Best Extradition Lawyers in Attiki

What happens when an extradition request reaches Attica?

An extradition case may begin when a foreign state seeks a person in Attica for prosecution or to serve a sentence. The route depends on whether the request comes from an EU member state under a European Arrest Warrant or from a non-EU state under a treaty or other applicable rules.

For people arrested in Attica, urgent steps may involve police, prosecutors and judicial authorities in Athens. The competent court and procedure depend on the request and the circumstances of the arrest. A lawyer can review the documents, explain the hearing process and identify possible legal objections.

An Interpol notice or an international arrest alert is not, by itself, a final decision to surrender someone. It can lead to an arrest or other urgent measures, so prompt legal advice matters, especially where detention is involved.

When a lawyer can make a practical difference

• You are arrested in Athens or elsewhere in Attica. A lawyer can check the stated legal basis for detention, obtain the available case documents and prepare for urgent hearings.

• You learn that a European Arrest Warrant has been issued. Counsel can review the warrant, the alleged conduct and the surrender process, and explain any available grounds to oppose surrender.

• A non-EU country has requested your extradition. Treaty conditions, the foreign charge and the documents supporting the request may require close review before the Greek authorities decide the case.

• You dispute the identity or information in the request. A lawyer can raise errors in names, dates, translations or other identifying details with the appropriate authorities.

• You face parallel proceedings in Greece or another country. Counsel can help explain how a Greek investigation, sentence or competing request may affect the timing and handling of the surrender request.

• You need to challenge detention or an adverse decision. A lawyer can advise on available applications and deadlines, which may be short and depend on the procedure used.

Greek laws and rules that may apply

Greek Code of Criminal Procedure, Law 4620/2019. This Code includes rules governing extradition procedures in Greece and entered into force on 1 July 2019. The applicable provisions depend on the type of request and any relevant treaty.

Law 3251/2004 on the European Arrest Warrant. This law governs the European Arrest Warrant and surrender between EU member states in Greece. Its application should be checked against later amendments and the facts of the individual case.

European Convention on Extradition (1957). Greece is a party to this Council of Europe treaty, which sets rules for extradition between participating states. The treaty’s terms, reservations and any other applicable agreement can affect a request.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer if I have only received notice of a request?

Early advice can help identify whether the notice concerns an EU warrant, a non-EU request or an international alert. It can also help you prepare before an arrest or hearing, when deadlines may be urgent.

What is the difference between a European Arrest Warrant and extradition?

A European Arrest Warrant is the EU system for requesting a person’s surrender between member states. Requests from outside the EU are generally handled under Greek law and applicable treaties, rather than the EU warrant procedure.

Does an Interpol notice mean that I will be extradited?

No. A notice or alert may prompt police action, but it is not itself the final Greek decision on surrender. The authorities must apply the relevant legal procedure to the request.

Can I challenge a request to surrender me?

Potential arguments depend on the procedure, the documents and the facts. They may concern matters such as identity, legal requirements, the alleged offence or relevant rights protections; a lawyer can assess which arguments are available.

Can a Greek citizen be surrendered to another country?

Citizenship does not automatically resolve an extradition or surrender case. The applicable Greek rules, treaty or EU procedure and the circumstances of the request must be examined.

How long does an extradition case take in Attica?

There is no single timeline for every case. European Arrest Warrant cases are subject to EU decision periods, generally 60 days from arrest and shorter periods where the person consents, subject to permitted extensions; other requests can take longer.

How much does an extradition lawyer cost?

There is no single fee for every case. Costs depend on urgency, detention, the volume of documents, hearings and any translation or specialist work; ask for written terms covering the work and likely additional expenses.

Can I be released while the case is pending?

Release is not automatic, and the decision depends on the applicable procedure and the individual circumstances. A lawyer can advise whether an application is available and what information may support it.

Will the hearing be held in Athens?

Cases involving arrests in Attica commonly involve Athens-based judicial authorities, but the competent authority and venue depend on the legal procedure and case details. Confirm the hearing location and reporting requirements with your lawyer or the authority handling the case.

Can a foreign conviction or charge be reviewed in Greece?

Greek authorities assess the request under the relevant legal framework; the hearing is not generally a retrial of the foreign case. The nature of the charge or conviction can still matter to the legal requirements for surrender.

Do documents need to be translated into Greek?

Documents and translations required depend on the procedure and the material supplied by the requesting state. A lawyer can check whether translations are complete and whether any wording or identification details need clarification.

Official resources in Attica

• Ministry of Justice of Greece. Provides official information about the justice system and relevant legal procedures, and may assist with government-level information concerning international judicial cooperation.

• Hellenic Police. Handles police matters connected with arrests and international alerts. It is not a substitute for independent legal advice on challenging a request.

• Athens Bar Association. Provides information about the legal profession in Athens and can help people locate a lawyer admitted to practise in Greece.

Steps to find and hire an extradition lawyer

1. Act immediately if you are detained or contacted about a warrant. Ask how to contact a lawyer and keep any arrest, court or police documents. Do not miss a stated hearing or reporting time.

2. Identify the type of request. Establish whether it is a European Arrest Warrant, a non-EU extradition request or an international alert. If you have documents, keep copies together.

3. Contact Greek lawyers promptly. Ask whether they handle surrender and extradition cases before the competent courts in Athens. If you are detained, make clear that the matter is urgent.

4. Ask about relevant experience and availability. Check who will attend hearings, who will review foreign documents and how the lawyer will communicate with you or your family.

5. Discuss fees and scope before signing. Request written terms covering urgent hearings, appeals or challenges, document review, translation costs and any likely additional expenses.

6. Provide a complete, accurate account. Share the request, identity documents, prior court papers and information about any Greek or foreign proceedings. Ask the lawyer to explain the next deadline and immediate options.