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Memorandum Order - In the Matter of the Extradition of Sandor Molnar (N.D. Ill. Feb. 1, 2002)

Factual and Procedural Background

The United States filed a Complaint alleging that an extradition treaty exists between the Republic of Hungary and the United States and that Sandor Molnar was duly charged in Hungary with committing a crime of violence. A Hungarian arrest warrant was issued on May 24, 2001. The Republic of Hungary made a provisional arrest request under Article Eleven of the Treaty; a formal diplomatic extradition request was anticipated to be presented within 60 days of Molnar's provisional arrest. Molnar was taken into custody on January 9, 2002 under the complaint.

The factual events underlying the Hungarian charges occurred on January 9, 1998: while working as a security guard in Hungary, Molnar left his post to go to a bar, consumed alcohol, returned, kicked a truck, retrieved a gun and aimed it at an officer (the gun was unloaded), and was discovered to be under the influence. Initially a magistrate/prosecutor concluded criminal action was not appropriate; thereafter Molnar left Hungary on a lawful visa and later charges were reinstated. When arrested in the United States Molnar had been steadily employed (at least 38 months) and supported an ill mother in Hungary; witnesses and his employer testified on his behalf at a detention hearing.

The central procedural question presented to the magistrate judge was whether Molnar should remain in custody pending extradition proceedings or be released on bail (and if so, on what conditions).

Legal Issues Presented

  1. Whether the presumption against bail in international extradition cases applies and, if so, whether Molnar has demonstrated the required "special circumstances" to overcome that presumption.
  2. Whether Molnar's absence of risk of flight and proffered security are sufficient to permit release, or whether "special circumstances" in addition to absence of flight must be shown.
  3. What weight to give the provisional nature of Molnar's arrest (and any attendant delay or lack of urgency) in evaluating whether "special circumstances" exist.

Arguments of the Parties

Defendant's Arguments

  • Molnar contended he is not a risk of flight (the Government conceded he is not a flight risk) and that conditions exist to reasonably assure his presence (including a friend willing to post her house as $100,000 security).
  • He identified several circumstances he characterized as "special": the financial support he provides to his seriously ill mother in Hungary; the provisional (not formal) nature of his arrest; that he was not a fugitive when he left Hungary (charges were initially dropped); potential delay inherent in provisional arrest; the initial dropping of charges and later reinstatement (which he suggested might indicate weakness in the charges); and friends' willingness to post property security.

Government's Arguments

  • The Government argued there is a presumption against bail in extradition matters and that Molnar had not demonstrated the kind of "special circumstances" required to overcome that presumption.
  • The Government maintained that each item Molnar pointed to did not individually amount to a "special circumstance" sufficient to justify release.

