A waiver of extradition occurs when a defendant who is arrested and held in one state, country, territory, or other jurisdiction voluntarily waives the right to challenge extradition to another state, country, territory, or jurisdiction to be prosecuted or stand trial for a criminal offense in that other state, country, territory, or jurisdiction. If such a defendant waives extradition, he or she will be returned to the requesting jurisdiction without the need for an extradition hearing and the related procedures.
In Ohio, a waiver of extradition means that an individual who has been arrested in Ohio for a crime committed in another state or jurisdiction agrees to voluntarily return to the jurisdiction where the crime was committed without contesting the extradition process. This waiver can significantly expedite the transfer process by eliminating the need for an extradition hearing, which would otherwise determine whether the individual should be legally surrendered to the requesting state. The waiver is typically formalized through a written document in which the defendant acknowledges understanding of the right to contest extradition and chooses to relinquish that right. Once the waiver is signed, Ohio authorities can coordinate with the other jurisdiction to arrange for the transfer of the defendant. It's important to note that, while the waiver simplifies the process, the defendant should still consult with an attorney to understand the legal implications of waiving extradition rights.