International Legal Defense Counsel - Our Services

Representing Americans Arrested Abroad

Every month approximately 300 U.S. citizens are arrested on criminal charges in foreign countries. These prisoners frequently report physical and emotional problems which are caused by differences in language, food and culture, as well as a lack of available literature, recreation, outside visits and social aid.

Frequent language problems and lack of understanding of foreign court and legal procedures have led Americans to misunderstand and misinterpret important legal issues and general court proceedings. Reports indicate that foreign counsel often fails to maintain adequate communication with both the client and his or her family.

Although some embassies provide a list of local lawyers to their nationals, there are no guarantees that the lawyers are competent in the required field of law or that they will even be able to communicate in the language of their client. Many reports have been received of attorneys charging exorbitant fees under false pretenses, and then ignoring, abandoning or otherwise victimizing their clients. The families in the United States then discover they have no leverage or recourse in ensuring their loved one received proper representation.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

International Legal Defense Counsel provides numerous important services to Americans who are facing criminal charges in foreign countries, including:

• Act as liaison between you, the client's family or friend, and the client being held on criminal charges in a foreign country.
• Employ competent local counsel and work with them to provide an effective legal defense.
• Travel to the country where the client is being held & organize local support
• Use extra legal methods to secure the client's release from foreign jail.
• Provide legal liaison and lobbying services between the client's family, their congressional representatives, The U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Embassy in the foreign country where the client is being held.
• Utilize the Prison Transfer Treaty to get the client returned to the United States if they have been convicted of a crime and are serving a sentence in a foreign prison.
• Provide legal assistance for employees living and traveling abroad.

If you would like to learn more about how an international criminal defense lawyer at our firm can help you or your family member, please contact us today for your free initial consultation.