Table of Precedents Cited

Precedent Rule or Principle Cited For Application by the Court
Wright v. Henkel, 190 U.S. 40 (1903) Established that bail should not ordinarily be granted in extradition cases but release is possible where "special circumstances" exist. The court relied on Wright as the foundational authority for the presumption against bail in extradition proceedings.
Salerno v. United States, 878 F.2d 317 (9th Cir. 1989) Explained that there is a presumption against bail in extradition cases and a defendant bears the burden of showing "special circumstances"; also cited for the idea that absence of risk of flight alone is not a basis for release. The magistrate cited Salerno to support the presumption rule and to affirm that lack of flight risk does not, by itself, justify release.
United States v. Leitner, 784 F.2d 159 (2d Cir. 1986) Interpreted Wright: presumption against bail; discussed provisional arrest context and noted some courts' movement toward more liberal bail in provisional arrest situations. The court used Leitner to justify a more liberal view in the provisional-arrest context and to support the proposition that the absence of flight risk is not a substitute for showing special circumstances.
U.S. v. Taitz, 130 F.R.D. 442 (S.D. Cal. 1990) Explained the diplomatic/national interest rationale for denying bail in extradition cases and identified cumulative factors that may support bail. The court relied on Taitz for the diplomatic embarrassment rationale and as support for the view that cumulative factors can constitute "special circumstances."
Kamrin v. United States, 725 F.2d 1225 (9th Cir.) (cert. denied, 469 U.S. 817 (1984)) Holds that the Bail Reform Act does not govern extradition proceedings and that the Act's presumption in favor of bail is not part of extradition law. The magistrate cited Kamrin to explain that federal pretrial-release presumptions do not apply in extradition cases.
In the Matter of the Extradition of Kamel Nacif-Borge, 829 F. Supp. 1210 (D. Nev. 1993) Stated a provisional arrest is not, by itself, a "special circumstance"; also discussed factors and examples of what courts have not considered "special circumstances." The court cited Nacif-Borge for the proposition that provisional arrest alone is not special and for the court's willingness to consider cumulative factors in the provisional-arrest context.
U.S. v. Messina, 566 F. Supp. 740 (E.D.N.Y. 1983) Discussed the issue of "urgency" in provisional arrest situations. The court referenced Messina in discussing urgency; concluded urgency was not present in Molnar's case.
Caltogirone v. Gran, 629 F.2d 739 (2d Cir. 1980) Also discussed "urgency" in provisional arrest context. The court cited Caltogirone as another authority discussing urgency and found that urgency did not exist here.
U.S. v. Williams, 611 F.2d 914-915 (5th Cir. 1979) Holds that provisional arrest does not eliminate the special-circumstances rule. The magistrate cited Williams to reinforce that provisional arrest does not negate the requirement to show special circumstances, even while adopting a somewhat more liberal approach here.
In the Matter of Extradition of Yechiel Heilbronn, 773 F. Supp. 1576 (W.D. Mich. 1991) Example of a circumstance (defendant being a highly trained doctor) that courts did not consider "special." Used as part of the list of examples illustrating what courts have not found to be "special circumstances."
Evtradition of Smyth, 976 F.2d 1535 Listed (in the opinion) as an example where need to consult with counsel and assist in gathering evidence was not held to be special. Included in the opinion's catalogue of circumstances courts have rejected as "special."
In re Klein, 46 F.2d 85 (S.D.N.Y. 1930) Held that mere discomfort of sitting in jail was not a "special circumstance." Referenced in the list of non-special circumstances.
In the Matter of Extradition of Robert Henry Russell, 805 F.2d (5th Cir. 1986) Identified circumstances courts rejected (need to consult attorney about civil litigation, case complexity, financial/emotional hardships). Used as part of the list of examples of non-special circumstances.
In the Matter of Extradition of Artukovic, 628 F. Supp. 1370 (C.D. Cal. 1986); sub. nom. Artukovic v. Rison, 784 F.2d 1354 (9th Cir. 1986) Examples: advanced age or infirmity (in that matter the stay was denied on appeal). Cited as an example of circumstances (age/infirmity) addressed in the case law and to show courts' approaches to such claims.
In the Matter of the Extradition of Komel NACIF-BORGE, 829 F. Supp. 1210 (D. Nev. 1993) Offered examples of non-special circumstances (e.g., health/diet issues) and also noted that cumulative factors can support release in provisional-arrest contexts. The magistrate relied on this decision for the proposition that individual factors may not suffice but their accumulation in a provisional-arrest setting can amount to "special circumstances."
In the Matter of the Extradition of Anne Hamilton-Byrne, 831 F. Supp. 287 (S.D.N.Y. 1973) Example where reason to believe underlying charges cannot be supported under Treaty provisions was treated as a potential special circumstance. Cited as authority that weakness of underlying charges may constitute a special circumstance.
In the Matter of the Requested Extradition of Kirby, 106 F.3d 855 (9th Cir. 1997) Listed among cases recognizing varied and sometimes unusual factors that may support a finding of special circumstances. Referenced as an example of the breadth of factors some courts have accepted as special circumstances.
In the Matter of the Extradition of Terence Darrien Kirby, 106 F.3d at 864 Holds that the weakness of special-circumstances evidence does not negate that the circumstances exist. The magistrate relied on Kirby to support the proposition that even weak special circumstances, if they exist, suffice to permit release.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The court set out a step-by-step analysis rooted in extradition jurisprudence:

