As counsel to Mr. Pavic, AzulaySeiden Member Linda Babich filed a motion challenging the federal court’s jurisdiction to hear the case and extradite Mr. Pavic to Croatia. Ms. Babich argued that the court did not have jurisdiction for several reasons, and ultimately, the Government moved to dismiss the complaint because the statute of limitations for the charges against Mr. Pavic had expired. The treaty under which the Croatian government sought extradition stated the statute of limitations should be in accordance with the country in which the defendant is arrested; in this case, the United States.

“I commend the Government for its efforts in conducting due diligence necessary and ultimately dismissing this case,” said Ms. Babich. “This case is an example that the due diligence and methodical processes of our justice system truly work. I could not be more pleased with the outcome and that Mr. Pavic’s name has been cleared.”

Mr. Pavic, who immigrated to Canada from Croatia in 1997 with his wife and four children, is set to be released from prison today.

AzulaySeiden Law Group (www.azulayseiden.com) is Chicago’s largest immigration law firm and is among the largest immigration firms in the country. The firm provides U.S. immigration legal services for businesses and individuals (including visa petitions, green card services, consular assistance, naturalization proceedings, immigration representation in all U.S. Courts, and appellate work), immigration consulting to businesses, as well as immigration related legal services (e.g. family law, criminal law). Its main office is located at 205 N. Michigan Ave., 40th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.