To get into trouble in a foreign country is real trouble. You may not know the legal system and you don't have a local personal network to call on for help or advice.
American Eric Volz was charged with murder in Nicaragua; he was convicted and sentenced to 30 years. But after a year of working with investigators and lawyers on an appeal, the conviction was overturned. His wrote about it in Gringo Nightmare.
Other people turned to him, and the "David House" was organized to investigate and help. But it's expensive - he warns them it will cost $1-2 million.
About 3,000 Americans are arrested outside the U.S. per year. Evidence may be absent or overlooked when that government is angry at America. "Foreign prosecutions of Americans," they said, "are in effect a coercive policy tool used by less powerful governments."
(from NYTimes.com)
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