Police questioning and the right to a lawyer
A person summoned by the police or the prosecutor should establish which unit issued the summons, the file number and whether they are called as a suspect (şüpheli), a witness (tanık) or a complainant (müşteki). A witness is obliged to attend and tell the truth; a suspect has the right to remain silent.
Before questioning, a suspect must be informed of the allegation and of the rights to choose a lawyer, to have a relative notified, to remain silent and to request the collection of evidence in their favour. A suspect or defendant who does not speak Turkish is provided with an interpreter, and interpretation costs are not charged to them.
A lawyer is appointed without request where the suspect is a child or unable to conduct a defence, and in cases where the minimum sentence exceeds five years' imprisonment. A statement should be read in full, with the assistance of the interpreter where necessary, before it is signed.
Custody and searches
Police custody (gözaltı) may not exceed twenty-four hours from arrest, excluding the time needed to reach the nearest judge. For offences committed collectively, the prosecutor may extend it one day at a time, up to three additional days.
The detained person, their lawyer, spouse or close relatives may challenge custody before the criminal judgeship of peace (sulh ceza hâkimliği). Foreign nationals may ask for their consulate to be informed.
Homes and workplaces are searched on a judge's order or, where delay would be prejudicial, on the prosecutor's written order. Every item seized, particularly phones and computers, should be listed in the search record, and a copy of the record requested.
Pre-trial detention and travel bans
Detention on remand (tutuklama) requires concrete evidence of strong suspicion and a ground such as risk of flight or of tampering with evidence. Judicial control measures, including a ban on leaving Türkiye, may be imposed instead. Both detention and travel bans may be challenged, and their removal may be requested at any stage.
During the investigation, the need for continued detention is reviewed by a judge at intervals not exceeding thirty days.
Rights of victims
For offences prosecuted only on complaint, the complaint must be filed within six months of learning of the act and the offender. A decision not to prosecute may be challenged within fifteen days of service. For offences that are not complaint-based, the prosecutor investigates of their own motion.
For certain offences the file is first referred to a conciliator (uzlaştırmacı), and an offer not answered within three days is deemed refused. Once a case is opened, the victim may join as an intervening party (katılan), submit evidence and appeal. Proceedings can be followed through a lawyer after the victim returns home, under a power of attorney signed at a Turkish consulate.
Judgment and suspended pronouncement
The rules on suspension of the pronouncement of judgment (HAGB) were amended in 2026, and earlier summaries may no longer reflect the law in force. Appeal periods are short and run from pronouncement or service of the judgment. Meetings are held by appointment at the office in Konyaaltı; in urgent custody matters, contact by telephone is advisable.