Turkish Criminal Lawyer in Istanbul, Turkey

A criminal matter is one of the most serious situations a person or a company can face. It can affect personal liberty, reputation, business operations, and, for foreign nationals, immigration status and the right to remain in the country. Criminal law in Turkey governs how the state investigates and prosecutes alleged crimes, how suspects and defendants are tried, and how victims of crime can seek justice. Because the process moves quickly and involves strict deadlines, anyone connected to a criminal matter in Turkey benefits from obtaining legal advice as early as possible.

Karanfiloglu Law Firm is an Istanbul-based law firm that advises and represents clients in criminal law matters across Turkey. We act for suspects, defendants, victims, and complainants, and we also advise company directors, business owners, and corporate clients on criminal exposure connected to their activities. We assist Turkish citizens and, with particular attention, foreign nationals and expats who are unfamiliar with the Turkish system. Turkish criminal law is set out mainly in the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237, while the procedure is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure No. 5271.

Legal assistance matters from the first moment a criminal matter arises. A criminal process in Turkey runs through defined stages: the investigation led by the public prosecutor, statements before the police and the prosecutor, decisions on detention and arrest, the indictment, the trial before the criminal court, appeals, and finally the execution of any judgment. At each stage there are procedural rights to be exercised and deadlines to be met. A statement given without advice, an objection filed too late, or evidence that was not preserved can affect the entire matter. Criminal cases also carry consequences beyond the courtroom, including damage to reputation, travel restrictions, problems with residence or entry for foreigners, and liability risks for companies and their managers.

What Does Criminal Law Cover in Turkey?

Criminal law in Turkey covers the investigation and prosecution of alleged crimes and the legal process that follows. It includes the investigation phase, prosecution and criminal trials, the defense of suspects and defendants, the representation of victims and complainants, detention and arrest procedures, the review of evidence, appeals to the higher courts, criminal execution law, misdemeanors and administrative fines, and the criminal exposure of companies and their managers.

In practical terms, this means criminal law deals with a wide range of matters. Common examples include theft, fraud, and other property-related crimes; assault, injury, threats, insult, and defamation; crimes against privacy and the protection of personal data; cybercrime; workplace-related criminal complaints; tax-related criminal allegations; and commercial criminal disputes. It also covers the rules on how the state may detain or arrest a person, how a person may give or decline to give a statement, and how a convicted person serves and challenges a sentence. The same body of law protects victims, who have the right to file a complaint and to take part in the proceedings.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Criminal Law in Turkey

Criminal matters carry serious risk, and much of that risk arises from the early steps that are taken before a person fully understands their situation.

The most common dangers include making a statement without legal advice, which can shape the rest of a case; missing objection deadlines, which can close off a remedy permanently; and failing to preserve evidence that would have supported the client’s position. There are also risks connected to unlawful searches and the way evidence is gathered, the possibility of detention or arrest, lasting reputational damage, and travel restrictions. For foreign nationals, a criminal matter can create entry or residence problems. For companies, it can raise corporate liability risks and personal exposure for directors and managers.

Foreign clients face additional and very practical difficulties. There is a language barrier with the police, the prosecutor, and the documents. Police and prosecutor procedures are unfamiliar and move on their own schedule. Translation issues can affect how a statement is recorded and understood. Evidence may be located in another country and has to be brought into the Turkish proceedings correctly. And Turkish criminal procedure itself, with its distinct investigation and prosecution stages, is difficult to follow without guidance.

A Turkish criminal lawyer helps in concrete ways at every stage. We develop a defense strategy, prepare criminal complaints for victims, assist with statement preparation before the police and prosecutor, carry out evidence review, draft objection petitions, provide court representation through the trial, handle appeal procedures, act in victim representation, and provide urgent legal intervention where liberty or a deadline is at stake. A lawyer cannot promise a particular result, but proper representation makes sure that your rights are exercised and the procedure is followed correctly.

Why Choose Karanfiloglu Law Firm for Criminal Law Matters

Karanfiloglu Law Firm provides criminal law services from our office in the centre of Istanbul, and we act for clients across Turkey and abroad. Our practice combines knowledge of Turkish criminal law and procedure with practical experience of how investigations and trials actually develop, from the first police contact through to appeal and the execution of a judgment.

