Whether you are dealing with allegations of fraud, cybercrime, asset seizure, violent crimes, financial offenses, or cross-border investigations, our criminal lawyers in Turkey work to safeguard your rights from the earliest stage of the legal process.
Being involved in a criminal investigation or facing charges in a foreign country can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. When this happens in Turkey, a jurisdiction with a unique legal system, securing the right legal counsel is not just advisable—it is absolutely vital. You need an experienced, dedicated, and multilingual Turkish Criminal Lawyer who can navigate the complexities of the Turkish legal system on your behalf.
Criminal law cases in Turkey require swift action, strategic planning, and representation by knowledgeable professionals who understand both the Turkish Penal Code and procedural rules. At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we provide skilled legal defense to individuals and companies facing criminal investigations or prosecution anywhere in Turkey. Our firm has been serving clients since 1992, offering multilingual and full-service legal support.
Table of Contents
- Turkish Penal Code and Procedure
- Why You Need Experienced Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
- Common Criminal Cases We Handle
- How Criminal Investigations Work in Turkey
- Rights of Suspects and Defendants in Turkey
- Why Foreign Clients Choose Our Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
- Our Approach to Criminal Defense
- FAQs About Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
- Q1: What is the first thing I should do if I am arrested in Istanbul?
- Q2: How is the Turkish judicial system structured for criminal cases?
- Q3: Can a foreign national be tried in absentia in Turkey?
- Q4: How long do criminal proceedings typically take in Turkey?
- Q5: What is the difference between a Turkish Criminal Lawyer and a public defender?
- Contact our Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
Turkish Penal Code and Procedure
The foundation of any strong defense in Turkey lies in a deep understanding of the Turkish Penal Code (Law No. 5237) (TPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CMK) (Law No. 5271). These laws are distinct from those in many Western countries and are subject to frequent interpretation and change.
An exceptional criminal defense attorney in Istanbul is not merely familiar with the statutes; they understand the local courts, the prosecutors’ expectations, and the subtle nuances of Turkish judicial practice. They can anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and build a robust, legally sound defense using this specialized knowledge.
Why You Need Experienced Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
Criminal proceedings in Turkey move quickly, and early mistakes can have serious consequences.
Our attorneys ensure:
- Immediate intervention during police custody and interrogation
- Protection of constitutional rights
- Strategic guidance during investigation and prosecution
- Strong representation in court hearings
- Effective case management for foreign nationals
- Assistance with appeals, sentence reductions, and post-trial remedies
Criminal law in Turkey requires a thorough understanding of both substantive and procedural rules. Our lawyers provide precise legal guidance, ensuring that every step of the process is handled professionally and transparently.
Common Criminal Cases We Handle
At Akkas & Associates, our team represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including:
- Financial crimes: fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, tax crimes
- White-collar offenses: forgery, insider trading, corruption
- Cybercrimes: online fraud, hacking, data theft
- Violent crimes: assault, unlawful threats, homicide allegations
- Drug-related offenses
- Theft and property crimes
- Extradition, INTERPOL Red Notices, and cross-border defense
We represent clients in all major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Antalya.
How Criminal Investigations Work in Turkey
Criminal cases generally begin with an investigation phase, typically conducted by the police under the supervision of a public prosecutor.
1. Police Custody & Initial Statement
A suspect may be detained for questioning. It is essential to have a lawyer present from the outset to prevent unlawful questioning or coerced statements.
2. Evidence Collection
Authorities may collect witness statements, digital evidence, expert reports, CCTV footage, and financial data.
Criminal lawyers ensure that evidence is collected lawfully and challenge any procedural violations.
3. Prosecution Decision
After reviewing all evidence, the prosecutor may decide to dismiss the case or file an indictment.
4. Court Proceedings
Criminal trials in Turkey consist of multiple hearings. Our lawyers present evidence, question witnesses, and demand acquittal when appropriate.
5. Appeals
Convictions can be appealed to higher courts, including the Regional Court of Appeals and Court of Cassation.
Rights of Suspects and Defendants in Turkey
Turkey’s Constitution and Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) guarantee several key rights:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to legal counsel
- Right to be informed of charges
- Right to examine and challenge evidence
- Right to a fair and public trial
- Right to appeal
Our lawyers ensure that none of these rights are violated throughout your case.
Why Foreign Clients Choose Our Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
Foreign nationals often face unique challenges, such as language barriers, unfamiliar legal procedures, or immigration issues linked to criminal allegations. Akkas & Associates provides:
- English-speaking and multilingual lawyers
- Assistance with consular notifications
- Defense for expatriates, tourists, businesspersons, and foreign investors
- Comprehensive legal updates throughout the process
- Representation in deportation and travel-ban related matters
Foreigners also benefit from our full service approach. If the case involves business, tax, or family law consequences, our firm handles all related matters seamlessly.
Our Approach to Criminal Defense
We tailor every defense strategy based on the facts of the case. Our approach includes:
- Conducting independent investigations
- Analyzing evidence for procedural violations
- Filing motions for dismissal or acquittal
- Negotiating plea reductions when beneficial
- Protecting clients from unlawful detention
- Working with experts in forensic analysis, accounting, and digital data
We prioritize transparency, strong communication, and complete confidentiality.
FAQs About Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
Q1: What is the first thing I should do if I am arrested in Istanbul?
A: The most critical step is to immediately and firmly request the assistance of a lawyer, and then say nothing else until your lawyer is present. Under Turkish law, you have the right to legal counsel from the moment of arrest. Contacting an experienced Turkish Criminal Lawyer like Akkas & Associates ensures your rights are protected during the initial police statement and interrogation.
Q2: How is the Turkish judicial system structured for criminal cases?
A: Criminal cases in Turkey are generally heard by three types of courts: Criminal Courts of Peace (for minor, urgent matters like detention orders), Criminal Courts of First Instance (for misdemeanors and lesser felonies), and High Criminal Courts (for serious felonies). Appeals proceed to the Regional Courts of Justice and ultimately to the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay).
Q3: Can a foreign national be tried in absentia in Turkey?
A: Yes, under certain conditions, a person can be tried in absentia (without their physical presence) in Turkish courts, though there are safeguards. However, engaging a Turkish lawyer is crucial, as they can represent your interests, review the evidence, and prepare a defense strategy even if you cannot be present.
Q4: How long do criminal proceedings typically take in Turkey?
A: The duration of a criminal case in Turkey varies significantly based on the complexity of the crime, the volume of evidence, and the specific court’s workload. Misdemeanor cases can conclude relatively quickly (several months), but complex felony and white-collar crime cases can extend for years, especially with appeals.
Q5: What is the difference between a Turkish Criminal Lawyer and a public defender?
A: While Turkey provides a duty lawyer (public defender) for defendants who cannot afford one, a private criminal defense attorney offers a more personalized, strategic, and often faster service. A private firm like Akkas & Associates is immediately retained by you and dedicates extensive resources and specific expertise to your case, which is particularly vital for non-Turkish speakers or complex international cases.
Contact our Criminal Lawyers in Turkey
Navigating the challenging landscape of criminal law in Turkey requires unparalleled expertise, local court experience, and a dedicated, results-oriented legal team. If you are seeking a formidable Turkish Criminal Lawyer in Istanbul with a strong, multilingual, and international defense practice in 2025, Akkas & Associates Law Firm is your indispensable partner.
Don’t face the Turkish criminal justice system alone; secure the best legal defense in Turkey now. Contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today for expert legal solutions and to discuss your criminal defense needs.
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