Facing Criminal Charges in Turkey? A Guide for Foreigners on Their Rights and Defense

Facing a criminal charge in your own country is daunting. Facing one in a foreign country, where you don't fully understand the language or the legal system, can be terrifying. For foreigners and expatriates in Turkey, an encounter with the criminal justice system requires immediate, expert, and clear-headed guidance. The steps you take—or fail to take—in the first few hours can determine the entire outcome of your case.

The Critical First Steps: What to Do Immediately

The most critical phase of any criminal case is the initial police interrogation and detention period. At this moment, you have fundamental rights that must be protected. The two golden rules are:

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You are not obligated to answer any questions without your lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.

Demand a Lawyer Immediately: This is your constitutional right. Do not sign any documents or give any statements until an expert Turkish criminal lawyer is by your side.

Why a Specialized Turkish Criminal Lawyer is Essential

The Turkish legal system has its own unique procedures, especially in the High Criminal Courts (Ağır Ceza Mahkemeleri) where serious felonies are tried. Navigating this system requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands practical experience and strategic insight.

If you are a foreign national facing criminal charges in Ankara, protecting your rights and your future is our primary mission. To learn more about the Turkish criminal justice process and how our expert legal team can assist you, we invite you to read our comprehensive guide.

For more information about this topic: https://aslanduran.com/en/practice-areas/criminal-law/