  1. Presumption against bail: The court began with Wright v. Henkel and related authorities to state the governing principle that there is a presumption against bail in extradition cases and that a defendant must show "special circumstances" to obtain pre-hearing release. The court also noted that the Bail Reform Act does not apply to extradition proceedings (citing Kamrin).
  2. Risk of flight: The court explained that absence of a risk of flight is not itself a "special circumstance" but a threshold condition necessary before considering whether special circumstances exist. The court observed that the Government conceded Molnar is not a flight risk and that proposed security was available.
  3. Provisional arrest context: The magistrate analyzed the effect of Molnar's provisional arrest. Citing cases, the court acknowledged that a provisional arrest alone is not a special circumstance, but that some authorities have moved toward more liberal bail consideration in the provisional-arrest setting (citing Leitner and Nacif-Borge). The court found no urgency in Molnar's arrest (the alleged conduct occurred in 1998 and the Hungarian warrant issued in 2001).
  4. Defining and weighing "special circumstances": The court reviewed case law illustrating what courts have found not to constitute special circumstances and what they have found to be such (e.g., high probability of success, serious health deterioration, unusual delay, or procedural improprieties). The opinion emphasized that "special circumstances" lacks a bright-line definition and requires a judge to weigh the totality of facts.
  5. Application to Molnar: The court considered each of Molnar's proffered circumstances individually and agreed with the Government that none alone was sufficiently "special." However, because Molnar was under a provisional arrest and there was no urgency, the court adopted a more liberal approach and evaluated the circumstances collectively. Considering them cumulatively — support for an ill mother, steady employment and community ties, the provisional nature and potential for delay, the reinstatement history of the Hungarian charges, and proposed property security — the court concluded that, although the showing was weak, Molnar had established sufficient "special circumstances" collectively to overcome the presumption against bail.
  6. Caution about future proceedings: The court expressly stated that this more liberal analysis applied to the provisional-arrest phase; once a formal diplomatic extradition request is filed, a narrower and more stringent standard of review would apply and Molnar might not be able to meet that standard.

Holding and Implications

Holding: The court ordered Molnar's release on bail. In particular, the court ordered that:

Molnar be released from custody upon the posting of real property as security for a $100,000 bond, and that the order of release include other necessary conditions reasonably designed to assure his presence at further court proceedings.

Implications:

  • Direct effect: Molnar was entitled to pre-hearing conditional release on a secured $100,000 bond with additional conditions to assure his appearance.
  • Scope and precedent: The court emphasized that its decision was grounded in the provisional-arrest context and applied a more liberal consideration of special circumstances in that limited setting. The opinion cautioned that when a full diplomatic request is presented, a stricter standard will govern; the court did not purport to announce a broader new rule governing all extradition matters.

This summary is constrained to the findings, citations, and reasoning expressly contained in the provided opinion and does not add information outside of that text.

IN THE MATTER OF THE EXTRADITION OF SANDOR MOLNAR.

MEMORANDUM ORDER

EDWARD A. BOBRICK, United States Magistrate Judge

This matter is before the court on a Complaint filed by the United States of America alleging, among other things, that there is an Extradition Treaty (S. Treaty. Doc. No. 104-5, 1994 West Law 855132 ("Treaty")) between the Republic of Hungary and the United States of America ("Government"); that the defendant was duly and legally charged with committing a crime of violence within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Hungary; and that a warrant was issued for defendant's arrest on May 24, 2001.

The complaint further alleges that the Republic of Hungary has made a provisional arrest request under Article Eleven of the Treaty, and that a regular diplomatic request for extradition of the defendant will be made in conformity with the Treaty, and will be presented to the court within 60 days from the date of defendant's provisional arrest. On January 9, 2002 defendant was taken into custody under the complaint. The issue before the court is whether the defendant should remain in custody or be set free under bail.

