If you commit a serious crime overseas, there is a high probability that you will be extradited. Extradition is the process in which one nation or state surrenders a suspected criminal to another nation or state. Extradition is regulated by treaties. The United States has extradition treaties with over 100 nations. A state does not have any obligation to surrender someone to another country because of their legal right to protect anything within their own borders. However, that country's legal officials may dictate that you be extradited to the United States. If not, you will be subject to the punishment of that country's government.
There are prison treaties that allow the U.S. government to send a citizen back home to serve their sentence. The sentence will be reevaluated by the U.S. government.
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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
