Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Effective defence and victim representation from the first moment of investigation to appeal.
In short
Criminal law defines punishable conduct and the sanctions that apply to it. In Türkiye, substantive criminal law is set out in the Turkish Penal Code and procedure in the Code of Criminal Procedure. Proceedings consist of an investigation conducted by the public prosecutor and a prosecution stage before the court; a suspect has the right to defence counsel from the moment of first questioning.
Much of what decides a criminal case takes shape while the file is still with the prosecutor. A single sentence entered into the record of questioning can change the direction of the entire prosecution, which is why defence counsel should be involved before questioning begins, not after.
Alongside acting for suspects and defendants, we represent clients who have been harmed by an offence as intervening parties. In both roles we assess the file not only for its criminal outcome but for the civil and administrative consequences that may follow.
What we do in this area
- Defence counsel during investigation; presence at questioning and interrogation
- Defence counsel at trial and construction of the defence strategy
- Representation of victims, complainants and intervening parties
- Objections to custody and detention orders; applications for judicial control
- Review of the lawfulness of arrest, search and seizure measures
- Filing criminal complaints and challenging decisions not to prosecute
- Assessment of mediation and advance-payment mechanisms
- Preparation of appeals to the regional and supreme courts
- Management of civil damages claims arising from the criminal file
How the process works
Reviewing the file
The investigation file is examined (where no restriction order applies) and the alleged offence and evidence assessed.
Preparing for questioning
We prepare before questioning and define the scope of the defence, weighing every option including the right to remain silent.
Managing the trial
We attend hearings and put forward witness evidence, expert examination and site inspection requests in the proper form.
Appeals
If the judgment is adverse, an appeal is lodged within the statutory period and, where the conditions are met, a further appeal on points of law.
01I have been summoned for questioning — should I attend without a lawyer?
A suspect's right to defence counsel is guaranteed by the Code of Criminal Procedure, and you may consult a lawyer before questioning. The record of questioning stays on the file and directly influences the outcome of the prosecution, so attending with a lawyer is strongly advisable.
02How is a detention order challenged?
A detention order may be challenged before the higher court within seven days of it being served or pronounced. Detention is also reviewed at regular intervals throughout the investigation and trial, and release may be requested at any stage.
03The prosecutor decided not to prosecute — what can I do?
A decision not to prosecute may be challenged before the criminal judgeship of peace within fifteen days of service. If the challenge succeeds, the investigation is reopened and an indictment is required.
04What is criminal mediation and should I accept it?
For certain offences listed in the law, mediation allows the file to be closed by agreement between the parties. If accepted, no public prosecution is brought or the existing one is discontinued. Whether it serves your interests depends on the alleged offence and the state of the evidence.
05When is a criminal record expunged?
Once the sentence has been fully executed the entry is removed from the criminal record and transferred to the archive record. Deletion of the archive record depends on the periods set out in the law and may require a separate application.
Legally reviewed: Attorney at Law, Founder Gökay Kahan
Let's assess your legal position together
Tell us about your file and we will set out clearly which legal routes are open to you and how the process will unfold.
0553 681 31 63Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 18:00