UNIFORM CRIMINAL EXTRADITION LAW

RSA tit. LIX, ch. 612

in effect

RSA 612:1 Definitions.

612:1. Definitions. Where appearing in this chapter, the term "governor" includes any person performing the functions of governor by authority of the law of this state. The term "executive authority" includes the governor, and any person performing the functions of governor in a state other than this state. The term "state," referring to a state other than this state, includes any other state or territory, organized or unorganized, of the United States of America. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:1.

RSA 612:2 Fugitives From Justice; Duty of Governor.

612:2. Fugitives From Justice; Duty of Governor. Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the provisions of the Constitution of the United States controlling, and any and all acts of Congress enacted in pursuance thereof, it is the duty of the governor of this state to have arrested and delivered up to the executive authority of any other state of the United States any person charged in that state with treason, felony, or other crime, who has fled from justice and is found in this state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:2.

RSA 612:3 Form of Demand.

612:3. Form of Demand. No demand for the extradition of a person charged with a crime in another state shall be recognized by the governor, unless in writing alleging, except in cases arising under RSA 612:6, that the accused was present in the demanding state at the time of the commission of the alleged crime and that thereafter he fled from the state, and accompanied by a copy of an indictment found, by information supported by affidavit in the state having jurisdiction of the crime, by a copy of an affidavit made before a magistrate there, together with a copy of any warrant which was issued thereupon, or by a copy of a judgment of conviction or of a sentence imposed in execution thereof, together with a statement by the executive authority of the demanding state that the person claimed has escaped from confinement or has broken the terms of his bail, probation, or parole. The indictment, information, or affidavit made before the magistrate must substantially charge the person demanded with having committed a crime under the law of that state, and the copy of indictment, information, affidavit, judgment of conviction, or sentence must be authenticated by the executive authority making the demand. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:3.

RSA 612:4 Governor May Investigate Case.

612:4. Governor May Investigate Case. When a demand shall be made upon the governor of this state by the executive authority of another state for the surrender of a person so charged with a crime, the governor may call upon the attorney general or any prosecuting officer in this state to investigate or assist in investigating the demand, and to report to him the situation and circumstances of the person so demanded and whether he ought to be surrendered. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:4.

RSA 612:5 Extradition of Persons Imprisoned or Awaiting Trial in Another State or Who Have Left the Demanding State Under Compulsion.

612:5. Extradition of Persons Imprisoned or Awaiting Trial in Another State or Who Have Left the Demanding State Under Compulsion. When it is desired to have returned to this state a person charged in this state with a crime, and such person is imprisoned or is held under criminal proceedings then pending against him in another state, the governor of this state may agree with the executive authority of such other state for the extradition of such person before the conclusion of such proceedings or of his term of sentence in such other state, upon condition that such person be returned to such other state at the expense of this state as soon as the prosecution in this state is terminated. The governor of this state may also surrender, on demand of the executive authority of any other state, any person in this state who is charged in the manner provided in RSA 612:23 with having violated the laws of the state whose executive authority is making the demand, even though such person left the demanding state involuntarily. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:5.

RSA 612:5-a Violation of Terms of Release; Presigned Waiver of Extradition.

612:5-a. Violation of Terms of Release; Presigned Waiver of Extradition. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a law enforcement agency shall deliver a person in custody to the accredited agent or agents of a demanding state without the governor's warrant provided that: I. Such person is alleged to have broken the terms of his probation, parole, bail or any other release of the demanding state; and II. The law enforcement agency has received from the demanding state an authenticated copy of a prior waiver of extradition signed by such person as a term of his probation, parole, bail or any other release of the demanding state. The copy shall contain photographs, fingerprints or other evidence properly identifying such person as the person who signed the waiver. Source. 1993, 121:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.

RSA 612:6 Extradition of Persons Not Present in Demanding State at Time of Commission of Crime.

612:6. Extradition of Persons Not Present in Demanding State at Time of Commission of Crime. The governor of this state may also surrender, on demand of the executive authority of any other state, any person in this state charged in such other state in the manner provided in RSA 612:3 with committing an act in this state or in a third state, intentionally resulting in a crime in the state whose executive authority is making the demand, and the provisions of this chapter not otherwise inconsistent shall apply to such cases, even though the accused was not in that state at the time of the commission of the crime and has not fled therefrom. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:6.

RSA 612:7 Issue of Governor's Warrant of Arrest; Its Recitals.

612:7. Issue of Governor's Warrant of Arrest; Its Recitals. If the governor decides that the demand should be complied with, he shall sign a warrant of arrest, which shall be sealed with the state seal and shall be directed to any peace officer or other person whom he may think fit to entrust with the execution thereof. The warrant must substantially recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:7.

