Criminal Lawyer: From Investigation to Sentencing — How a Criminal Case Works in Turkey
Expert Criminal Defense — Your Rights, Defended at Every Stage
From the very first police interview through to trial, sentencing and beyond — we protect your right to a fair hearing and pursue every avenue of compensation on your behalf. Specialist criminal law advice in Alanya.
What Is Criminal Law?
Crime and Punishment
Criminal law defines which acts constitute a crime and what penalties follow. In Turkey it is primarily governed by the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and related legislation — broadly comparable to the framework of criminal statutes you would find in any EU or common-law country.
Investigation and Prosecution
A criminal case has two distinct phases. The criminal investigation (pre-trial) begins the moment a suspected offence comes to light; once the prosecutor files an indictment and it is accepted by the court, the case moves into the trial phase (kovuşturma). Each phase has its own rules and, crucially, its own set of rights for everyone involved.
The Trial
At trial, evidence is examined, all parties are heard, and the court delivers its decision. The right to a fair hearing — guaranteed by Turkey’s Constitution and international conventions to which Turkey is a signatory — underpins the entire process.
Why Criminal Cases Can Change Your Life
Your Liberty Is at Stake: A criminal case is unlike any other legal matter — it can take away your freedom. An unjust conviction can turn your world upside down in ways that are very hard to reverse, which is why knowing and asserting your rights at every stage is absolutely critical.
The Right to a Fair Hearing: Protected by Turkey’s Constitution and by international human rights instruments, the right to a fair trial is the cornerstone of any criminal proceeding. Exercising your full right to a defense is not just advisable — it is a precondition for justice.
Criminal Law and Society: The criminal justice system aims to protect public order while at the same time safeguarding the individual. A criminal defense lawyer’s role is to hold that balance, ensuring your rights are not sacrificed in the name of expediency.
Criminal Law Services in Alanya
We cover every stage of a criminal case — from the opening of a criminal investigation all the way through to enforcement of sentence. Each client receives a strategy tailored to their specific situation, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome.
High Criminal Court & Criminal Court of First Instance Cases
We handle serious cases before the High Criminal Court (Ağır Ceza Mahkemesi) — including grievous bodily harm, robbery and fraud — as well as cases before the Criminal Court of First Instance (Asliye Ceza Mahkemesi) covering offences such as threats, defamation and criminal damage.
Support During the Criminal Investigation
We attend police interviews and prosecutor questioning alongside our clients, ensuring their rights are protected at every turn and that the process is conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
Challenging Remand in Custody & Judicial Supervision
We prepare and submit objections to remand decisions and judicial supervision (adli kontrol) conditions, with the goal of securing our clients’ release or reducing restrictions as quickly as possible.
Your Lawyer’s Role During the Criminal Investigation
Attending Police and Prosecutor Interviews
We accompany you to any interview — whether at the police station or the prosecutor’s office — reminding you of your rights and ensuring the procedure is lawful throughout.
Protecting Your Rights
This includes your right to silence, your right to legal representation, and all other fundamental rights — we make sure none of them are overlooked or waived inadvertently.
Managing the Investigation Properly
We review the investigation file, identify any procedural gaps or errors, and take the necessary legal steps — at the right time — to address them.
Having a lawyer with you during the criminal investigation phase is your legal right — and exercising it from the outset gives your defense the strongest possible foundation.
Representing Both Victims and the Accused in Criminal Cases
In a Turkish criminal case, we can act for either side — the complainant (victim) or the defendant (accused). Both parties have legal rights, and both deserve robust representation to ensure those rights are fully exercised.
Victim & Complainant Representation
We help victims take an active part in the proceedings — asserting their rights, pursuing compensation claims, and making sure their voice is heard throughout the case.
Defense Representation
We ensure that anyone accused of a crime can exercise their full right to a defense — presenting evidence, challenging the prosecution’s case, and protecting their right to a fair trial at every hearing.
The Principle of Impartial, Client-Focused Defense
One of the most fundamental principles of legal practice is that the client’s interests always come first. Whichever side of a case you are on, you deserve the best possible legal representation. We approach every matter with objectivity and professional integrity — as legal ethics require.
Challenging Remand in Custody and Judicial Supervision Decisions
What Is Remand in Custody?
Remand in custody (tutuklama) means a person is held in detention before trial, on the grounds that they pose a flight risk, may interfere with evidence, or represent a danger to public safety. You have the right to challenge a remand decision, and that challenge must be lodged within strict time limits.
Judicial Supervision Conditions
Judicial supervision (adli kontrol) is a set of bail-like conditions — such as a travel ban or regular reporting to a police station — applied as a less restrictive alternative to remand. These conditions can also be challenged and appealed.
The Decision
A judge or court orders remand in custody or imposes judicial supervision conditions.
Preparing the Objection
We draft a formal objection (petition), gathering the grounds and supporting evidence to challenge the decision.
Filing the Objection
The objection is submitted to the competent court within the statutory time limit.
The Ruling
The reviewing court examines the objection and issues its decision.
Key Things to Bear in Mind in a Criminal Case
Know Your Rights
The right to silence, the right to a lawyer, and the right to a defense are not just formalities — knowing them and using them can make the difference between a case going for you or against you.
Get Legal Advice Early
Instructing a criminal defense lawyer from the moment an investigation begins is critical. Delays can have consequences that are very difficult — sometimes impossible — to put right later on.
Stay Actively Involved
Attending hearings, keeping in regular contact with your lawyer, and staying on top of developments in your case are all essential for protecting your position.
Preserve and Present Evidence
Gathering documents, witness statements and other evidence in good time — and presenting them properly to the court — can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
How Does the Legal Consultation Process Work?
It starts the moment you first get in touch and continues until your case is resolved. You are kept informed at every stage — no surprises.
Get in Touch
Contact us by phone or via the “Ask a Lawyer” form to arrange a convenient time to meet.
Initial Consultation
We listen to the details of your situation, review any documents you have, and give you an honest initial assessment.
Instruction and Strategy
We agree on fees, sign a power of attorney (vekaletname), and set out the legal strategy for your case.
Ongoing Case Handling
We take all necessary legal steps, appear at every hearing, and keep you updated throughout the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Law in Turkey
Why do I need a criminal defense lawyer?
How do I challenge a remand in custody decision?
How does enforcement of sentence work in Turkey?
How long does a criminal case take?
Get Legal Help with Your Criminal Case
If you need specialist criminal law advice or representation in Alanya, get in touch today. Whatever your question, you can request an appointment at any time.
