Extradition lawyer in Germany – arrested at Frankfurt Airport or on a European Arrest Warrant

Immediate help if you are arrested on an extradition warrant in Germany

Extradition proceedings are stressful and confusing – especially in a foreign country. From the first minute, it is crucial that you do not make statements to the police, prosecution or foreign authorities without speaking to a defence lawyer.

Recent case example: Frankfurt Higher Regional Court lifts provisional extradition detention

This case is a recent example of Buchert Jacob Peter’s work in cross-border criminal matters. In extradition proceedings in which Attorney Dr Caroline Jacob acted for the person concerned, the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court lifted the provisional extradition detention order by decision of 20 March 2026 (OLG Frankfurt am Main – 1 OAusl 21/26, 2 AuslA 49/26).

The court held that, before expiry of the 40-day period under Article 16(4) of the European Convention on Extradition, there was no longer sufficient time for a careful judicial review. The extradition materials had reached the court only shortly before the deadline, were extensive, and were in part difficult to assess because sections of the German translation were unclear and the factual allegations were more complex than in the earlier arrest basis.

In the present case, Attorney Dr Caroline Jacob had already applied for the lifting of provisional extradition detention after the extradition documents were still not available by the 18th day. This argument became even more persuasive as the 40-day period approached, and the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court ultimately followed that submission.

The decision is noteworthy because it shows that provisional extradition detention does not continue automatically merely because documents arrive before the formal deadline. The court must still have enough time to examine the request properly and without unreasonable pressure. The case also illustrates how extradition procedure, detention issues and underlying tax-related allegations can intersect in international criminal matters.

Your contacts in criminal law and partners at the law firm of Buchert Jacob Peter Rechtsanwälte

• We contact you or your relative in detention and clarify the situation.
• We obtain access to the German case file and the extradition documents.
• We check the formal and substantive requirements under German extradition law (IRG).
• We examine whether detention can be suspended or conditions can be relaxed.
• We communicate with your lawyers abroad and with your family.

In urgent cases you can reach us by phone at +49 69 710 33 330 or by e-mail at kanzlei@dr-buchert.de. On our emergency page for arrests you will find further information: English-speaking criminal lawyer in Frankfurt.

Typical extradition scenarios in practice

In our day-to-day work, we regularly see the following constellations:

• Arrest at Frankfurt Airport in transit or upon entry into Germany because of a European Arrest Warrant.
• Arrest in another German city while travelling or working in Germany, followed by transfer to a prison near Frankfurt.
• Extradition request for alleged fraud, tax offences, corruption, drug trafficking or cybercrime.
• Requests from EU Member States, the UK, the USA and other non-EU countries.
• Parallel investigations for confiscation of assets or money laundering.

Each case is different. The decisive questions are always: Is extradition allowed under German law? Are there obstacles (for example human rights concerns, speciality, risk of disproportionate punishment) that Germany must take into account?

Extradition detention and your rights under German law (IRG)

Extradition detention is a serious interference with your liberty. German extradition law (IRG) and the German Constitution guarantee minimum standards – but you must actively assert your rights. We advise you on issues such as:

• Arrest warrant for extradition and the legal basis for detention.
• Possibilities of suspension of detention or less restrictive measures.
• Deadlines and steps in the extradition procedure.
• Communication with your family abroad and consular authorities.

For more detailed background information you can consult our in-depth legal guides: Extradition under German law (IRG) and Pre-trial detention in Germany.

Also check out our guide at the Downloads section.

European Arrest Warrant and Interpol Red Notices

Many arrests in Germany are based on a European Arrest Warrant or an Interpol Red Notice. We analyse:

• Whether the warrant meets the formal requirements.
• Whether the alleged offence can also be prosecuted under German law (double criminality).
• Whether there are obstacles to extradition (for example risk of inhuman or degrading treatment, political offences, risk of unfair trial).
• Whether the speciality principle must be safeguarded – that is, that you may only be prosecuted for those offences for which you were extradited.

On the speciality principle you will find a separate article in our legal dictionary: Speciality in extradition law.

