Foreign nationals in Turkey accused of criminal offenses face unique legal challenges due to unfamiliar procedures, language barriers, and lack of immediate access to legal representation. Whether the allegation involves theft, fraud, assault, immigration violations, or more serious crimes, a foreigner’s right to due process and defense must be actively protected. At Istanbul Law Firm, we represent international clients in every phase of criminal law proceedings in Turkey, from police interrogation and detention to courtroom defense and appeals.
Criminal law in Turkey is primarily codified in the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and Criminal Procedure Code (CMK), with additional provisions under anti-terror, immigration, and digital crime statutes. Trials are conducted before criminal courts of first instance (Asliye Ceza Mahkemesi) or high criminal courts (Ağır Ceza Mahkemesi) depending on the severity of the offense. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey represent defendants at every hearing, ensure fair treatment, and intervene if procedural rights are violated—especially during police detention or preliminary investigation.
This guide provides a full overview of how criminal law in Turkey works for foreigners—what to expect after arrest, how bail and pretrial detention operate, how defense is structured, and what role expert witnesses, translators, and consular services play. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for criminal defense, Istanbul Law Firm offers legal clarity, fast response, and cross-border coordination for foreign defendants. Related: Can Criminal Charges Lead to Deportation?, Why You Need Bilingual Legal Defense in Turkish Courts
Scope of Criminal Law in Turkey for Foreign Defendants
Turkish criminal law applies equally to Turkish citizens and foreign nationals for any offense committed on Turkish soil. Foreigners may also be prosecuted for certain extraterritorial crimes—such as drug trafficking, terrorism, or digital crimes targeting Turkish institutions—even if committed abroad. Jurisdiction is broad, and once accused, a foreigner is subject to all criminal procedural rules, including detention, arrest, and restriction on international travel. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers immediately assess the scope and risk of the charges and initiate procedural safeguards including bail motions, evidence preservation, and consular notification.
The scope of criminal prosecution includes intentional crimes (such as assault or theft), negligent acts (like traffic manslaughter), white-collar offenses (fraud, forgery), and regulatory breaches (residency, customs, tax). Each offense has unique procedures, courts, and evidentiary rules. We provide tailored defense strategy depending on the nature of the accusation, and we intervene at the earliest stage to mitigate risks and prepare a long-term litigation plan. Our firm also represents foreigners accused in absentia, helping to close arrest warrants or negotiate settlements before extradition or INTERPOL alerts occur.
Language and legal awareness are critical issues for foreign defendants. Many are unaware of their right to silence, the right to a lawyer from the moment of detention, and their right to consular assistance. We educate our clients, monitor police conduct, and protect clients from coerced confessions or procedural abuse. As English speaking lawyers in Turkey, we ensure you understand every charge, option, and consequence. Related: Full Litigation Services for Foreign Criminal Defendants, When Business Offenses Become Criminal Investigations
Key Stages of Criminal Investigation and Trial Procedure in Turkey
The Turkish criminal justice process unfolds in structured stages: investigation (soruşturma), prosecution (kovuşturma), trial (duruşma), and appeal (istinaf/yargıtay). Foreign defendants often enter the process at the investigation stage—detained by police or summoned for questioning following a complaint, police report, or evidence collection. The prosecutor (savcı) leads the investigation, and may issue search warrants, detain suspects, or request pre-trial arrest. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers intervene immediately to safeguard the client’s rights, prevent unlawful detention, and prepare early defense filings to shape the trajectory of the case.
Once an indictment (iddianame) is filed, the court accepts or rejects it based on procedural sufficiency. Accepted indictments proceed to trial, where hearings involve evidence presentation, witness cross-examination, and legal argument. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey attend all sessions, translate court documents, and file procedural motions to exclude illegal evidence or raise rights violations. We also collaborate with private investigators, forensic analysts, and expert witnesses to rebut state accusations and demonstrate alternative theories of the case.
Verdicts can be appealed to Regional Courts (Bölge Adliye Mahkemesi) and, where permissible, to the Supreme Court of Appeals (Yargıtay). We handle all post-trial filings, preserve appeal deadlines, and file urgent stay-of-execution requests to prevent prison entry during appeal. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for criminal defense, Istanbul Law Firm combines procedural mastery with client-centered advocacy across all stages. Related: How Language Access Shapes Fair Trial Rights, Do I Need a Defense Lawyer for a Police Investigation in Turkey?
Legal Rights of Foreign Nationals During Criminal Proceedings in Turkey
Foreign nationals accused of crimes in Turkey benefit from the same constitutional and procedural rights as Turkish citizens—with additional guarantees under international law. From the moment of detention, suspects have the right to remain silent, the right to consult a lawyer, and the right to be informed of the charges against them in a language they understand. For foreigners, these rights include the mandatory appointment of a qualified interpreter and the notification of their consulate under the Vienna Convention. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers monitor every stage of the process to ensure no violation occurs and that legal protections are activated promptly.
