Criminal Law

Criminal Law in Turkey

Turkey receives millions of foreign visitors, residents, and investors every year. While the vast majority of these individuals never encounter the Turkish criminal justice system, those who do often find themselves in an unfamiliar and deeply stressful situation. Turkish criminal procedure differs substantially from the systems found in common law countries and even from many European civil law jurisdictions. Without proper legal representation, foreign nationals risk losing fundamental rights at the earliest and most critical stages of a criminal case.

At Soylu Law, we provide criminal law representation to foreign nationals at every stage of proceedings — from the initial police detention through investigation, indictment, trial, and appeal.

We Provide Legal Assistance In:

• Criminal defense for foreign nationals in Turkey
• Representation during police questioning and detention
• Fraud, theft, and financial crimes
• Drug-related offenses
• Traffic accidents resulting in injury or death
• Assault and intentional injury
• Blackmail and extortion
• Unlawful entry and trespassing
• Cybercrime and online offenses
• Crimes committed against foreign nationals in Turkey
• Deportation risk and criminal proceedings
• Consular notification and coordination

Your Rights as a Foreign National Under Turkish Criminal Law

Foreign nationals detained or arrested in Turkey hold a number of fundamental rights under both Turkish law and international conventions. The Turkish Code of Criminal Procedure (Law No. 5271) guarantees the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel from the moment of detention, and the right to be informed of the charges against you in a language you understand. Additionally, under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Turkish authorities are obligated to notify your country’s consulate upon your request when you are detained.

In practice, however, these rights are not always communicated clearly to foreign detainees, particularly in the chaotic early hours following an arrest. The decisions made — or not made — during this window can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. Retaining a criminal defense attorney as early as possible is not merely advisable; in the Turkish system, it is essential.

Criminal Procedure in Turkey: What to Expect

Turkish criminal proceedings follow a civil law inquisitorial model, which differs significantly from the adversarial systems common in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. The process moves through several distinct phases.

The investigation phase is conducted by the public prosecutor (Cumhuriyet Savcısı) in coordination with the police. During this phase, evidence is gathered, witness statements are taken, and suspects may be called in for questioning. A suspect has the right to have an attorney present during all questioning, and exercising this right cannot be used as evidence of guilt. Following the investigation, the prosecutor may either issue a decision not to prosecute or file an indictment (iddianame) with the criminal court. Once the indictment is accepted, the trial phase begins, during which hearings are conducted before a judge or panel of judges — Turkey does not have a jury system. Verdicts may be appealed to the Regional Courts of Appeal and subsequently to the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay).

Offenses Foreign Nationals Commonly Face in Turkey

Certain categories of criminal offense arise disproportionately among foreign nationals in Turkey, either because of circumstances specific to living or traveling abroad or because of targeted criminal activity.

Drug-related offenses carry severe penalties under Law No. 2313 on the Control of Narcotic Substances and the relevant provisions of the Turkish Criminal Code (Law No. 5237). Even possession of small quantities can result in prosecution, and sentences can be lengthy. Traffic accidents involving injury or death frequently give rise to criminal liability under Article 89 of the Turkish Criminal Code, running parallel to any civil compensation claim. Fraud and financial crimes are increasingly common in cross-border business transactions, and foreign nationals may find themselves either as defendants or as victims seeking criminal redress. Blackmail and extortion cases, particularly those arising from personal or business disputes, are prosecuted under Article 107 of the Turkish Criminal Code and can carry sentences of up to three years, extendable under aggravated circumstances.

When a Foreign National Is the Victim of a Crime

Criminal law representation is not limited to defense. Foreign nationals who have been the victim of a crime in Turkey have the right to file a criminal complaint (suç duyurusu) with the public prosecutor’s office and to participate in proceedings as a complainant (şikayetçi). In certain categories of offense, the victim may also claim compensation within the criminal proceedings themselves, avoiding the need for a separate civil action.

Navigating this process in a foreign language and legal system is challenging. Soylu Law assists foreign victims of crime in filing complaints, tracking the progress of the investigation, and ensuring that their interests are properly represented throughout the proceedings.

Deportation Risk in Criminal Cases

A criminal conviction in Turkey can have direct consequences for a foreign national’s right to remain in the country. Under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, certain criminal convictions trigger an administrative deportation process initiated by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. In some cases, a deportation order may be issued even before a final conviction, on the basis of a public security assessment.

Foreign nationals facing criminal charges should therefore ensure that their legal counsel is aware of their residency and visa status from the outset, as criminal defense strategy and immigration status are closely linked in these situations.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Criminal proceedings in Turkey are conducted entirely in Turkish. Court documents, indictments, and hearing records will not be provided in any other language, and court-appointed interpreters — while available — do not substitute for a defense attorney who understands both the legal system and your personal circumstances.

At Soylu Law, we communicate with our foreign clients in English, ensuring that you understand every step of your case. We represent clients at every stage of criminal proceedings, from the first hours of detention through to final appeal, and we coordinate directly with consular offices where necessary.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are available online for clients located outside Turkey.