Peru criminal defense for US citizens
When a US citizen faces criminal charges in Peru, the situation demands coordinated legal support that spans two distinct legal systems. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, assists US citizens by providing US-side counsel and working closely with trusted Peru-licensed Of Counsel to address the Peruvian-law dimensions of the case. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and leads the US-law strategy. For the Peru-law side, the firm collaborates with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and is not admitted in any US state bar. This dual-jurisdiction approach helps protect the client’s rights under US law while ensuring competent representation under Peruvian law. To discuss a Peru criminal matter, call (888) 437-7747.
What This Cross-Border Practice Area Covers
A US citizen arrested or under investigation in Peru confronts a foreign legal system with procedures, language, and evidentiary rules that differ markedly from those in the United States. The firm’s cross-border criminal defense practice addresses the unique challenges that arise when a US national is accused of a crime in Peru. The US-law side includes advising on consular notification, coordinating with the US Department of State, evaluating potential extradition implications, and safeguarding the client’s constitutional and treaty-based rights as a US citizen. The Peru-law side—handled by the firm’s Peru Of Counsel—covers the substantive criminal defense under the Peruvian Civil Code and Criminal Procedure Code, including pretrial detention hearings, evidentiary challenges, plea negotiations, and trial representation before Peruvian courts.
Because the two legal systems operate independently, effective representation requires seamless coordination between US counsel and local Peruvian counsel. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. serves as the central point of contact for the client and family, ensuring that strategic decisions are made with a full understanding of both jurisdictions’ implications. The firm does not maintain a physical location in Peru; instead, it relies on its established Of Counsel relationship with Martín Mayandía, who is based in Peru and admitted there since 2009. Mr. Mayandía is not admitted in any US state bar, and his role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Network Handle These Matters
When a US citizen retains the firm for a Peru criminal matter, Mr. Sris assumes lead responsibility for all US-law aspects. This includes communicating with the US embassy or consulate in Lima, monitoring the case for any US constitutional or statutory issues, and advising the client on the potential US immigration or travel consequences of a Peruvian conviction. Mr. Sris also coordinates directly with Martín Mayandía, the firm’s Peru Of Counsel, to ensure that the Peruvian defense strategy aligns with the client’s overall objectives.
Martín Mayandía, admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar, handles the day-to-day defense in Peruvian courts. He appears at hearings, files motions, negotiates with Peruvian prosecutors, and advises on the likely outcomes under Peruvian law. The firm’s US-based attorneys and Mr. Mayandía maintain regular communication, and the client receives updates in English from the firm. This division of labor respects the jurisdictional boundaries of each attorney’s license while providing the client with a unified defense. All consultations are by appointment only; to schedule an initial discussion, call (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel Network
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings extensive experience in criminal defense and cross-border matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). His background equips him to navigate the intersection of US criminal law and international client needs.
The firm’s Of Counsel network includes attorneys licensed in foreign jurisdictions who collaborate on matters involving non-US law. For Peru, the firm works with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and is not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Mayandía’s practice with the firm is limited to Peru-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-licensed attorneys. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience across US and foreign jurisdictions. The firm’s US principal location is in Virginia, and all consultations are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a US citizen do immediately after being arrested in Peru?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate as soon as possible. Under US law, a US citizen arrested abroad has the right to have the local US consular post notified. Consular officers can provide a list of local attorneys, help communicate with family, and monitor the case for any mistreatment. They cannot, however, provide legal advice or intervene in the Peruvian judicial process. It is also critical to retain a qualified Peruvian defense attorney promptly. The firm can assist in engaging Martín Mayandía, the firm’s Peru Of Counsel, to begin building a defense under Peruvian law while Mr. Sris handles the US-side coordination.
Do I need a lawyer in Peru if I am a US citizen?
Yes, you need a lawyer licensed in Peru to represent you in Peruvian courts. Peruvian law governs the criminal proceedings, and only a Peruvian-licensed attorney can appear before Peruvian judges and prosecutors. A US-licensed attorney cannot practice law in Peru. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. addresses this by working with Martín Mayandía, who is admitted in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Mayandía handles the Peru-law defense, while Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys manage the US-law aspects and overall case strategy.
How can Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. help with a criminal case in Peru?
The firm provides US-side counsel and coordinates the Peruvian defense through its Of Counsel network. Mr. Sris advises on consular engagement, extradition risk, and any US legal implications of the Peruvian case. He also works directly with Martín Mayandía, the firm’s Peru Of Counsel, to ensure the Peruvian defense strategy is aligned with the client’s goals. The client communicates primarily with Mr. Sris in English, while Mr. Mayandía handles all court appearances and filings in Peru. This structure gives the client a single point of contact for both jurisdictions.
Does the firm have an office in Peru?
No, the firm does not maintain a physical location in Peru. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm with its principal location in Virginia. For Peru matters, the firm collaborates with Martín Mayandía, an independent Of Counsel attorney who is based in Peru and admitted there. Mr. Mayandía is not an employee of the firm; he is an independent attorney whose role is limited to Peru-law matters. All consultations with the firm are by appointment only, and initial discussions can be arranged by calling (888) 437-7747.
What are my rights as a US citizen arrested abroad?
You have the right to consular notification and access, and you retain all rights under the US Constitution that apply extraterritorially. The US Department of State can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you in detention, and help communicate with your family. However, consular officers cannot act as your lawyer or interfere with the Peruvian legal process. It is important to understand that while you are in Peru, Peruvian law governs the criminal proceedings. The firm helps you exercise your US-side rights and connects you with qualified Peruvian counsel to protect your interests under Peruvian law.
Can the US embassy get me out of jail in Peru?
No, the US embassy cannot secure your release from a Peruvian jail or intervene in the Peruvian judicial system. The embassy’s role is limited to consular assistance: visiting you, providing a list of attorneys, and monitoring your treatment. Release from detention depends entirely on Peruvian law and the decisions of Peruvian judges. A skilled Peruvian defense attorney is essential to seek bail, challenge the detention, or negotiate a resolution. The firm’s Peru Of Counsel, Martín Mayandía, is experienced in Peruvian criminal procedure and can pursue all available remedies under Peruvian law.
How do I contact the firm for help with a Peru criminal matter?
Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. The firm’s intake team is available to discuss your situation and determine how Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network can assist. Because every case is different, the initial consultation allows the firm to assess the US-law and Peru-law dimensions and to explain the next steps. All consultations are by appointment only. The firm does not provide legal advice on Peruvian law directly; that advice comes from the Peru-licensed Of Counsel, Martín Mayandía, in collaboration with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.