Which Crimes Fall Under Major Criminal Law? Detention and Defense Strategy in Turkey
A professional overview of major crimes under Turkish criminal law, detention criteria, and how expats can be legally represented without traveling to Turkey.
Being investigated under major criminal charges in Turkey is not just a legal matter — it is a direct threat to personal liberty. People often panic because they don’t know “Is my case considered a major felony?” or “Can I be defended without returning to Turkey?”
Yes — expats can be fully defended via power of attorney, without entering the country.
Major Criminal Law covers serious offenses such as intentional homicide, drug trafficking, organized crime, aggravated fraud, and sexual offenses. In such cases, the prosecution adopts a far more aggressive approach. The first 24–48 hours are critical — detention decisions are often made during this window.
Example (fictional): A Turkish citizen living in the UK discovers via e-Government that he is listed as a suspect in a criminal case. If defense is not initiated immediately, preventing detention later becomes significantly harder.
Detention is not automatic. However, if the court believes there is a risk of escape or tampering with evidence, detention may be ordered quickly. This is why legal preparation before statement is absolutely vital.
The defense strategy must start at the investigation phase — not after the trial begins.
For deeper insight and direct legal support, visit the Major Criminal Law page: /criminal-law-and-major-felonies
In conclusion, major criminal cases require immediate, strategic legal intervention — delay can mean irreversible consequences. Professional defense can fundamentally change the outcome — including preventing detention.
