When an American citizen is arrested in Haiti, you should immediately inform the U.S. Embassy by calling +509 2229-8000, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After hours, please call +509 2229-8000.
Consular officers will make every effort to help you, although they cannot exert influence on the Haitian judicial process. When travelling in Haiti, you are subject to the laws and legal system of Haiti and do not enjoy any protections under U.S. law. In cases involving the arrest of an American citizen, Consular Officers are charged with providing a list of reputable lawyers to aid U.S. citizens and ensuring that U.S. citizens receive due process under Haitian law.
Consular Officers cannot:
- offer legal advice
- act as legal advocates
- accept roles as fiduciary agents
- request the Haitian authorities to bend or break the law to help the case of a U.S. citizen
- order or demand the release of an American citizen
This List of Attorneys (PDF 108 KB) is provided to aid U.S. citizens in need of legal advice or services within Haiti. Although the Consular Section of the Embassy makes every effort to ensure that only reputable firms and individuals are included on this list and that the information provided is correct, the Embassy assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms on this list, or the accuracy of the information provided. Additionally, fees are set solely between attorney and client, and the Embassy has no involvement or responsibility in this matter. It is recommended, however, that the client insist upon a written contract stating exactly what the attorney is expected to do and for what fees.
When legal services are required in a city other than Port-au-Prince, it is helpful to engage an attorney in Port-au-Prince who will in turn communicate with one of his or her correspondents in the smaller cities.
Should you have difficulty with an attorney, please provide the Consular Section with your complaint in writing. This will aid us in ensuring that only reputable lawyers remain on this list. If you have corrections or additions to this list, they should also be submitted in writing.
The U.S. mailing address of the Consular section is:
3400 Port-au-Prince
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-3400
