What NYC Crimes Will the US Extradite For?

Keeping up with constantly changing local laws and government procedures can be challenging, and if you’re accused of a crime, it’s especially important to understand the extradition process and its requirements. You might be wondering: What NYC crimes will the U.S. extradite for in 2025? To answer that, it’s important to understand which crimes are considered serious enough for extradition under U.S. law and international treaties.

Crimes That Can Lead to Extradition in the U.S.

The U.S. typically seeks extradition for serious offenses, particularly those classified as felonies. These crimes generally hold severe penalties such as long prison sentences and large fines.

Whether an individual can be extradited depends on the type of crime, the location of the accused, and whether the offense is covered by an extradition treaty or agreement. In just the first quarter of 2025, the NYPD reported a total of 26,253 crimes across NYC’s boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), many of which fall into serious categories that can potentially lead to extradition.
Common categories of crimes that can lead to extradition include the following:

• Violent Crimes. Murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, and aggravated assault
• Drug Offenses. Drug trafficking, manufacturing, distribution, and smuggling
• White-Collar and Financial Crimes. Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion, and identity theft
• Cybercrimes. Hacking, unauthorized access to data, online financial fraud, and the distribution of malware
• Terrorism and National Security Offenses. Acts of terrorism, espionage, and treason
• Organized Crime and Racketeering. Conspiracy under the RICO Act, human trafficking, and participation in criminal enterprises

It is important to note that the crime must usually meet the dual criminality standard. The dual criminality standard is that the criminal act is illegal in both the U.S. and the state or country involved.

If you are facing extradition, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with criminal defense extradition to help protect your rights during the process.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

With the high level of complexity and serious consequences associated with extradition cases, it is essential to partner with a lawyer who can guide you through the process. A defense lawyer can help you understand the essential details of your case, including the penalties you are facing, relevant treaty terms, how a foreign court operates, and more.

A NYC criminal defense lawyer can help to review the legality surrounding the extradition request and check if the request meets constitutional and treaty requirements. They can challenge the extradition in court, arguing that the charges are potentially politically motivated, that the crime doesn’t meet the dual criminality standard, or perhaps that their clients’ rights were violated.

Throughout the legal process, a lawyer works to ensure that your constitutional rights are protected through each part of the process, including detention, hearings, and any other extradition-related negotiations and proceedings. They can negotiate on your behalf, advocating for a case dismissal or reduced charges. Throughout this legal battle, it is your prerogative to have the legal backing that can help you towards a favorable result.

Why You Should Choose Criminal Defense Attorney Jonathan Savella

While you have many options when choosing a criminal defense lawyer in New York City, Jonathan Savella stands apart. With vast experience in NYC appellate courts, federal district court clerkships, and years in private practice, he brings the knowledge and focus your case needs. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges, our legal team is ready to fight for you and guide you through each step of the legal process.

FAQs

Q: What Crimes Will the U.S. Extradite For?

A: To justify extradition in the U.S., a crime must generally be classified as a felony. A felony is a serious crime, more severe than a misdemeanor, and can result in long periods in prison, large fines, and a loss of certain rights. An example of a felony that may lead to extradition is murder, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Other factors, such as treaty terms between countries and specific country laws, can impact whether extradition is pursued.

Q: Does New York Extradite?

A: Yes, New York can request the extradition of individuals who have committed crimes in the state but then fled to another state or another country. Within the United States, states are required to cooperate (this process is called rendition) if there is sufficient evidence and return the fugitives to New York. If the individual flees to another country, the federal government will step in, usually the DOJ and the U.S. Department of State, to handle extradition requests.

Q: What Does “Dual Criminality” Mean in Extradition?

A: Dual criminality in extradition means that the crime committed by the accused is considered a crime in both the country that is requesting the extradition and the country where the person is found or has fled. Dual criminality is a common rule in most extradition treaties worldwide and aims to protect people from being sent to a country for something that is not considered a crime where they currently live.

Q: What Countries Extradite to the U.S.?

A: The United States has extradition treaties with over 100 countries around the world. These countries include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and many more. Typically, treaties will list specific crimes that qualify for extradition. Dual criminality is a requirement for a successful extradition, which means that the crime is considered illegal in both countries.

Q: Can You Face Extradition for a Minor Offense?

A: Usually, no, you will not face extradition for a minor offense or a misdemeanor. Extradition is reserved for serious crimes or felonies such as drug trafficking and major fraud. There may be a case for an exception if the minor offense is part of a bigger case and multiple offenses are connected to a serious crime, but unless there are extenuating circumstances, a minor offense will not lead to extradition.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Facing the possibility of extradition, whether across state lines or internationally, can be overwhelming, especially with complex legal procedures and serious consequences at stake. A skilled NYC criminal defense lawyer with experience in extradition cases can help you understand your rights, create a solid defense strategy, and navigate each step of the process.

Don’t face these charges all on your own. Reach out to the Law Office of Jonathan Savella today to set up an initial consultation.