Arrest Warrants

Arrest Warrant Defense in Greece

Not every warrant involving Greece is an extradition matter — and which track applies changes your options significantly.

Direct answer: A Greek domestic arrest warrant is issued for conduct within Greece and heard entirely within the Greek court system. A European Arrest Warrant issued by another EU member state, or a traditional extradition request from outside the EU, proceeds instead under Law 3251/2004 or the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure. The Public Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal (Efeteio) is the first point of contact for either an EAW or a traditional extradition request.

The Two Tracks

Domestic vs. EAW-Based Warrants

Greek Domestic Warrant

Issued for conduct within Greece, heard before the ordinary Greek criminal courts.

European Arrest Warrant

EU member state requests proceed under Law 3251/2004, with limited grounds to refuse and no dual criminality check for 32 catalogue offences.

First Response Matters

What happens in the first hours after arrest can materially affect both a domestic case and any parallel EAW proceeding.

Judicial Council Decision

The Judicial Council ultimately decides whether to surrender, following review by the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

How do I know if my warrant is domestic or a European Arrest Warrant?

This should be clarified immediately — it determines which court has jurisdiction and which defenses are realistically available.

Can Greek nationals be surrendered under an EAW?

Yes — Greek nationality is a significant factor considered by the Judicial Council, but Greek nationals can still be surrendered under an EAW for prosecution.

Will I be represented by a Greek-licensed lawyer either way?

Yes — both domestic matters and the Greek side of any EAW case are handled by our network lawyer admitted to practice in Greece.