Areas of Expertise
Extradition & International Criminal Litigation
Immediate, strategic representation across jurisdictions. An extradition arrest can occur without warning, and the first hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court may follow within days.
Why timing decides outcome
Speed and Precision from the First Hearing
Extradition cases are governed by strict statutory frameworks and tightly managed timetables. The Extradition Act 2003 sets out the structure, but each case turns on its own facts, the requesting country, and the grounds available to resist surrender.
The documentation served at the first hearing often determines the structure of the case. We review that material immediately and identify the available grounds of challenge before the first substantive hearing.
Where a case involves multiple jurisdictions, we coordinate the defence across all relevant proceedings — managing them as a single, structured problem.
Our services
Our Extradition & International Services
We act in all forms of extradition proceedings — from emergency representation on arrest through substantive hearings, appeals and parallel international matters.
- Category 1 requests under post-Brexit arrangements with EU states
- Emergency representation on arrest under an extradition warrant
- Bail applications in extradition cases
- Passage of time, dual criminality, forum and health-based bars
- Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests and their domestic impact
- Category 2 requests, including United States extradition
- First appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court
- Human rights challenges under the European Convention
- Appeals to the High Court and Supreme Court
- INTERPOL Red Notice challenges and cross-border asset proceedings
Why Chess Law
Why Chess Law Solicitors for Extradition Defence
Material analysed immediately
Precise grounds, properly advanced
Country-specific knowledge
Multi-jurisdiction coordination
Continuity through the appellate stages
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does extradition work after Brexit?
Since the UK left the EU, extradition requests from EU member states are handled under arrangements set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The procedure varies depending on the requesting country.
Can I be extradited for something that is not a crime in England?
In most cases, the alleged conduct must also amount to an offence in England and Wales — this is known as dual criminality. Whether that requirement is met depends on the facts and the type of request.
What happens at the first extradition hearing?
The court confirms your identity, considers bail, and sets a timetable for the case. The extradition request is formally served. Although substantive arguments are not determined at that stage, how the hearing is managed affects the structure of the proceedings.
Can I resist extradition on human rights grounds?
Yes. Extradition can be refused where it would breach rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights — including prison conditions, the right to a fair trial, or impact on family life.
What is the forum bar?
The forum bar allows the court to refuse extradition where the alleged conduct occurred largely in England and Wales and where it would be in the interests of justice for the case to be prosecuted here.
Can I be extradited to the United States?
Yes. The UK has an extradition treaty with the United States. Requests from the US follow a specific procedure and may involve particular legal arguments.
How long do extradition proceedings take?
The duration varies. Some cases are resolved quickly, while contested cases involving appeals can take significantly longer. We advise on likely timescales at the outset.
Speak to us now.
Extradition and international criminal cases require immediate, specialist advice. You will receive a clear assessment of your position and a structured plan for the proceedings ahead.
