Criminal Law

Criminal law is the field of law that defines whether an act constitutes an offence, how investigation and prosecution proceedings are conducted, and the rights and obligations of individuals throughout these proceedings. Our firm provides services in the defence of suspects and accused persons, as well as in the representation of complainants who have suffered harm from an offence, during both the investigation and prosecution stages. The following information is general in nature and does not replace an assessment of any specific case.

Scope of the Field

Criminal law practice covers both substantive criminal law (the Turkish Criminal Code and special criminal statutes) and the law of criminal procedure (the Code of Criminal Procedure). The principal matters addressed within this framework include:

• Defence of suspects and accused persons (during the investigation and prosecution phases)
• Representation of complainants, victims, and injured parties
• Legal assistance during statements and interrogations
• Detention, judicial control, and objection proceedings
• Legal remedies (appeals on the merits and appeals to the Court of Cassation)

How the Process Generally Works

Criminal proceedings are, as a rule, composed of two main stages. The investigation stage begins when a suspicion of an offence comes to light and covers the measures carried out by the public prosecutor. At this stage, matters such as taking statements, collecting evidence, custody, and, where necessary, protective measures like arrest may arise. At the end of the investigation, the prosecutor either issues a decision of non-prosecution or files an indictment to initiate a case. Once the indictment is accepted, the prosecution stage begins; hearings are held before the court, evidence is examined, and the proceedings conclude with a judgment. Where the conditions are met, the decision may be challenged through appeal and cassation remedies.

Points the Parties Should Note

Observing certain procedural rules and time limits carries considerable importance in criminal proceedings. The right to remain silent and the right to benefit from the assistance of defence counsel during statements and interrogations are guaranteed by law. Missing the statutory time limits set for objections and legal remedies may result in the loss of rights. The proper evaluation of documents and evidence in accordance with procedure also affects the outcome. For this reason, seeking legal information at an early stage of the process may be beneficial.

The Firm's Approach

Our firm informs its clients on legal matters at every stage of criminal proceedings and follows the procedural steps according to the particulars of the file. Attending statements and interrogations during the investigation stage, monitoring hearings during the prosecution stage, and preparing the necessary petitions are among the work carried out. This work is conducted within the framework of the legislation in force and judicial practice, with a measured approach tailored to each file.