How does extradition from the US work?
The US extradites under bilateral treaties. After an arrest on a foreign request, a federal judge or magistrate holds a hearing and, if the treaty requirements and probable cause are met, certifies the person as extraditable. The Secretary of State then makes the final political decision whether to surrender them.
What is dual criminality in US extradition?
Dual criminality requires that the conduct be a crime in both the US and the requesting country, typically punishable by more than a year. Modern treaties use this dual-criminality approach rather than listing specific offences. If the conduct is not criminal under US law, extradition is generally refused.
What is the rule of specialty?
The rule of specialty means that once extradited, a person can generally only be prosecuted for the specific offences for which extradition was granted, not for other crimes. It is a core treaty protection and can be raised if the requesting state tries to add charges after surrender.
Can I fight extradition from the US?
Yes. You can contest whether the treaty applies, whether dual criminality is satisfied, whether there is probable cause, and whether an exception (such as the political-offence exception) applies. Habeas corpus review is available after certification. Extradition defense is highly specialized and requires experienced counsel.