How we defend you in extradition proceedings

As a specialised criminal defence boutique we combine many years of experience in serious criminal cases with in-depth knowledge of extradition law. Our work in extradition proceedings typically includes:

• Comprehensive analysis of the extradition documents and the underlying allegations.
• Development of a defence strategy together with you and – if available – your lawyers in the requesting state.
• Submissions to the prosecution and the Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht).
• Applications for suspension or relaxation of detention.
• Protection of your rights in parallel criminal proceedings, for example for tax offences, fraud or drug crimes. Here we cooperate closely with our colleagues from white-collar crime defence and general criminal defence.

Why Frankfurt and Frankfurt Airport are special

Frankfurt am Main is one of the central hubs of international air traffic and financial services in Europe. The local prosecution services and courts have extensive experience with cross-border criminal and extradition cases. Because of Frankfurt Airport, many extradition arrests take place here – even if the actual case has no direct link to Germany.

Our law firm is located in Frankfurt and has been working in criminal defence and extradition-related matters for many years. Thanks to our focus on international cases and our English-language services, we are very familiar with the needs of foreign clients, their families and their lawyers abroad.

FAQ – Extradition & Frankfurt Airport

What should I do if I am arrested at Frankfurt Airport on an extradition warrant?

You should stay calm, avoid making any statements about the allegations and insist on speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to contact an English-speaking criminal defence lawyer in Germany. Do not sign documents you do not understand. We can contact you in detention, obtain the German case file and explain the next steps in clear language.

Do I have to talk to the German police or the public prosecutor about the allegations?

No. You have the right to remain silent. In extradition proceedings, it is usually unhelpful to explain or justify yourself without first seeing the file. We will check the extradition request, the arrest warrant and the legal basis and then decide together whether and how you should make a statement.

How long can extradition detention last in Germany?

There is no fixed maximum period in months, but detention must always be proportionate and regularly reviewed. The authorities must process the case with particular speed. We monitor the time limits, apply for a review of detention and examine whether release under conditions is possible in your case.

Can I be extradited if I fear unfair trial or inhuman prison conditions in the requesting state?

Germany must respect fundamental and human rights. If there is a real risk of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or a flagrantly unfair trial, extradition may be refused. We collect and present relevant information – for example reports on prison conditions or the justice system – and argue these points before the court.

Is there a possibility to be released from extradition detention?

Yes, in some cases extradition detention can be suspended or replaced by less severe measures, for example reporting duties, surrender of travel documents or bail. Whether this is realistic depends on your ties to Germany, the seriousness of the allegations and the risk of flight. We will explain your options and submit the necessary applications.

Will my family or my consulate be informed about my arrest?

As a foreign national you generally have the right to contact your consulate. We help you exercise this right and, if you wish, inform your family. With your consent we also coordinate with your lawyers in the requesting state so that the defence strategy is consistent on both sides.

Do I need my own lawyer if I already have a lawyer in the requesting state?

Yes. Your lawyer in the requesting state cannot represent you before the German courts. You need a lawyer admitted in Germany who is familiar with extradition law (IRG) and German criminal procedure. At the same time, we can work closely with your foreign lawyer so that your defence is coordinated internationally.

How long does an extradition procedure in Germany usually take?

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, the speed of the foreign authorities and any obstacles to extradition. Some procedures are concluded within a few weeks, others take several months. We keep you informed about each step, challenge delays where possible and always keep an eye on the proportionality of detention.

Contact our English-speaking extradition lawyers in Frankfurt

If you or a relative are affected by extradition proceedings or extradition detention in Germany, you should act quickly. We are happy to advise you and take over your defence.

Contact us by phone at +49 69 710 33 330 or by e-mail at kanzlei@dr-buchert.de. You can also find further general information on our pages Criminal defence in Frankfurt and German criminal procedure.

Your lawyers:

• Dr. Caroline Jacob, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law
• Frank M. Peter, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law
• Prof. Dr. Frank Peter Schuster, Of Counsel
• Tax advisor and former tax investigator Frank Wehrheim, cooperation partner

Our law firm Buchert Jacob Peter has been working in Frankfurt am Main for more than 25 years with experienced criminal defence lawyers. We represent our clients throughout Germany.