Best Extradition Lawyers in Thessaloniki

1. About Extradition Law in Thessaloniki, Greece

Extradition in Greece, including Thessaloniki, is governed by national criminal procedure rules and European Union law. The process typically begins with a formal surrender request from another country and progresses through judicial review and possible appeals. In Thessaloniki, authorities such as the Public Prosecutor and the Court of Appeal oversee extradition decisions.

Key concepts in Thessaloniki include dual criminality, grounds for refusal, and temporary detention while a surrender decision is determined. The European Arrest Warrant (EAW) framework greatly shapes how quickly Greece can process requests from EU member states. Practitioners must understand both procedural safeguards and substantive limits on surrender.

Recent trends emphasize timely court review, fair access to counsel, and respect for human rights during extradition proceedings. The Greek system also interacts with international treaties Greece has with third countries and with EU law. When you face an extradition matter in Thessaloniki, counsel should analyze both national procedures and EU requirements.

“The European Arrest Warrant enables rapid surrender within the European Union, subject to due process and fundamental rights.” - European Commission guidance

Sources and further reading can help residents verify procedures and rights. For authoritative information, consult Greek official sources and EU guidance on extradition and EAW applications.

European Arrest Warrant basics (European Commission)

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Thessaloniki, dedicated extradition counsel can prevent procedural missteps and secure essential rights. Below are concrete scenarios where legal guidance is crucial.

• A foreign national is detained in Thessaloniki under a European Arrest Warrant for alleged fraud in another EU country. A lawyer can evaluate grounds for refusal, challenge dual criminality, and seek timely access to counsel.
• You are a Greek citizen accused abroad, and a surrender request could impact your rights in Greece. An attorney can analyze international treaties and ensure proper Greek internal procedures are followed before surrendering.
• A non-EU request arrives in Thessaloniki for alleged cybercrime. A lawyer will assess proportionality, extradition timing, and potential human rights defenses under Greek law.
• An extradition decision is issued in Thessaloniki and you want to appeal. A lawyer can prepare a formal appeal, argue jurisdictional issues, and pursue stay of surrender where appropriate.
• You face detention while an extradition decision is reviewed. An attorney can press for release on bail or provisional liberty consistent with Greek and EU standards.
• You are navigating bilateral extradition treaties Greece has with other states. A lawyer can interpret treaty language, exceptions, and local enforcement practice specific to Thessaloniki.

3. Local Laws Overview

Extradition in Thessaloniki operates under both national and EU frameworks. The following law-areas are central to most extradition matters you might encounter there.

• European Arrest Warrant Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA. This EU instrument governs expedited surrender among member states and sets grounds for refusal in limited circumstances. Greece implements and applies the framework through national procedures.
• Code of Criminal Procedure (Κώδικας Ποινικής Δικονομίας). This is the primary national statute that structures extradition requests, hearings, and remedies within Greece, including Thessaloniki courts and prosecutors.
• International treaties and bilateral extradition agreements to which Greece is a party. Greece applies these instruments when requests come from states outside the EU or outside treaty relations, shaping whether surrender is permitted or refused.

Recent developments include stronger emphasis on timely judicial review, clear notification of rights to the person subject to surrender, and alignment with EU standards for fair trial guarantees. Thessaloniki residents should rely on both EU guidance and Greek criminal procedure rules when facing extradition matters.

“The European Arrest Warrant Framework Decision is complemented by Greek national procedures that safeguard the rights of the person subject to surrender.” - Greek justice guidance

European Arrest Warrant overview (European Commission)

Governments of Greece - official portal

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the European Arrest Warrant and how does it work in Greece?

The European Arrest Warrant is a streamlined procedure for surrender among EU member states. In Greece, a surrender decision follows a judicial review, and the person has the right to legal counsel and to challenge the warrant. Outcomes depend on whether dual criminality and proportionality requirements are met.

How do I know if I am involved in an extradition case in Thessaloniki?

Being named in a surrender request or facing detainment linked to an EU member state’s warrant typically triggers an extradition process. A lawyer should review the issuing country’s documents, assess Greek procedures, and explain your rights in Thessaloniki courts.

When can extradition be refused under Greek law?

Extradition can be refused for political offenses, if there is a risk of death penalty or torture, or if fundamental rights would be violated. The court also considers proportionality and whether the offense is properly criminalized in Greece. Counsel helps frame applicable defenses.

How long does an extradition process typically take in Greece?

Timelines vary by case complexity, but initial judicial review often occurs within a few weeks, with hearings possibly extending several months. Complex treaty considerations or appeals can extend the process further.

Do I need a lawyer for an extradition case in Thessaloniki?

Yes. An experienced extradition attorney can ensure proper notification, effective procedural representation, and strategic defenses. Legal counsel is essential for timely access to hearings and evidence review.

What fees should I expect in an extradition case?

Costs include legal fees, court costs, translation services, and potential expert consultations. Fees vary by case complexity and the attorney’s experience; discuss a fixed or hourly rate during a consultation.

Can I challenge an extradition decision in Greece?

Yes, you can appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal in the relevant jurisdiction, and in some cases seek temporary liberty while the appeal is decided. A lawyer will draft the appeal and present supporting evidence.

Where will the extradition hearing take place in Thessaloniki?

Hearings typically take place before the Court of Appeal in Thessaloniki, with participation by prosecutors and defense counsel. The exact venue can depend on the procedural stage and the nature of the request.

Is dual criminality required for extradition from Greece?

In EU-wide EAW matters, dual criminality is generally presumed, but Greece may assess the underlying offense to ensure it is punishable in both states. Your attorney will analyze how this applies to your case.

What is the difference between extradition and deportation?

Extradition involves surrender to another state under a formal legal process for criminal prosecution or punishment. Deportation is an immigration action to remove someone for immigration control reasons, not for criminal prosecution.

How do international treaties affect extradition from Greece?

International treaties can expand or limit surrender rights, specify procedural steps, and adjust which offenses are extraditable. An attorney reviews treaty text to identify applicable exceptions or enhanced protections.

Can I seek asylum while extradition is pending?

Asylum considerations can operate alongside extradition, but they do not automatically block surrender. A lawyer can explore asylum claims and how they interact with ongoing extradition procedures.

5. Additional Resources

• European Arrest Warrant information - European Commission: ec.europa.eu
• Extradition and EAW information in Greece - Hellenic Ministry of Justice: ministryofjustice.gr
• Hellenic Police guidance on international judicial cooperation - Hellenic Police: astynomia.gr
• Greece official government portal for legal and administrative procedures - gov.gr: gov.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Gather all documents related to the case, including the surrender request, warrants, and any court orders. Collect any translations into Greek if required.
2. Consult an experienced extradition lawyer in Thessaloniki for an initial assessment within 7 days of receipt of the request.
3. Request access to all case papers and insist on timely notification of hearings and decisions. Ask for a clear timeline from your attorney.
4. Develop a defense strategy with your lawyer, focusing on grounds for refusal, possible human rights defenses, and treaty-based arguments.
5. Prepare for hearings by gathering witness statements, expert opinions, and any evidence supporting non-extradition or alternative outcomes.
6. Attend all hearings with your counsel and ensure all procedural rights are observed, including the right to counsel and to be informed of proceedings.
7. Monitor the process and engage your lawyer to file timely appeals or applications for stay of surrender if appropriate. Expect updates at key milestones.