We treat every criminal matter with confidentiality, careful case assessment, and a timely response. Criminal matters are sensitive, and we handle them discreetly. They are also time sensitive, so we assess the situation promptly and advise on what needs to be done first. We support international clients directly, explaining Turkish criminal procedure in plain English and keeping clients informed at each stage. Our work covers the full life of a criminal matter: legal strategy, document preparation, support during the investigation, complaint and defense petitions, hearing representation, appeal procedures, criminal execution law support, and end to end assistance.

We do not promise particular outcomes, and Turkish legal and professional rules do not permit any lawyer to guarantee an acquittal, a release, or any other result. What we offer is careful, ethical, and committed legal work, with honest advice about the strengths and risks of your situation.

About our lawyer

The firm is led by attorney Kaan Karanfiloglu, an experienced lawyer based in Istanbul. He advises clients in English, French, and Turkish, and the firm also supports clients in Russian and Chinese through experienced translators in the office. Kaan Karanfiloglu is registered with the Istanbul Bar Association, registration number 58270, and the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, registration number 133074. He graduated from Galatasaray University Law School.

Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Justia as a Turkish Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish lawyer for foreigners who need legal assistance in Turkey.
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Lawzana as a Turkish Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish lawyer for foreigners who need legal assistance in Turkey.
Karanfiloglu Law Firm is listed at Lawyers.com as a Turkish Lawyer firm. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a top Turkish lawyer for foreigners who need legal assistance in Turkey.

Attorney Kaan Karanfiloglu, Turkish lawyer in Istanbul

Our Criminal Law Services in Turkey

We provide a complete range of services across Turkish criminal law, acting for both the defense and for victims. The areas below are the ones our clients ask for most often. If your matter is not listed here, contact us and we will tell you whether and how we can help.

Criminal Defense for Suspects and Defendants

We defend suspects during the investigation and defendants during the trial. As a criminal defense lawyer in Turkey, we examine the allegation and the evidence, advise on the client’s rights, build a defense strategy, and represent the client before the prosecutor and the criminal courts at every stage of the case.

Legal Support During Criminal Investigations

The investigation phase, led by the public prosecutor, often determines the direction of a case. We provide legal support from the start of a criminal investigation in Turkey, advising on how to respond, what to disclose, and how to protect the client’s position before any decision on prosecution is made.

Police, Prosecutor, and Court Statement Preparation

A statement given to the police, the prosecutor, or the court can have lasting effect. We prepare clients before they give a statement, explain their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer, and attend the statement with them so that it is given properly and accurately recorded.

Detention, Arrest, and Release Procedures

Detention and arrest are among the most urgent matters in criminal law. As a detention lawyer in Turkey, we act quickly to review the lawfulness of detention or arrest, attend statements, file objections against arrest decisions, and apply for release or for alternatives to arrest. Anyone facing these measures should seek legal help immediately.

Victim Representation and Criminal Complaints

We act for victims and complainants. As a victim lawyer in Turkey, we prepare and file the criminal complaint, gather and present evidence, follow the investigation, and represent the victim as an intervening party in the criminal proceedings so that their interests are properly pursued.

Fraud, Theft, and Property-Related Crimes

We handle fraud, theft, and other property-related crimes, acting both for clients accused of these offences and for victims who have suffered loss. As a fraud lawyer in Turkey, we focus on the evidence, the financial records, and the procedure that determine how these cases are decided.

Assault, Injury, Threat, Insult, and Defamation Cases

We act in cases involving assault, intentional injury, threats, insult, and defamation. As an assault lawyer in Turkey and a defamation lawyer in Turkey, we represent both defendants and victims, and we advise on the medical reports, witness evidence, and complaint deadlines that these cases depend on.

Crimes Against Privacy and Personal Data

We advise on crimes against privacy and the unlawful handling of personal data, which are addressed both by the Turkish Penal Code and by Turkey’s data protection legislation. These personal data crimes in Turkey include the unlawful recording, sharing, or obtaining of private information and personal data.

Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Matters

We handle cybercrime matters and cases that turn on digital evidence, such as messages, account activity, and electronic records. Digital evidence must be identified, preserved, and presented correctly, and we work to ensure it is handled properly whether the client is a defendant or a victim. This work often overlaps with our IT Law in Turkey practice.

Corporate Criminal Liability and Manager Responsibility

We advise companies and their directors and managers on corporate criminal liability in Turkey. Although criminal penalties such as imprisonment apply to individuals rather than to companies, managers can bear personal criminal responsibility for conduct connected to the business, and security measures can affect the company itself. We help companies understand and manage this exposure. This connects with our Commercial Law in Turkey practice.

Tax Crimes and Commercial Criminal Allegations

We act on tax-related criminal allegations and other commercial criminal matters, which often arise alongside civil or administrative proceedings. These cases require careful coordination of the criminal defense with the wider commercial and tax position of the client or the business.

Workplace-Related Criminal Complaints

We advise on criminal complaints connected to the workplace, which can involve employers, employees, or both. These matters frequently run alongside employment disputes, so we handle them with the employment context in mind, in coordination with our Business Law in Turkey practice.

Misdemeanors and Administrative Fines

We assist clients with misdemeanors in Turkey and administrative fines, which are dealt with under the misdemeanors legislation rather than the Penal Code. This includes advising on and challenging administrative fines, including traffic fines and other penalties, through the correct objection procedure and within the applicable deadlines.

Objections, Appeals, and Higher Court Procedures

We handle objections during the investigation and trial and appeals against criminal judgments. A criminal judgment can usually be challenged before the regional courts of appeal and, in certain matters, the Court of Cassation. We assess the prospects of an appeal honestly and pursue it where it is justified.

Criminal Execution Law and Sentence Enforcement Issues

We provide support on criminal execution law in Turkey, which governs how a sentence is served and enforced. This includes advising convicted clients on the execution process, on conditional release, and on other matters that arise during the enforcement of a criminal judgment.

Expungement, Criminal Records, and Post-Judgment Matters

We advise on criminal records and, where the law allows, on the removal or correction of records and other post-judgment matters. A criminal record can affect employment, travel, and residence, so it is important to understand what a record shows and what options may be available.

Legal Support for Foreigners Involved in Criminal Cases in Turkey

We provide focused support for foreign nationals and expats involved in criminal cases in Turkey, whether as suspects, defendants, or victims. We explain the procedure in English, attend statements, represent the client before the authorities and the courts, and take account of the immigration consequences a criminal matter can have. This work connects with our Foreigners Law in Turkey practice.

The Legal Process in Criminal Law Cases in Turkey

The way a criminal matter proceeds depends on the role of the client, but most cases follow a recognisable path. The stages below describe how we typically work.

Step 1 – Initial consultation. We begin by understanding your situation, your role in the matter, and any deadlines or measures already in place. This can take place in our Istanbul office or, where possible, remotely.

Step 2 – Urgent risk assessment. We assess immediately whether the matter requires urgent action, for example because of detention, arrest, a search, a travel ban, deportation-related risk, or an approaching statement deadline.

Step 3 – Evidence and document review. We review the available evidence and documents, including any police or prosecutor file information that can be accessed.

Step 4 – Police or prosecutor statement. Where a statement is required, we prepare the client and attend the statement to protect their rights.

Step 5 – Investigation phase. During the investigation led by the prosecutor, we make submissions, request the collection of evidence, and protect the client’s interests.

Step 6 – Complaint or defense petition. We prepare the criminal complaint for a victim, or the defense submissions for a suspect, as the matter requires.

Step 7 – Detention or arrest review. Where detention or arrest is in question, we attend the relevant hearings and file objections or applications for release.

Step 8 – Indictment. If the prosecutor decides to prosecute, an indictment is issued and the matter moves to the criminal court.

Step 9 – Criminal court proceedings and hearings. We represent the client through the trial, including hearings, the examination of witnesses, and any expert reports.

Step 10 – Judgment. The court issues its decision on the matter.

Step 11 – Appeal. We advise on, and where justified pursue, an appeal before the higher courts.

Step 12 – Execution of judgment. Where a judgment becomes final, we advise on the execution of the sentence and related criminal execution law matters.