RSA 612:8 Manner and Place of Execution.

612:8. Manner and Place of Execution. The warrant issued pursuant to RSA 612:7 shall authorize the peace officer or other person to whom it is directed to arrest the accused at any time and any place where he may be found within the state, to command the aid of all peace officers or other persons in the execution of the warrant, and to deliver the accused, subject to the provisions hereof, to the duly authorized agent of the demanding state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:8.

RSA 612:9 Authority of Arresting Officer.

612:9. Authority of Arresting Officer. Every peace officer or other person empowered to make an arrest pursuant to RSA 612:8 shall have the same authority to command assistance in arresting the accused as peace officers have by law in the execution of any criminal process directed to them, with like penalties against those who refuse their assistance. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:9.

RSA 612:10 Rights of Accused Person; Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus.

612:10. Rights of Accused Person; Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus. No person arrested upon a warrant issued pursuant to RSA 612:7 shall be delivered over to the agent whom the executive authority demanding him shall have appointed to receive him unless he shall first be taken forthwith before a judge of a court of record in this state, who shall inform him of the demand made for his surrender and of the crime with which he is charged, and that he has the right to demand and procure legal counsel. If the prisoner or his counsel shall state that he or they desire to test the legality of his arrest, the judge of such court of record shall fix a reasonable time to be allowed him within which to apply for a writ of habeas corpus. When such writ is applied for, notice thereof, and of the time and place of hearing thereon, shall be given to the prosecuting officer of the county in which the arrest is made and in which the accused is in custody, and to the agent of the demanding state. Pending the outcome of such hearing, the accused shall be held in custody without bail, and, following such hearing, if the court denies the application for writ of habeas corpus, he shall continue to be so held until delivery to the agent of the demanding state. If after a reasonable time the agents of the demanding state have not taken custody of the accused, the accused shall be allowed to apply to the superior court for review of his custody status. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:10. RSA 612:10. 1993, 121:2, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.

RSA 612:11 Penalty for Noncompliance With Preceding Section.

612:11. Penalty for Noncompliance With Preceding Section. Any officer who shall deliver to the agent for extradition of the demanding state a person in his custody under the governor's warrant in wilful disobedience to RSA 612:10 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Source. 1973, 70:1. RL 437:11. RSA 612:11. 1973, 528:318, eff. at 11:59 P.M., Oct. 31, 1973.

RSA 612:12 Confinement in Jail When Necessary.

612:12. Confinement in Jail When Necessary. The officer or person executing the governor's warrant of arrest, or the agent of the demanding state to whom the prisoner has been delivered, may, when necessary, confine the prisoner in the jail of any county or city through which he may pass, and the keeper of such jail must receive and safely keep the prisoner until the officer or person having charge of him is ready to proceed on his route, such officer or person being chargeable with the expense of keeping. The officer or agent of a demanding state to whom a prisoner has been delivered following extradition proceedings in another state, or to whom a prisoner has been delivered after waiving extradition in such other state, and who is passing through this state with the prisoner for the purpose of immediately returning such prisoner to the demanding state may, when necessary, confine the prisoner in the jail of any county or city through which he may pass, and the keeper of such jail must receive and safely keep the prisoner until the officer or agent having charge of him is ready to proceed on his route, such officer or agent, however, being chargeable with the expense of keeping; provided, however, that such officer or agent shall produce and show to the keeper of such jail satisfactory written evidence of the fact that he is actually transporting such prisoner to the demanding state after a requisition by the executive authority of such demanding state. Such prisoner shall not be entitled to demand a new requisition while in this state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:12.

RSA 612:13 Arrest Prior to Requisition.

612:13. Arrest Prior to Requisition. Whenever any person within this state shall be charged on the oath of any credible person before any judge or magistrate of this state with the commission of any crime in any other state and, except in cases arising under RSA 612:6, with having fled from justice, or with having been convicted of a crime in that state and having escaped from confinement or having broken the terms of his bail, probation, or parole, or whenever complaint shall have been made before any judge or magistrate in this state setting forth on the affidavit of any credible person in another state that a crime has been committed in such other state and that the accused has been charged in such state with the commission of the crime, and, except in cases arising under RSA 612:6, has fled from justice, or has been convicted of a crime in that state and has escaped from confinement, or has broken the terms of his bail, probation, or parole, and is believed to be in this state, the judge or magistrate shall issue a warrant directed to any peace officer commanding him to apprehend the person named therein, wherever he may be found in this state, and to bring him before the same or any other judge, magistrate, or court who or which may be available in or convenient of access to the place where the arrest is made, to answer the charge or complaint and affidavit, and a certified copy of the sworn charge or complaint and affidavit upon which the warrant is issued shall be attached to the warrant. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:13.

