Legal Question in Criminal Law in Mexico

Jurisdiction/Place: International - Mexico

Hello:

I found your site on the internet while doing research on behalf of a friend who has a legal issue in Mexico and asked me to help him get some basic answers to questions regarding his status.

Here is the situation:

A couple of weeks ago he was arrested at the Mexico City airport (when changing planes on his way to Panama for a coin conference) for improper declaration of some gold coins he was carrying. He is certain he filled out the declaration form correctly (as he had when he departed the US) stating that he carrying commodity items, as the coins have no numeristic value, just bullion.

He spent several days in jail and was then transferred to the immigration detention center at which time bail ($700) was set and posted. He was released with all his possessions, including passport, EXCEPT the gold coins he was arrested with and is now staying in a hotel working on what he called his "declaration", which must be presented to a judge within 5 days. He is getting conflicting legal advise on several matters. He needs a clarification on on the following:

One attorney said that if he were to come back to the US before the case is settled and forfeit his coins, the US and Mexican governments have agreements that would result in US authorities arresting me and handing me back to the Mexican authorities.

If you could help with this question, it would be much appreciated.

Best regards,

Bill Toll

1 Answer from Attorneys

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