The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer and How the Right to Defense Works in Turkey
A strategic explanation of how criminal defense begins before the trial and why early legal intervention — especially for expats — is often decisive.
When a criminal investigation is initiated in Turkey, many people underestimate its seriousness. However, the real defense does not begin in court — it begins during the investigation stage. Failing to consult a lawyer before giving a statement may cause irreversible legal damage. Both residents of Turkey and expats living abroad with ongoing legal matters in Turkey often ask, “At which point should a lawyer be involved?”
A lawyer’s role is not just to speak in court — but to strategically direct the process.
In Turkish criminal law, a defense lawyer can:
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Access the investigation file and plan evidence strategy early.
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Intervene within the first 48 hours to prevent detention.
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Protect the client from giving incriminating or incomplete statements.
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File objections, requests for release, evidence submissions, settlements, or dismissal applications.
Full legal representation is possible without entering Turkey.
For expats, this is crucial to know:
With a notarized or consular power of attorney, I can fully represent you without your physical presence in Turkey.
This prevents legal silence and protects your rights from day one.
The right to defense is a constitutional guarantee in Turkey.
Any statement given without legal guidance can later be used against the defendant. This is why delayed legal action is always a disadvantage — early intervention is everything.
For further insight, you may visit the related legal category page:
/criminal-law-defense
In conclusion, waiting is the greatest risk — immediate legal defense is the real power in criminal cases.