The exact process depends on whether the client is a suspect, defendant, victim, complainant, company representative, foreign national, or convicted person. Some criminal matters require urgent action, particularly where there is detention, arrest, search, seizure, a travel ban, deportation-related risk, or an approaching statement deadline. In those situations, contacting a lawyer without delay is essential.

Documents and Information You May Need

The documents required depend on the type of criminal matter and the client’s role. As a general guide, the following are often useful when you contact us:

Passport or identity document, and a residence permit if applicable
Police report and any available prosecutor file information
Court summons and any detention or arrest documents
Complaint petitions already filed or received
Witness information and correspondence relevant to the matter
Screenshots, phone records, and digital messages
Payment records, contracts, and invoices, for financial or commercial allegations
Camera footage, medical reports, forensic reports, and expert reports
Company documents, where a company or its managers are involved
Administrative fine notices, for misdemeanor matters
Prior judgments, appeal documents, and criminal record documents
A notarized power of attorney, where you wish us to act on your behalf

You do not need to gather everything before contacting us, and urgent matters should never be delayed for the sake of paperwork. After the first consultation we will tell you exactly what your specific matter requires.

Services for Foreign Clients

A significant part of our criminal practice is for foreign clients. We assist foreigners, expats, tourists, foreign investors, international companies, foreign employees, and cross border clients who are involved in criminal law matters in Turkey, whether as suspects, defendants, victims, or complainants.

Our support for foreign clients includes urgent consultation, remote consultation where the situation allows, representation by power of attorney, support through police and prosecutor procedures, court representation, coordination of certified translation, and guidance on notarisation and on apostille and legalisation for documents issued abroad. We communicate in English, and we also serve clients in French, Russian, and Chinese, and we coordinate with the Turkish authorities on the client’s behalf.

The issues foreign clients face in Turkish criminal matters are usually predictable. Language barriers make it hard to understand what is being asked and what is being recorded. There is uncertainty about police procedures and what rights apply. Detention is a real concern, as are travel restrictions. A criminal matter can have immigration consequences, including for residence and entry. Documents need to be translated correctly. And many foreign clients simply have no local legal representation when a problem arises. We address these issues directly, so that being a foreigner does not leave you at a disadvantage in the process.

Common Legal Risks and Mistakes

Most avoidable harm in criminal matters comes from a small number of early mistakes. Recognising them is the simplest way to protect your rights.

Giving statements without legal advice. A statement made without understanding your rights can shape the entire case.
Deleting digital evidence. Removing messages, files, or records can harm your position and may itself create a problem.
Contacting the opposing party without strategy. Unplanned contact with the other side can be misunderstood or used against you.
Missing objection deadlines. Many steps in a criminal matter can only be challenged within short, fixed periods.
Ignoring a court summons. Failing to respond to a summons can lead to serious procedural consequences.
Failing to collect evidence early. Evidence such as footage and records can be lost if it is not secured promptly.
Assuming minor complaints are harmless. Even a complaint that seems small can develop into a formal investigation.
Relying on informal translations. An inaccurate translation can distort a statement or a document.
Delaying legal support after detention or a complaint. The early stage is when legal help matters most.
Not considering immigration or corporate consequences. A criminal matter can affect residence, entry, and the position of a company and its managers.

Proper legal assistance prevents these procedural mistakes and protects the client’s rights. A lawyer who is involved early advises on statements, secures evidence, meets the deadlines, and makes sure the procedure is followed correctly, which protects the client’s position throughout the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does criminal law cover in Turkey?

Criminal law in Turkey covers the investigation and prosecution of alleged crimes and the legal process that follows. It includes the defense of suspects and defendants, the representation of victims and complainants, detention and arrest procedures, criminal trials, appeals, criminal execution law, misdemeanors and administrative fines, and the criminal exposure of companies and their managers.

Do I need a criminal lawyer in Turkey?

For any criminal matter, legal representation is strongly advisable. Criminal proceedings in Turkey move quickly, involve strict deadlines, and can affect a person’s liberty, reputation, and immigration status. A criminal lawyer protects your rights, advises on statements and evidence, and represents you before the authorities and the courts.

What should I do if I am called to give a police statement in Turkey?