I. BACKGROUND

On January 9, 1998, in the Republic of Hungary, defendant Sandor Molnar, while working as a security guard watching a truck, left his assigned post to go to a bar. He was accompanied by his girlfriend and while at the bar he consumed alcoholic beverages. Upon returning to his watch post at the truck, he began kicking it. This disturbance drew the attention of two police officers who approached the defendant and instructed him to stop kicking the truck. Defendant retrieved a gun from the truck and aimed it at one of the officers. The officer disarmed defendant, and discovered that the gun was not in fact loaded. The officers also determined, at the time, that defendant was under the influence of alcohol. Defendant was brought before a Magistrate/Prosecutor, who concluded that criminal action against Molnar was not appropriate. Sometime thereafter, defendant left Hungary and came to the United States, under a lawful visa, seeking work. Thereafter, charges were reinstated against him in Hungary.

When defendant was arrested in the United States, he had been employed for at least 38 months as a painter. His employer came forward during a detention hearing and indicated that defendant was a responsible, hard-working employee, and that his job was available to him when released from custody. At the time of the hearing, defendant was earning a monthly net income of $2,600. Two other witnesses who testified on defendant's behalf indicated that defendant's mother is seriously ill with cancer and depends on money he sends to her. The witnesses testified that defendant has sent his mother weekly checks since he has been in this country.

Defendant essentially has no criminal history except for the incident in the Republic of Hungary. With respect to that incident, the defendant left Hungary after charges were dropped against him and, therefore, was not a fleeing fugitive. The fact of the matter is that defendant's arrest warrant — issued by the Republic of Hungary on May 24, 2001, approximately three and a half years after the gun incident — is the reason for his arrest and custody. Defendant maintains that he is not a risk of flight and there are conditions available to reasonably assure his presence at trial. He also argues there are special circumstances that would allow for his release from custody. The Government maintains that as this is an international extradition matter, there is a presumption against bail, except when special conditions are shown justifying such relief, and that defendant has simply not shown the existence of any "special circumstances."

II. DISCUSSION

(a) Presumption against bail:

Some ninety nine years ago in Wright v. Henkel, 190 U.S. 40, 23 S.Ct. 781, 47 L.Ed. 948 (1903), the Supreme Court held that while bail should not ordinarily be granted in extradition cases, release was not foreclosed where special circumstances exist. 190 U.S. at 63. The courts that have interpreted Wright v. Henkel generally agree that there is a presumption against bail in an extradition case and that a defendant facing an extradition hearing has the burden of establishing special circumstances in order for a court to order pre-hearing conditional release. Salerno v. United States, 878 F.2d 317 (9th Cir. 1989); United States v. Leitner, 784 F.2d 159 (2d Cir. 1986). The rationale for distinguishing pretrial release in extradition cases from federal criminal cases is that extradition cases involve an overriding national interest in complying with treaty obligations. If the United States were to release a foreign fugitive pending extradition and the defendant absconded, the resulting diplomatic embarrassment would have an effect on foreign relations and the ability of the United States to obtain extradition of its fugitives. U.S. v. Taitz, 130 F.R.D. 442 S.D. Calif. 1990. Also See generally, Hall, A Recommended Approach to Bail in International Extradition Cases. 86 Mich.L.Rev. 599 (1987); Whiteman, 6 Digest of International Law, 1033-1044 (1968). Additionally, because an extradition proceeding is not a criminal case, the Bail Reform Act of 1984 does not govern, nor is its presumption in favor of bail a part of extradition proceedings. Kamrin v. United States, 725 F.2d 1225, 1227-1228 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 817 (1984).

(b) Risk of Flight:

Whether defendant is, or is not, a risk of flight is not a matter that falls within the ambit of "special circumstances" determinations. Rather, the absence of defendant's risk of flight is more in the nature of a condition precedent to going forward with any determination of the existence of "special circumstances" that could overcome the presumption against bail. The Ninth Circuit in Salerno, supra, made it clear that absence of risk of flight is not the basis for release. Rather, special circumstances must exist in addition to absence of the risk of flight before a defendant in an extradition matter could be released from custody. We are bound to follow this sound view.

