International Crime 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.

The International Criminal Court was created in 2002 to hear cases that involve crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. The United States signed the original treaty that created the Court, but the Treaty has never been submitted to the Senate for ratification. The U.S. government has expressed concern that there are no checks on the Court's power, and that the Court may be used for political purposes. The State Department has also expressed its concern that the Court may prosecute U.S. citizens, even though the U.S. has not officially approved the treaty that created it.

International Criminal Defense Lawyer

International crimes are punishable in various ways, including extradition, jail time, and heavy fines. You may face life in the federal prison system — with no chance of parole. For serious international criminal charges, including drug trafficking and importation, you need strong legal advocacy to stand up for your rights. Since 1972, Attorney Gary Joel Hill has represented high-profile clients from countries throughout the globe. He has earned a reputation for representing international clients. When your life is on the line, Gary Joel Hill can step in to stand up for your rights. What follows is general information about international criminal defense. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Joel Hill to arrange a consultation regarding your specific concerns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.