Can you press charges on someone in another country?

Asked by: Paige Abbott  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)

It is sometimes possible to sue someone for disputes that occur overseas, but the legal feasibility and process can be complicated and depend on various factors including the nature of the dispute, the jurisdictions involved, the specific laws that apply, and the treaties or agreements between the countries in question ...

Can you file a police report on someone in another country?

To report an international crime, contact your local law enforcement agency. They may ask Interpol to help. Interpol is an intergovernmental agency that helps national police agencies work together to solve international crimes. However, Interpol does not accept crime reports directly from the public.

Can the US prosecute a crime committed in another country?

You can be prosecuted in the United States for some acts committed overseas. You can be prosecuted even if the acts are legal where they happened. The PROTECT Act was passed in 2003.

Can you file a complaint against someone in another country?

Even if the crime you wish to report is international in nature, you should still approach your local police. Investigations and arrests are always carried out by national and local police forces. Our role is to help your national police to communicate with police in other countries to solve international crimes.

Can you be charged from another country?

While criminal law is usually limited to the jurisdiction in which the alleged crime occurred, there are many circumstances in which crimes committed in other countries can be prosecuted in the United States as federal crimes.

Can I press criminal charges against someone? (Criminal Defense Attorney EXPLAINS)

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How to press charges on someone in a different country?

  1. Consult with a Lawyer in Your Home Country.
  2. Find a Local Lawyer in the Country Where the Injury Occurred.
  3. Understand the Applicable Laws.
  4. Determine Jurisdiction.
  5. Gather and Prepare Documentation.
  6. File Your Lawsuit.
  7. Consider the Statute of Limitations.
  8. Prepare for a Possible Settlement.

Does US law apply abroad?

Federal laws are presumed to apply only within the United States, unless Congress clearly provides otherwise. Moreover, the courts will also presume that Congress intends its statutes to be applied in a manner that does not offend international law.

Is it difficult to sue someone in another country?

Determining jurisdiction to sue someone in another country can be a complex process. It involves analyzing various factors such as the defendant's presence or assets within the jurisdiction, the nature of the dispute, and any applicable international laws or treaties.

Can you call the police for someone in another country?

Call the police: If you think your loved one is in danger, call the local police in the country where they are staying. Find out what the police can do to help. Each U.S. embassy and consulate has local emergency numbers on their websites. Give the police as many details as you can about your loved one and their plans.

What to do if someone is harassing you from a different country?

If you're in imminent danger, call the local police, if it's safe to do so. If it isn't safe to do so or you can't access the resources you need, then you should contact International SOS at +1-617-998-0000 or through the Assistance App.

Who prosecutes international crimes?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

Can you sue another country in US court?

American citizens can sue foreign governments in US courts under limited circumstances. This issue is governed by the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Foreign governments are generally immune from suit by US citizens.

Can you be charged in the US for a crime committed in Mexico?

When an individual accused of a crime is extra- dited to the United States, he or she will be tried, and if convicted, sentenced in the jurisdiction where the crime was committed . Mexican authorities often extradite American citizens to the United States .

Can you report someone who is in the country illegally?

If you have evidence of illegal immigration, contact the Department of Homeland Security at 1 866-DHS-2ICE (1 866-347-2423).

What happens if I file a police report on someone?

If there is a known suspect, a witness, workable information or clues left behind by the suspect, the officer(s) will attempt to work the case. If there are no suspects or clues the case will be filed as open. Usually you will not hear from an officer unless new evidence develops.

What crimes get reported to Interpol?

From terrorism and human trafficking to cybercrime and financial fraud, INTERPOL's role is crucial in maintaining global security and justice. Thus, it supports member countries during investigations into such crimes by offering the required training and expertise.

Can you report someone from another country?

Find out how to report an immigration violation. ICE accepts anonymous reports by phone and online. Call 1-866-347-2423, the ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line, to report an immigration violation from the U.S. or Canada. If you are in another country, call 1-802-872-6199.

Can I call someone who is in another country?

To call a phone in another country, dial 011, and then the code for the country you are calling, the area or city code, and the phone number. For example, if you are trying to call someone in Brazil (country code 55), in the city of Rio de Janeiro (city code 21), you would dial 011 - 55 - 21 - XXXX-XXXX.

Can I call 911 for someone across the country?

With few exceptions, 911 calls cannot be transferred to other towns, cities or states. The best option to obtain emergency assistance in a different state, county or city is to dial the 10-digit phone number for law enforcement in the community where assistance is needed.

What happens if you sue someone and they leave the country?

Generally, legal claims can be filed in state courts in the United States against individuals who have left the state and/or country. If the person being sued does not appear in court to defend themselves, they risk receiving a default judgment.

What countries sue the most?

It finds that while the US has the highest number of lawyers per capita, several European countries have higher litigation rates. Germany has the highest rate of lawsuits per 1000 people at 123.2, followed by Sweden and Israel.

What kind of lawyer do I need if I want to sue someone?

Civil litigation lawyers often go to court to represent their clients, including for personal injury claims, contract disputes, and other common civil matters. Likewise, criminal defense attorneys frequently defend their clients in court.

Can you be charged for a crime committed in another country?

Jurisdiction generally lies with the place where the crime was committed although there are some limited exceptions. If you hurt a US citizen, anywhere in the world, the US federal court will claim jurisdiction and the FBI will reach out and grab you IF attempts at extradition have failed.

What are examples of extraterritorial rights?

Extraterritoriality can also be partly applied to physical places. For example, such is the immunity granted to diplomatic missions, military bases of foreign countries, or offices of the United Nations.

Do you have to follow US laws in other countries?

U.S. legal protections are not transferable to other countries. Your rights as an American are not transferable to other countries — you'll be judged by the local laws. For example, you could be arrested in Singapore for jaywalking or littering, or even caned for vandalizing property.