Being arrested outside your home country is one of the most critical and urgent legal situations you can face. In these cases, timely and expert legal action is essential, especially when international warrants or extradition procedures are involved.
Arrest abroad: a complex and urgent situation
When freedom depends on international legal expertise
Being detained by foreign police means facing:
- an unfamiliar legal system,
- unknown procedures and language barriers,
- international cooperation treaties,
- and potential violations of fundamental rights.
Often, individuals in these cases find themselves alone, confused, far from their families and legal support, and at risk of severe procedural injustices.
The role of defense in international criminal proceedings
Immediate legal intervention is key
An effective defense must be handled by a legal team with expertise in:
- international criminal law,
- extradition and European arrest warrants,
- cross-border legal cooperation,
- defense rights under multiple jurisdictions.
Every technical detail matters — from the legality of the arrest to the timeline for appeals and extradition opposition.
What an effective legal strategy should include
Key actions for immediate intervention
If an Italian citizen is arrested abroad, the defense strategy should include:
- immediate verification of the arrest’s legality,
- objection to European or international arrest warrants,
- communication with embassies and consular authorities,
- regular contact with the detainee’s family,
- coordination between Italian and local lawyers to align strategies across jurisdictions.
Extradition, detention, and human rights
Arrest does not mean guilt: the defense can stop extradition
Extradition is never automatic. International law provides tools to challenge it, especially in cases where:
- basic human rights are not guaranteed,
- judicial systems are unreliable,
- there is a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment,
- or procedural violations or formal defects occur.
In these situations, a fast, coordinated, and highly technical legal defense can be the deciding factor between freedom and unjust detention.