To what point will my embassy protect me from the host nation?

Question

Hypothetically, if I shot someone, in say France or the UK and I fled to the US (I'm a US citizen) Embassy would they turn me over to the host nation or would they keep me and defend me? Would they give me over to avoid an international incident or what?

Answer 1

Don't shoot someone in the first place.

The US Embassy can not help you nor can the provide legal advice. Most likely they would turn you over to the local authorities.

Answer 2

The Embassy would certainly require ample evidence of the suspicion;  but having received that there is no reason for it not to act in the same way as if the same person were suspected of the same crime in the U.S.. It is not a matter of not wanting to create an international incident, it is a matter of fact that nobody's nationality crowns them with a halo.

Answer 3

You're responsible for your own actions. In where ever nations you commit crime you'll be prosecuted according to nations law, if that mean shot to death by squad team for example, (hong Kong)

Answer 4

No embassy can protect one of its country's citizens from the consequences of one's own actions.  Anyone in a country is subject to that country's laws -- whatever those laws may be -- while in that country.

The consulate (consulate handles citizen affairs, embassy handles diplomatic matters!) may help a citizen obtain an attorney, explain some routine procedures of the host country, but there is next to nothing they can do for a citizen which has violated any laws of the host country.  Most consular services consist of replacing lost/stolen passports; advising/referring expatriates on local services;  advising regarding medical care ("Where I can I find a doctor who speaks X language, or get a translator?"); assistance in transferring your funds from home in case of emergency.

Hypothetically, if you flee to your country of citizenship, the country which accuses you of a crime has to extradite you, but while you are in your home country, you have no access to consular services -- these are only available to a country's citizens while they are in a foreign country.  If you go to the Embassy, they have to turn you over -- but they will recommend an attorney and help you transfer funds from home to pay whichever attorney you decide to hire.

Answer 5

The US embassy would turn you over to the local authorities.