RSA 612:14 Arrest Without a Warrant.

612:14. Arrest Without a Warrant. The arrest of a person may be lawfully made also by any peace officer or a private person without a warrant upon reasonable information that the accused stands charged in the courts of a state with a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, but when so arrested the accused must be taken before a judge or magistrate with all practicable speed, and complaint must be made against him, under oath, setting forth the ground for the arrest as in RSA 612:13, and, thereafter, his answer shall be heard as if he had been arrested on a warrant. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:14.

RSA 612:15 Commitment to Await Requisition; Bail.

612:15. Commitment to Await Requisition; Bail. If from the examination before the judge or magistrate it appears that the person held is the person charged with having committed the crime alleged and, except in cases arising under RSA 612:6, that he has fled from justice, the judge or magistrate must, by a warrant reciting the accusation, commit him to the county jail for such a time, not exceeding 30 days and specified in the warrant, as will enable the arrest of the accused to be made under a warrant of the governor on a requisition of the executive authority of the state having jurisdiction of the offense, unless the accused gives bail as provided in RSA 612:16, or until he shall be legally discharged. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:15.

RSA 612:16 Bail; In What Cases; Conditions of Bond.

612:16. Bail; In What Cases; Conditions of Bond. Unless the offense with which the prisoner is charged is shown to be an offense punishable by death or life imprisonment under the laws of the state in which it was committed, a judge or magistrate in this state may admit the person arrested to bail by bond, with sufficient sureties in such sum as he deems proper, conditioned for his appearance before the judge or magistrate at a time specified in such bond, and for his surrender, to be arrested upon the warrant of the governor of this state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:16.

RSA 612:17 Extension of Time of Commitment, Adjournment.

612:17. Extension of Time of Commitment, Adjournment. If the accused is not arrested under warrant of the governor by the expiration of the time specified in the warrant or bond, a judge or magistrate may discharge him or may recommit him for a further period, not to exceed 60 days, or a judge or magistrate may again take bail for his appearance and surrender, as provided in RSA 612:16, but within a period not to exceed 60 days after the date of such new bond. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:17.

RSA 612:18 Forfeiture of Bail.

612:18. Forfeiture of Bail. If a prisoner is admitted to bail and fails to appear and surrender himself according to the conditions of his bond, the judge or magistrate, by proper order, shall declare the bond forfeited and order his immediate arrest without warrant if he is within this state. Recovery may be had on such bond in the name of the state as in the case of other bonds given by the accused in criminal proceedings within this state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:18.

RSA 612:19 Persons Under Criminal Prosecution in This State at Time of Requisition.

612:19. Persons Under Criminal Prosecution in This State at Time of Requisition. If a criminal prosecution has been instituted against such person under the laws of this state and is still pending, when a demand for extradition is received, the governor, in his discretion, may surrender the person on demand of the executive authority of another state or hold him until he has been tried and discharged or convicted and punished in this state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:19.

RSA 612:20 Guilt or Innocence of Accused, When Inquired Into.

612:20. Guilt or Innocence of Accused, When Inquired Into. The guilt or innocence of the accused as to the crime of which he is charged may not be inquired into by the governor or in any proceeding after the demand for extradition accompanied by a charge of crime in legal form as provided in RSA 612:3 has been presented to the governor, except as it may be involved in identifying the person held as the person charged with the crime. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:20.

RSA 612:21 Governor May Recall Warrant or Issue Alias.

612:21. Governor May Recall Warrant or Issue Alias. The governor may recall his warrant of arrest or may issue another warrant whenever he deems proper. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:21.

RSA 612:22 Fugitives From This State; Duty of Governors.

612:22. Fugitives From This State; Duty of Governors. Whenever the governor of this state shall demand a person charged with a crime or with escaping from confinement or breaking the terms of his bail, probation, or parole in this state from the executive authority of any other state, or from the chief justice or an associate justice of the supreme court of the District of Columbia authorized to receive such demand under the laws of the United States, he shall issue a warrant under the seal of this state to some agent, commanding him to receive the person so charged if delivered to him and convey him to the proper officer of the county in this state in which the offense was committed. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:22.

RSA 612:23 Application for Issuance of Requisition; By Whom Made; Contents.

