern. As improved communication methods simplify sending data across international boundaries, theft of intellectual property has become a global affair.
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Interpol
Interpol (officially, the International Criminal Police Organization) is an international agency that provides its 186 member nations with assistance in law enforcement matters that cross international borders. It is headquartered in Lyon, France. It is not an agency of the United Nations, but does have a representative at the U.N. The United States joined Interpol in 1938.
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Extradition
Extradition is the surrender of a person alleged to have committed a crime in one country by the country in which that person presently is located. The purpose of extradition is to prevent nations from becoming safe havens for fugitives and criminals from other nations.
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Dealing with International Crime
When crime crosses international borders, the criminal process can be long and drawn out, compounded by the stress of dealing with courts and law enforcement officials in two or more countries.
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International Crime Resource Links
Interpol
International police organization that facilitates information sharing between police forces in other countries and provides technical assistance to aid in the capture of transnational fugitives.
US National Central Bureau
US point of contact for Interpol.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Arm of the US Department of Homeland Security charged with handling immigration, customs and border issues.
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Develops policies relating to international drug trafficking and international criminal law issues.
Travel Warnings
US Department of State bulletins that relate to the safety of Americans traveling abroad in specific countries.
