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    As a former Deputy Public Defender in Riverside County, Mr. Donath has always been on the defense side of the law. 

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    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

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Do Not Flee to Mexico to Avoid Criminal Prosecution

Posted in General FAQ'S on December 11, 2015

If you are being investigated for or are charged with a criminal act, fleeing the country is never a good idea. This is true even if you manage to find a country that doesn’t have a working extradition agreement with the US, and you have the means to get there undetected. You can never come back to the US again, and you may face prosecution under some other country’s laws, which may be twice as harsh as serving time in the US.

Mexico Extradites Criminals!

Many people think if they can just get across the border into Mexico, they are free. It’s not true. Mexico is no safe haven for criminals. In fact, the country has a standing extradition treaty with the US that has been active since the 1970s. The movies lied, and the world isn’t the same technology-free place it once was. Even if you do make it across the border, intel gathered from border control could tip off US Marshalls. And, if you do manage to get hundreds of miles into Mexico, a simple Tweet or email back to the states could give you away (that actually happened to one woman in 2013).

Cases in Point

Dozens of criminals are extradited from Mexico to face prosecution in the US every year. You may remember the two criminals who plotted and escaped from a high security prison in New York early in 2015. They had a plan to get to Mexico and escape from the criminal justice system in America. One lost his life in a standoff with police and another was sent to a hospital before heading back to prison.

In September 2015, 13 of Mexico’s own worst criminals were extradited to the US to face prosecution for serious drug-related crimes. El Chapo, the country’s famous drug cartel criminal, escaped from a secure Mexican prison in July. If he ever surfaces, he too will face extradition and charges in the US.

The severity of the crime and the current resources the US Marshalls have to track criminals play a role for those who are caught, but fleeing from charges will only enhance the prosecution’s case for guilt. The chances of slipping through the cracks are slim, and countries that don’t have standing extradition agreements may also choose to deport criminals who are unwelcome guests.

What to Do Instead

If you are facing criminal charges and you know you could face harsh sentencing, your battle isn’t over. Committing a crime usually isn’t the black and white case law enforcement, investigators, and prosecutors want you to believe. You still have rights, and there may be evidence to exonerate you from some of the charges or to help reduce the sentencing you face.

However, you can only take advantage of these remedies if you choose to stay and secure the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Fleeing from law enforcement could compound your charges and sentencing. Whether you run to the next alleyway or try to make it across the border, the prosecution will consider it an act of evasion, which is punishable under the law.

Always cooperate with law enforcement officers, regardless of guilt or innocence, and use your right to remain silent until you have an opportunity to speak with an attorney. At Graham Donath Law Offices APC, we understand California criminal laws and have experience representing people from all walks of life. We will secure the best possible outcome in your case and work around the clock on your behalf. For more information about criminal defense, or if you know someone who has tried to flee from a conviction, please give our team a call today.