Criminal Extradition Defense Lawyers In Florida And Nationwide

An out-of-state warrant can turn your life upside down in moments. Police may arrest you hundreds or thousands of miles from where the charges started. You face transfer to an unfamiliar state, separation from your family and immediate jail time without bond. These situations demand immediate action from an experienced extradition defense attorney.

At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, our lead attorneys, Bjorn Brunvand and Jervis Wise, aggressively defend clients facing extradition proceedings both into and out of Florida. With over 40 years of combined experience and board certification in criminal trial law, we handle complex extradition matters in state and federal courts nationwide. We fight to keep you in Florida while we build your defense.

Understanding Florida’s Interstate Extradition Process

Florida follows the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act (UCEA) when other states request the transfer of fugitives. This process moves quickly. Understanding the timeline helps you make informed decisions about your defense.

The extradition process typically unfolds in these stages:

• Police arrest you on a fugitive warrant from another state
• The demanding state files a formal request with Florida’s governor
• Florida’s governor reviews the request and may issue a governor’s warrant
• You face transfer to the demanding state unless you challenge the process
• The timeline typically runs 30 to 90 days from arrest to transfer

Florida’s governor has discretion in honoring extradition requests. An experienced extradition defense attorney can challenge the request before the governor issues a warrant. Once that warrant is issued, your options shrink. This makes immediate legal action critical to protecting your rights.

Ways To Challenge Extradition

Not all extraditions go smoothly for the demanding state. Our attorneys find weaknesses in extradition documents and challenge transfers through several legal avenues.

We may challenge your extradition by:

• Contesting your identity as the person named in the warrant
• Challenging errors in the demanding state’s paperwork
• Arguing that the extradition violates your constitutional rights
• Finding technical defects in the warrant itself
• Showing insufficient evidence supporting the charges

A skilled extradition defense attorney examines every detail of the demanding state’s paperwork. Courts require strict compliance with UCEA procedures. Missing signatures, wrong information or insufficient charging documents can defeat an extradition request. We take an aggressive approach to finding these defects and using them to keep you in Florida.

Federal Charges And Multijurisdictional Issues

Federal criminal charges create complex jurisdictional problems that require attorneys who understand both state and federal systems. Our board-certified criminal trial lawyers represent clients facing federal charges nationwide.

Federal extradition matters often arise in:

• White collar crime cases, including wire fraud and securities violations
• Drug trafficking operations across state lines
• Cases involving federal target letters and grand jury proceedings
• International extradition treaty situations requiring State Department involvement

Federal authorities follow different procedures than state extradition cases. International extradition adds more complexity. Treaties between countries govern these transfers, and the U.S. Department of State plays a central role. Our attorneys have defended clients in federal courts across the country and know how to handle these multi-jurisdictional challenges.

Should You Waive Extradition Or Fight?

This choice matters. You need an extradition defense attorney to help you decide. Waiving extradition has some benefits. Prosecutors may view it well during plea talks. It shows cooperation. But waiving gives up legal protections and time to prepare your defense.

Fighting extradition keeps your options open. You get time to gather evidence and investigate charges. Our attorneys can find problems that weaken the case against you. Never waive extradition without talking to us first. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we review your situation and recommend the best strategy.

Getting Bond During Extradition

Getting out of jail during extradition is no small feat. Most Florida courts deny bond for out-of-state warrants. Courts think you will run. Your extradition defense attorney can help by:

• Showing you live in Florida
• Proving you have family and job ties here
• Arguing you will not flee
• Talking to the other state about the bond
• Pushing for fast hearings

We act fast to get you released. Time matters. Our approach focuses on getting you home while we fight your case.

Can You Be Extradited For Any Crime?

Florida law allows extradition for any crime, even small ones. But states usually only pursue extradition for serious felonies. It costs too much to extradite for minor crimes. The governor can say no to requests for small offenses or old cases. Our attorneys can argue to the governor why your case does not need extradition.

Contact Our Extradition Defense Attorneys Now

Extradition moves fast. You need to act now. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, our board-certified criminal trial lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience. We defend clients in state and federal courts nationwide. We fight hard to protect your rights.

Call us today at 813-521-8069 for a free consultation or contact us online via email.