In the instant case the Government has acceded to the fact that Molnar is not a risk of flight. In addition, a friend of Molnar has volunteered to post her house as a $100,000 security to assure his presence at any future court proceedings. His background would suggest he is not a flight risk.

(c) Molnar's Provisional Arrest

Molnar was arrested under a provisional complaint after a warrant for his arrest had been issued by the Republic of Hungary. A regular diplomatic request for extradition of a fugitive, in conformity with the Treaty, has not been issued, as of this date, but allegedly is being prepared. In any event, under the Treaty the official documents must be presented within 60 days from the date of Molnar's arrest. Failure to do so may allow for the release of Molnar.

The courts have not viewed a provisional arrest, in and of itself, a "special circumstance." In the Matter of the Extradition of Kamel Nacif-Borge, 829 F. Supp. 1210, 1217 (D. Nev. 1993); U.S. v. Leitner, 784 F.2d 159, 160 (2nd Cir. 1986). It certainly does not eliminate the "special circumstances" rule. U.S. v. Williams, 611 F.2d 914-915 (5th Cir. 1979). (Citing to Wright v. Henkel which involved a provisional arrest warrant) Some courts, however, have followed a trend towards liberalization of bail in the provisional arrest context. Leitner, 784 F.2d at 160 (cases cited). Some courts have discussed an issue of "urgency" in the provisional arrest situation. U.S. v. Messina, 566 F. Supp. 740, 742 (E.D.N.Y. 1983); Caltogirone v. Gran, 629 F.2d 739, 744 n. 10 (2nd Cir. 1980). Urgency is not an issue in this case since Molnar's alleged criminal conduct occurred January 9, 1998; the warrant for his arrest was issued on May 24, 2001, some three-and-a-half years later. Additionally, the Government acknowledges that Molnar is not a "flight risk."

Our sense of the reason for a provisional arrest is to prevent flight in advance of the formal request. Messina, 566 F. Supp. at 742. Whether the Treaty itself can shed any different light is an issue not presented by the parties. Accordingly, since Molnar's extradition is currently under a provisional arrest and there was no urgency to his apprehension and incarceration, we choose to follow a more liberal view in determining whether Molnar is to be released under bail. Leitner, 784 F.2d at 160.

(d) Special Circumstances

The term "special circumstances" is one that has eluded judicial definition and there is an absence of any bright line parameters to it, as will become more apparent below. Dealing with "special circumstances" issues seems to require a cautious judgment by the judge, taking into account the totality of the facts and having a healthy respect for this country's international treaty agreements. Most cases dealing with the issue of "special circumstances" seem to point out what it is not. A partial list of what have not been found to be "special circumstances" includes: a significant bond and an unblemished record; Leitner, 784 F.2d at 161; defendant being a highly trained doctor available to administer to the public; In the Matter of Extradition of Yechiel Heilbronn, 773 F. Supp. 1576 (W.D. Mich. 1991); need to consult with counsel and assist in gathering evidence to support defense; Evtradition of Smyth, 976 F.2d 1535; defendants' brother had been released; U.S. v. Williams, 611 F.2d at 915; discomfort of sitting in jail; In re Klein, 46 F.2d 85 (S.D.N.Y. 1930); the need to consult with one's attorney about pending civil litigation, complexity of the criminal case, and severe financial and emotional hardships; In the Matter of Extradition of Robert Henry Russell, 805 F.2d at 1215, 1217 (CA. 5, 1986); advanced age or infirmity; In the Matter of Extradition of Artukovic, 628 F. Supp. 1370, 1374-75 (C.D. Cal. 1986) (stay denied sub. nom. Artukovic v. Rison, 784 F.2d 1354 (9th Cir. 1986)); the need for a special diet due to having one kidney and health concerns; In the Matter of the Extradition of Komel NACIF-BORGE, 829 F. Supp. at 1216.