612:23. Application for Issuance of Requisition; By Whom Made; Contents. I. When the return to this state of a person charged with a crime in this state is required, the prosecuting attorney shall present to the governor his written application for a requisition for the return of the person charged, in which application shall be stated the name of the person so charged, the crime charged against him, the approximate time, place, and circumstances of its commission, the state in which he is believed to be, including the location of the accused therein, at the time the application is made and a certification that, in the opinion of the prosecuting attorney, the ends of justice require the arrest and return of the accused to this state for trial and that the proceeding is not instituted to enforce a private claim. II. When the return to this state is required of a person who has been convicted of a crime in this state and has escaped from confinement or broken the terms of his bail, probation, or parole, the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the offense was committed, the parole board, or the warden of the institution or sheriff of the county from which escape was made shall present to the governor a written application for a requisition for the return of such person, in which application shall be stated the name of the person, the crime of which he was convicted, the circumstances of his escape from confinement or of the breach of the terms of his bail, probation, or parole, and the state in which he is believed to be, including the location of the person therein at the time application is made. III. The application shall be verified by affidavit, shall be executed in duplicate and shall be accompanied by 2 certified copies of the indictment returned, or information and affidavit filed, or of the complaint made to the judge or magistrate, stating the offense with which the accused is charged, or of the judgment of conviction or of the sentence. The prosecuting officer, parole board, warden, or sheriff may also attach such further affidavits and other documents in duplicate as he shall deem proper to be submitted with such application. One copy of the application, with the action of the governor indicated by endorsement thereon, and one of the certified copies of the indictment, complaint, information, and affidavits, or of the judgment of conviction or of the sentence, shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state to remain of record in that office. The other copies of all papers shall be forwarded with the governor's requisition. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:23.

RSA 612:24 Expenses.

612:24. Expenses. All expenses of officers of this state in connection with extradition proceedings under the provision of this chapter shall be paid out of the county treasury in the county wherein the crime is alleged to have been committed, except as provided in the case of recommitment of certain paroled convicts as provided by RSA 651:44. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:24.

RSA 612:25 Immunity From Service of Process in Certain Civil Actions.

612:25. Immunity From Service of Process in Certain Civil Actions. A person brought into this state by, or after waiver of, extradition based on a criminal charge shall not be subject to service of personal process in civil actions arising out of the same facts as the criminal proceedings to answer which he is being or has been returned, until he has been convicted in the criminal proceeding, or if acquitted, until he has had reasonable opportunity to return to the state from which he was extradited. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:25.

RSA 612:26 Written Waiver of Extradition Proceedings.

612:26. Written Waiver of Extradition Proceedings. Any person arrested in this state charged with having committed any crime in another state or alleged to have escaped from confinement or broken the terms of his bail, probation, or parole may waive the issuance and service of the warrant provided for in RSA 612:7 and 612:8 and all other procedures incidental to extradition proceedings by executing or subscribing in the presence of a judge of any court of record within this state a writing which states that he consents to return to the demanding state; provided, however, that before such waiver shall be executed or subscribed by such person, it shall be the duty of such judge to inform such person of his right to the issuance and service of a warrant of extradition and to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as provided for in RSA 612:10. Following the execution of a waiver of extradition by such person, he shall be placed in custody without bail to await delivery to the agent of the demanding state. If after a reasonable time the agents of the demanding state have not taken custody of the accused, the accused shall be allowed to apply to the superior court for review of his custody status. If and when such consent has been duly executed, it shall forthwith be forwarded to the office of the governor of this state and filed therein. The judge shall direct the officer having such person in custody to deliver forthwith such person to the duly accredited agent or agents of the demanding state, and shall deliver or cause to be delivered to such agent or agents a copy of such consent; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit the right of the accused person to return voluntarily and without formality to the demanding state, nor shall this waiver procedure be deemed to be an exclusive procedure or to limit the powers, rights, or duties of the officers of the demanding state or of this state. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:26. RSA 612:26. 1993, 121:3, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.

RSA 612:27 Nonwaiver by This State.

612:27. Nonwaiver by This State. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by this state of its right, power, or privilege to try a demanded person for a crime committed within this state, or of its right, power, or privilege to regain custody of such person by extradition proceedings or otherwise for the purpose of trial, sentence, or punishment for any crime committed within this state, nor shall any proceedings had under this chapter which result in, or fail to result in, extradition be deemed a waiver by this state of any of its rights, privileges, or jurisdiction in any way whatsoever. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:27.

RSA 612:28 No Right of Asylum; No Immunity From Other Criminal Prosecutions While in This State.

612:28. No Right of Asylum; No Immunity From Other Criminal Prosecutions While in This State. After a person has been brought back to this state by, or after waiver of, extradition proceedings, he may be tried in this state for other crimes which he may be charged with having committed here as well as that specified in the requisition for his extradition. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:28.

RSA 612:29 Interpretation.

612:29. Interpretation. The provisions of this chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purposes to make uniform the law of those states which enact it. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:29.

RSA 612:30 Constitutionality.

612:30. Constitutionality. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions hereof are declared to be severable. Source. 1937, 70:1. RL 437:30.

Source: New Hampshire General Court (gc.nh.gov)URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-LIX-612.htmFetched: 10/20/2026