Many foreign defendants do not realize that Turkish law requires police and prosecutors to inform them of their legal rights at the earliest opportunity. Failure to do so may invalidate later statements or procedural steps. We file procedural objections, request the exclusion of coerced or untranslated confessions, and ensure that all court documents are interpreted accurately. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey accompany clients during police interrogations, forensic exams, and medical evaluations to prevent miscommunication or abuse of authority.
In addition to in-court defense, we coordinate with embassies, consulates, and international NGOs to ensure diplomatic and humanitarian support. We also advise on how criminal cases may affect immigration status, residency permits, and future travel eligibility. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for foreign criminal defendants, Istanbul Law Firm protects not just your legal rights—but your long-term security and international mobility. Related: Can a Criminal Case Trigger Deportation?, How to Exercise Your Rights in a Language You Understand
Common Criminal Offenses Involving Foreign Nationals in Turkey
Foreign nationals in Turkey are most frequently investigated or prosecuted for offenses related to immigration, public order, traffic, and fraud. Immigration-related charges include overstaying a visa, unauthorized employment, or forging residency documents. Public order offenses range from disturbance in tourist areas to minor assault or resisting police instructions. More serious cases may involve drug possession, human trafficking, or financial crimes. At Istanbul Law Firm, our Turkish Lawyers categorize each case according to criminal risk level, and we prioritize early intervention for low-severity offenses to prevent escalation into detention or deportation proceedings.
Traffic crimes—such as reckless driving, DUI, or causing injury by negligence—are also common among foreigners, especially tourists or expats driving without full license recognition. These cases often involve rapid police reports, fines, vehicle seizure, or temporary bans. We represent clients during police investigation, negotiate with prosecutors for conditional releases, and submit mitigation petitions. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey manage all courtroom translation and provide written legal updates to clients abroad or under travel restrictions.
White-collar crimes and fraud allegations—such as unauthorized commercial activity, unlicensed crypto transactions, or bank fraud—trigger more complex legal scrutiny. These cases often involve financial audits, search warrants, and asset freezes. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for foreign criminal matters, Istanbul Law Firm delivers case-specific defense strategy, including parallel administrative filings, witness gathering, and protective injunctions. Related: How Financial Charges Are Prosecuted Under Turkish Tax Law, Can Negligent Injury Turn Into a Criminal Case?
Why Istanbul Law Firm Is the Leading Criminal Defense Partner for Foreigners in Turkey
Foreign nationals accused of crimes in Turkey need a legal team that not only understands Turkish criminal procedure, but also the cultural, linguistic, and diplomatic dimensions that affect every stage of defense. At Istanbul Law Firm, we are uniquely positioned to provide this. Our firm has represented clients from over 40 countries in criminal proceedings ranging from traffic incidents and immigration breaches to complex financial investigations. We act fast, file bail motions within 24 hours, and maintain multilingual communication throughout the case—whether you are in custody or abroad.
What sets us apart is our bilingual litigation infrastructure and global coordination capability. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey prepare all court submissions in both Turkish and English, translate police records, and ensure the client fully understands the legal strategy. We also engage directly with consulates, embassies, and family members to provide status updates, consular access, and visa risk assessments. For high-risk or sensitive cases, we coordinate with international criminal counsel to ensure cross-border defense continuity.
As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for foreign criminal defense, we deliver outcomes—not excuses. Whether negotiating a suspended sentence, securing acquittal, or appealing to higher courts, our goal is to restore your freedom and protect your reputation. We are relentless in procedural defense, detailed in evidence strategy, and compassionate in client service. Related: Why Language-Accurate Defense Is Critical in Turkish Courts, How to Avoid Deportation After Criminal Proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can foreigners be prosecuted under Turkish criminal law? Yes. Turkish criminal law applies to all individuals on Turkish soil, regardless of nationality.
- What are the most common charges against foreigners? Visa violations, traffic offenses, public disturbance, theft, fraud, and immigration fraud.
- Can I get a lawyer immediately after being detained? Yes. You have the right to legal representation from the moment of detention.
- Will my embassy be notified? Yes. Under international agreements, police must notify your consulate upon your request.
- What if I don’t speak Turkish? You have the right to a free interpreter during all legal proceedings.
- Can I leave Turkey if under criminal investigation? Often not. Travel bans may be imposed pending trial or during investigation.
- How long does a criminal trial take? It varies—minor cases may conclude in months, serious trials may take over a year.
- Can I file an appeal? Yes. Verdicts can be appealed to Regional Courts and, in some cases, to the Supreme Court.
- What if I was tried in absentia? We can petition for retrial and suspend arrest warrants, depending on the charges.
- Do I need a criminal lawyer in Turkey? Absolutely. All court filings and defense must be handled by a licensed Turkish lawyer.
- Can a criminal case result in deportation? Yes. Convictions for certain crimes may trigger administrative removal orders.
- Who is the best legal team for foreign defendants in Turkey? Istanbul Law Firm—multilingual, responsive, experienced in high-risk defense for international clients.
Contact Our Turkish Criminal Defense Lawyers
Facing criminal charges in Turkey as a foreigner? Istanbul Law Firm offers urgent legal intervention and full defense strategy across all stages—from arrest to trial and appeal. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey act fast, communicate clearly, and defend effectively.