One court has expressed its concern that case law has not clearly explained precisely what "special circumstances" means and to what degree of proof the extradited must demonstrate such circumstances and that the "amorphous `special circumstances'" standard has resulted in an incoherent approach to bail in international extradition cases. In the Matter of the Extradition of Komel NACIF-BORGE, 819 F. Supp. 1210, 1213-1214 (D.Nev. 1993).
Perhaps we should leave the interpretation of "special circumstances" to Lewis Carroll's insightful approach "When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less." Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865).

On the other hand, courts have found special circumstances to exist when defendants have shown a high probability of success. a serious deterioration of health, or unusual delay. Salerno, 878 F.2d 317 (citing cases): reason to believe underlying charges cannot be supported under Treaty provisions, or impropriety in charge or procedure. In the Matter of the Extradition of Anne Hamilton-Byrne, 831 F. Supp. 287, 290 (S.D.N Y 1973); combined factors of lengthy extradition hearing, lack of prior record, allergic reaction to soap used in laundered clothes at correctional facilities, and inability to carry out religious rituals. U.S. v. Taitz, 130 F.R.D. 444 (S.D. Cal. 1990); promoting harmony between the supporters of the cause of Catholics in Northern Ireland and those who's interests are otherwise. In the Matter of the Requested Extradition of Kirby, 106 F.3d 855, 856 (9th Cir. 1997); the availability of bail for crime charged in the demanding country. In the Matter of the Extradition of Komel NACIF-BORGE, 829 F. Supp. at 1221.

Molnar argues that there exist certain special circumstances that justify bail, claiming each can qualify, namely: the financial assistance he currently gives to his seriously ill mother who resides in Hungary, and who depends on money he sends to her; the provisional nature of his arrest; that he is not and never has been a fugitive from justice; the possible delay in the extradition proceedings that is inherent in the provisional arrest scenario; the fact that criminal charges were initially dropped against him, and only later reinstated after he had left Hungary, which might after all show weakness in the criminal charges against him; and the dedication of friends who, by showing their willingness to post a home as security for his release, vouch for his compliance with any Order of Release.

The Government cogently and correctly has argued that each item on Molnar's list of what he considers to be "special circumstances," is not sufficiently "special" to permit his release. We agree. When looking to each of the circumstances presented by the defendant none of them, on their own, rise to the level of "special circumstances" which would merit release. In the provisional arrest setting, however, which allows for a more liberal approach, we feel compelled to view his articulated "circumstances" collectively rather than singularly. See, In the Matter of the Extradition of KOMEL NACIF-BORGE, 829 F. Supp. at 1216; U.S. v. Taitz, 130 F.R.D. at 446 (holding that the cumulation of several factors may constitute "special circumstances" that justify bail pending extradition proceedings). As such, taking a collective approach to what Molnar presents, we can find that he has made a case for himself in establishing "special circumstances," albeit that it is a considerably weak one. Thus, we find Molnar has established "special circumstances" to overcome the presumption against bail.

Finding that "special circumstances" exist in this case, Molnar is entitled to be released on bail. True, he has presented a weak case, but the threshold issue in the first place was the existence of the "circumstances." The courts have held that weakness of the "special circumstances" does not alter the fact that they exist. In the Matter of the Extradition of Terence Darrien Kirby, 106 F.3d at 864. Molnar will be ordered to be released on a secured $100,000 bond.

On a note of caution, Molnar's victory on the issue of bail might be short lived after all, depending on how conscientious the Republic of Hungary is in issuing its diplomatic request for extradition. Our ruling specifically deals with an arrest under a provisional arrest warrant where it is appropriate to employ a more liberal standard of review for the existence of "special circumstances." When the official and regular diplomatic request for extradition is presented and filed, a narrower and more stringent standard of review as to the existence of "circumstances" will apply and we believe, under the facts of this case, that standard is one Molnar might not be able to meet.

III. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, it is hereby ordered that Sandor Molnar be released from custody upon the posting of real property as security for $100,000 bond and that the order of release contain those other necessary conditions which would reasonably assure his presence at further court proceedings.

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IN RE IN THE MATTER OF THE EXTRADITION OF MOLNAR, (N.D.Ill. 2002)
(Feb 1, 2002)