Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

While all U.S. states have the legal authority to extradite offenders, some states often choose not to pursue extradition for misdemeanor crimes. Extradition is a costly process that involves transporting and processing defendants across state lines. For this reason, certain states limit extradition to serious felonies or violent offenses. Although there are no official “non-extradition states,” a few states rarely extradite for minor misdemeanors due to cost, distance, or low public safety risk.

Understanding Extradition

Extradition occurs when one state requests another to return a person who has been charged or convicted of a crime. Under federal law, states must generally comply with extradition requests, but they retain discretion in misdemeanor cases. For minor crimes, many states decline to extradite if the offense is not worth the expense or effort to pursue.

• Extradition is required for most felony charges
• States may refuse to extradite for minor misdemeanors
• Each case depends on the crime, cost, and jurisdiction

States That Commonly Decline Extradition For Misdemeanors

While policies vary, a few states are known for rarely extraditing individuals on misdemeanor charges unless the case involves violence or public safety concerns. These states often weigh distance, severity, and resources before deciding to proceed.

• Florida – Often declines to extradite for non-violent misdemeanors, particularly from distant states.
• Alaska – Due to geographic isolation and cost, Alaska rarely extradites for minor or non-violent misdemeanors.
• Hawaii – Similar to Alaska, Hawaii’s distance makes extradition for minor crimes uncommon.

Other states may also decline to extradite for lesser offenses if the defendant poses no ongoing threat or the charge involves minor property, traffic, or public order violations.

Why Some States Avoid Misdemeanor Extradition

The primary reason states refuse misdemeanor extradition is cost. Extradition involves travel expenses, law enforcement coordination, and legal processing that can exceed the value of the case. In many situations, prosecutors decide it’s not worth pursuing unless the defendant faces additional or more serious charges.

• High transportation and custody costs
• Limited public safety risk from minor crimes
• Focus on major or violent offenses
• Lack of manpower for distant extraditions

Exceptions To Non-Extradition Policies

Even in states that rarely extradite for misdemeanors, exceptions exist. If a misdemeanor involves violence, weapons, domestic abuse, or repeat offenses, the state may still request extradition. Judges and prosecutors have discretion to decide on a case-by-case basis.

• Domestic violence or protective order violations
• DUI or drug-related offenses with a prior history
• Crimes against law enforcement or government property
• Cases involving multiple jurisdictions or ongoing investigations

Warrants And Travel Risks

Even if a state chooses not to extradite for a misdemeanor, the warrant remains active. This means you can still be arrested and held if stopped by law enforcement, especially when traveling through or returning to the original state that issued the warrant.

• Warrants remain valid nationwide until resolved
• You can be detained and transferred if nearby states cooperate
• Failure to clear warrants can affect future travel or employment

How To Handle An Out-Of-State Misdemeanor Warrant

If you have an out-of-state warrant for a misdemeanor, it is best to contact an attorney in the jurisdiction where the charge originated. Legal counsel can verify whether extradition is likely and help negotiate a voluntary resolution before an arrest occurs.

• Check court records or warrant databases for active cases
• Contact a defense attorney in the issuing state
• Arrange voluntary surrender or remote appearance if possible
• Avoid traveling until the warrant is cleared