Why do I need a local lawyer if I have a lawyer in my home country?

• You need a lawyer who knows the law of the country of arrest as the applicable law is the law of that country and not the law of your home country.
   
• You need a lawyer who is authorised to represent you in the country of your arrest.
   
• Similarly, your lawyer needs to be familiar with the way proceedings are conducted in the country of arrest as you will face trial in the country of arrest rather than in your home country.
   
• If you face extradition to a different country, whether for prosecution or to serve a prison sentence, you will normally need two lawyers: one in the country seeking your extradition and one in the country of arrest.

This is not a substitute for legal advice and, because every case is different and legal systems around the world vary so much, we cannot guarantee that the answers will be applicable to your own case. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a lawyer qualified in the jurisdiction where you are being prosecuted.

The information contained in this document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, Fair Trials International makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or applicability to individual cases of the information contained in this leaflet. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk. Fair Trials International disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of the information provided.

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