The Extradition Act governs the extradition process by which Canada may extradite a person to another state to be tried, serve a sentence, or answer for one or more offences. Any extradition request generally begins through diplomatic channels, often under a bilateral treaty.

An extradition request must be submitted by the requesting state, accompanied by a statement of facts and evidence. After the provisional arrest of the person sought, a hearing is held before a judge. As a last resort, the Minister of Justice—also acting as Attorney General of Canada—decides whether or not to authorize the extradition

Throughout the criminal extradition proceedings, you have the right to:

• Be represented by a lawyer
• Have a fair hearing
• Challenge the evidence presented in support of a request
• Appeal or seek judicial review if your rights have been violated.

Extradition in Canada complies with the legal obligations set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the laws in force, including those of the Department of Justice Canada.

The length of time varies depending on the complexity of the case and the remedies sought. An extradition request can be processed in a few months, but it is not uncommon for an extradition proceeding to take a year or more, especially in cases involving appeals, contested release, or constitutional issues.

Yes. Provisional arrest is often required at the request of the requesting state, under an extradition treaty. However, the person sought may apply for bail. This decision is made by a judge, who assesses the risk of flight, the state of health, and the danger to society.

The main grounds for contesting extradition are as follows:

• The offence does not exist under Canadian law.
• The prosecution is politically motivated.
• The evidence is insufficient or questionable.
• Extradition would violate fundamental human rights (for example, if there is a risk of torture or inhuman treatment in the requested country).

An experienced extradition lawyer can analyze the procedural steps and develop an effective defence.

Yes. You can:

• Appeal the court’s decision,
• Challenge the decision of the Minister of Justice before the Federal Court by means of a judicial review.

These appeals are subject to strict deadlines (often 30 days from the date of the judgment). It is therefore crucial to act quickly with the assistance of a specialized lawyer.

A lawyer who is an expert in criminal law and extradition proceedings will:

• Analyzes the validity of the extradition request,
• Verifies compliance with the law of the requested state and the applicable extradition treaty,
• prepares your defence for the hearing,
• assists you in obtaining release or in appeals before the courts.

The Department of Justice, the Minister of Justice, and the Attorney General all play a central role in the enforcement of a sentence or in the decision to surrender the person sought.

Yes. Steven Slimovitch is available 24/7 for urgent criminal matters. If you are arrested or charged, you can call at any time to receive immediate legal assistance. Acting quickly can be critical to protecting your rights.

Absolutely. Steven Slimovitch can act on your behalf right away. Having a lawyer present from the earliest stage helps ensure that your rights are respected and can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Not necessarily. In urgent cases, initial consultations can often be done over the phone or by videoconference. Steven Slimovitch will work with you to find the fastest, most efficient way to begin your defence.

Immediately. Upon your first contact, Steven Slimovitch will start assessing your situation and advising you on the next steps to take. Early intervention often makes a major difference in criminal matters.

Yes. Although based in Montreal, Steven Slimovitch regularly represents clients across Quebec and can discuss handling cases elsewhere depending on the circumstances.