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1992-10-13
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LEGAL TIPS
Obey Foreign Laws
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its
law. Learn about local laws an regulations and obey them.
Avoid areas of unrest and disturbance. Deal only with
authorized outlets when exchanging money or buying airline
tickets and travelers checks. Do not deliver a package for
anyone unless you know the person well and are certain the
package does not contain drugs or contraband. Before you sell
personal effects such as clothing, cameras, or jewelry,
learn the local regulations regarding such sales. Adhere
strictly to local laws because the penalties you risk are
severe.
Some countries are particularly sensitive about
photographs. In general, refrain from photographing police
and military installations and personnel; industrial
structures including harbor, rail, and airport facilities;
border areas; and scenes of civil disorder or other public
disturbance. Taking such photographs may result in your
detention, in the confiscation of your camera and films, and
the imposition of fines. For information on photography
restrictions, check with the country's tourist office or its
embassy or consulate in the United States. Once abroad, check
with local authorities or at the Consular Section of the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Drug Arrests
About 3000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of
these, approximately one-third are held on drug charges.
Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions are
still a common occurrence. Many countries have stiff
penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws.
You are subject to foreign, not U.S. laws overseas, and you
will find, if arrested, that;
.. Few countries provide a jury trial.
.. Most countries do not accept bail.
.. Pretrial detention, often in solitary confinement, may
last months.
.. Prisons may lack even minimal comforts - bed, toilet,
wash basin.
.. Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from
relatives and friends.
.. Officials may not speak English.
.. Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property,
degrading or inhumane treatment, and extortion are
possible.
If you are convicted, you face a possible sentence of:
.. 2 to 10 years in many countries.
.. A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some
countries.
.. The death penalty in some countries.
Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas, It can
spoil more than your vacation. It can ruin your life!
Legal Aid
Because you are subject to local law abroad, there is
little that a U.S. consul can do for you if you encounter
legal difficulties. For example, a consular officer cannot
get you out of jail. What American officials can do is
limited by both foreign and U.S. laws. The U.S. Government
has neither funds nor authority to pay your legal fees or
related expenses.
Although U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys
or give legal advice, they can provide a list of local
attorneys and help you find adequate legal representation.
The list of attorneys are carefully compiled from local bar
association lists and responses to questionnaires, but
neither the Department of State nor U.S. embassies or
consulates abroad can assume responsibility for the caliber,
competence, or professional integrity of the attorneys.
If you are arrested, ask the authorities to notify a
consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Under international agreements and practice, you have the
right to talk to the U.S. consul. If you are denied this
right, be persistent and try and have someone get in touch
for you.
When alerted, U.S. officials will visit you, advise you of
your rights according to local laws, and contact your family
and friends if you wish. They will do whatever they can to
protect your legitimate interests and to ensure you are not
discriminated against under local law. Consuls can transfer
money, food, and clothing to the prison authorities from your
family or friends. They will try to get relief if you are
held under inhumane or unhealthy conditions or treated less
favorably than others in the same situation.
******