Being arrested in your own country can be daunting enough, but it can be even more so when you’re in another country. You’re not necessarily familiar with their legal system, your rights, and the processes that play out. If you’ve been arrested in a country you’ve traveled to but aren’t from, here are some of the most important things you need to know:
Hire a Lawyer in the Country You’re In
While you might know trustworthy lawyers in your home country, you’ll need to hire a lawyer licensed in the country where the legal issue occurred. For example, if you’re from Ontario, Canada, but you were arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, you would hire experienced lawyers like these criminal defense lawyers who are licensed to practice law in the state of Georgia.
Their job is to protect your rights when you’ve been accused of committing a crime and guide you through the legal system. A lawyer in your home country can’t practice law, appear in courts, or handle official paperwork in a foreign country because laws are specific to each country and region.
Face Penalties That Could Differ from Your Home Country
The laws and repercussions you’re familiar with at home can be vastly different elsewhere. For example, if you shoplifted in the United States, a low-value first offense may mean you only receive a fine and probation. However, that same crime in Thailand could result in a prison sentence of up to three years. Depending on the offense and the country, possible consequences could include fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Receive Consular Assistance from Your Embassy
You’re not completely alone if you’ve been arrested in a foreign country. You can ask the detaining authorities to contact your country’s embassy or consulate to let them know you’ve been arrested or detained. Your embassy can’t represent you or provide legal advice, but they can offer a number of other forms of assistance, such as:
- Provide contact information for local attorneys who speak your language
- Contact family, friends, or employers with written permission
- Visit you
- Bring reading materials and vitamin supplements if required
- Request medical care
- Provide information on the local criminal justice system
- Help family and friends send money
Leaving the Country Doesn’t Help
You might assume that simply leaving the country where you committed a crime marks the end of your legal battle. That’s far from true. Depending on the countries involved and your crime, authorities may request that you be returned through a process called extradition. This is when one country or jurisdiction surrenders you to another where the crime happened, so that you can face trial or punishment.
Many countries have agreements with other countries for a streamlined way for suspects to be returned. Even in countries where there’s no formal treaty, extradition requests can still be negotiated. However, some countries won’t extradite their native citizens. Instead, they may prosecute them under their local laws for crimes they committed abroad.
You might be familiar with the repercussions of committing crimes in your own country, but rules, laws, and processes can be different in other countries. If you’ve been arrested for breaking the law in another country, connect with a local lawyer who can help you understand your rights and requirements. Their insight may prove invaluable for navigating an unfamiliar legal system.
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