If you are asked to give a police statement, it is advisable to speak with a lawyer before you attend. You have the right to a lawyer and, in general, the right to remain silent. A lawyer can prepare you, explain your rights, and attend the statement with you so that it is given properly and recorded accurately.

Can foreigners be detained or arrested in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign nationals are subject to Turkish criminal law and can be detained or arrested in the same way as Turkish citizens, subject to the same procedural rules and rights, including the right to a lawyer and to an interpreter. A criminal matter can also affect a foreign national’s residence and entry status, so prompt legal advice is important.

Can Karanfiloglu Law Firm represent foreign clients in criminal cases?

Yes. We regularly represent foreign nationals and expats in criminal matters in Turkey, as suspects, defendants, victims, or complainants. We communicate in English, and in French, Russian, and Chinese, coordinate translation, and can act through a power of attorney where appropriate.

How can I file a criminal complaint in Turkey?

A criminal complaint in Turkey is generally filed with the public prosecutor’s office or the police, setting out the alleged offence and the supporting evidence. Some offences are subject to a complaint deadline. A lawyer can prepare the complaint properly, present the evidence, and represent the victim through the investigation and trial.

What is the difference between investigation and prosecution in Turkish criminal law?

In Turkish criminal procedure, the investigation phase is led by the public prosecutor and aims to establish whether there is sufficient basis to bring a case. If the prosecutor decides to proceed, an indictment is issued and the prosecution phase begins before the criminal court, where the matter is tried. The two phases have different rules and different opportunities for the defense and the victim.

What happens after an indictment is issued in Turkey?

Once the prosecutor issues an indictment and the court accepts it, the matter moves to the prosecution phase. The criminal court holds hearings at which evidence and witnesses are examined, expert reports may be obtained, and the parties present their arguments, before the court reaches a judgment. A lawyer represents the client throughout this process.

Can a criminal judgment be appealed in Turkey?

Yes. A criminal judgment can generally be challenged before the regional courts of appeal and, in certain matters, the Court of Cassation, within the applicable deadlines. A lawyer can assess the grounds for an appeal and advise honestly on its prospects before it is pursued.

What should companies do if they face a criminal investigation in Turkey?

A company facing a criminal investigation should obtain legal advice promptly. Although criminal penalties such as imprisonment apply to individuals rather than to the company itself, directors and managers can bear personal criminal responsibility, and the company can be affected by security measures. Early legal advice helps a company understand and manage this exposure.

What documents are needed for a criminal law case in Turkey?

Useful documents commonly include identity and residence documents, any police report or prosecutor file information, a court summons, detention or arrest documents, complaint petitions, correspondence, digital records, medical or forensic reports, and a power of attorney. The exact documents depend on the matter, and urgent cases should not be delayed for paperwork.

Can a victim of crime hire a lawyer in Turkey?

Yes. A victim of crime in Turkey can hire a lawyer to file a criminal complaint, present evidence, follow the investigation, and represent them as an intervening party in the criminal proceedings. Victim representation helps ensure that the victim’s interests are properly pursued throughout the case.

Contact Karanfiloglu Law Firm, Your Turkish Lawyer

If you are a suspect, a defendant, a victim, or a company facing a criminal matter, the earlier you obtain legal advice, the better your rights can be protected. Criminal matters in Turkey move quickly and involve strict deadlines, and some situations, such as detention, arrest, or an approaching statement, call for immediate action. Karanfiloglu Law Firm advises and represents clients on criminal law in Turkey from our office in Istanbul, and we work with clients across the country and abroad.

To discuss your criminal law matter, contact our Istanbul law firm to book a confidential legal consultation. We treat every matter with discretion, assess your situation carefully, and respond promptly. We will explain your options clearly and tell you how we can help. We do not guarantee any particular legal outcome, and no lawyer lawfully can, but we are committed to careful, ethical, and dedicated legal work focused on protecting your rights and interests.

Karanfiloglu Law Firm
Address: Mecidiyekoy Mah. Buyukdere Cad. No:67-71, Alba Business Center, Floor 8, Sisli, 34387 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 532 659 35 11
To request a consultation, please use the firm’s contact page.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.