Overview
Criminal law defines which acts constitute offences and the sanctions that may be imposed. Criminal proceedings concern not only the person accused but also the rights of victims. Throughout the investigation and trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial and to a defence, equality of arms and lawfully obtained evidence must be respected.
Foreign nationals involved in criminal proceedings have the right to an interpreter and to consular notification, in addition to the general safeguards.
What we handle
Investigation stage
Statements, defence of suspects, representation of complainants, evidence requests, objections to expert reports and to decisions not to prosecute.
Arrest, custody and statements
The right to learn the accusation, to have a lawyer, to inform relatives and to remain silent.
Detention and judicial control
Objections to detention, release requests and alternatives such as travel bans, reporting obligations or house arrest.
Trials
Defence and victim representation before the criminal courts of first instance and assize courts.
Appeals
Appeals to the regional courts of appeal and the Court of Cassation, extraordinary remedies and individual applications to the Constitutional Court.
Execution of sentences
Calculation of sentences, conditional release, probation and complaints to execution judges.
How the process works
First statement
Consultation before the statement; learning the accusation and any restriction order.
Protective measures
Objections and requests regarding custody, detention, search and seizure.
Building the defence or complaint
Evidence requests, objections to expert reports, preparation for hearings.
Appeals and execution
Appeals and execution applications filed within the deadlines.
Before your meeting
Bring originals or legible copies of whichever of the following you have. You don’t need everything — missing items are identified together.
- Summons, notification or file number
- Statement records, indictment and decisions, if any
- Documents, messages and records about the incident
- Names of potential witnesses
- Medical reports (in injury cases)
Key deadlines
| Matter | Period | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint for offences prosecuted on complaint | 6 months | Learning of the act and the perpetrator |
| Objection to detention or judicial control | 7 days | Learning of the decision |
| Appeal (istinaf) | 2 weeks | Announcement or service of the judgment |
| Individual application to the Constitutional Court | 30 days | Exhaustion of remedies |
These are general rules; special provisions or a different starting date may apply in a particular case. It is best to have the deadline assessed on the day you receive a notification.
Frequently asked questions
I have been summoned to give a statement. What should I do?
Find out in what capacity you are summoned (suspect, witness, complainant). As a suspect you have the right to a lawyer, to learn the accusation and to remain silent. It is advisable to consult a lawyer before giving a statement.
What is reconciliation (uzlaşma)?
For certain offences listed by law — mainly those prosecuted on complaint — the suspect and victim can settle through a conciliator, ending the investigation or trial.
I don’t speak Turkish. Will I have an interpreter?
Yes. Persons who do not speak Turkish are entitled to an interpreter during statements and hearings.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of outcome or an undertaking in respect of any specific matter. Periods and amounts are subject to change by legislation.
