Criminal Law
Anyone searching for a criminal lawyer in Fethiye — whether a resident, a property owner, or a tourist visiting the region — typically needs advice at one of two stages: during the police/prosecutor's investigation, or once a case has reached court. At Aysel Atlı Law and Consultancy Office we advise both suspects and victims/complainants, including foreign nationals who are unfamiliar with the Turkish criminal justice system.
- 01Investigation
The prosecutor's office and police gather evidence and take statements.
- 02Decision
The prosecutor either closes the file or files an indictment.
- 03Prosecution
If the indictment is accepted, the case proceeds before the criminal court.
- 04Judgment
The court issues its decision, which can be appealed.
Services We Provide in This Area
- Advice during police custody and questioning: Ensuring a suspect's rights (right to silence, right to legal counsel) are respected from the outset.
- Representation before the prosecutor and criminal courts: Advice and representation through the investigation and trial stages.
- Support for foreign nationals and tourists: Advice for visitors involved in an incident (accident, dispute, complaint) while in the Fethiye area.
- Complaints and reporting: Advice on filing or responding to a criminal complaint.
- Objections to detention and judicial control measures: Challenging pre-trial detention or bail-type conditions.
- Mediation (uzlaştırma) in eligible offences: Advice on the mediation process available for certain categories of crime.
- Traffic accident-related criminal matters: Advice on the criminal-law dimension of accidents involving injury.
Rights During Police Custody
A person taken into custody has the right to remain silent, the right to be informed of the accusation against them, and the right to legal assistance from a lawyer, all of which must be explained to them at the outset. These rights apply equally to foreign nationals, and where needed a sworn interpreter should be provided so the person fully understands the proceedings.
Foreign Nationals and Tourists Involved in an Incident in Fethiye
Fethiye's high volume of foreign visitors means that traffic accidents, disputes and other incidents involving tourists are a regular part of the local legal landscape. A foreign national involved in such an incident has, broadly, the same rights as a Turkish citizen: to claim compensation, to have access to an interpreter, and to be represented by a lawyer, whether they remain in Turkey or return home during the process (in which case a power of attorney allows the matter to continue in their absence).
Complaints and Criminal Reports
For offences that require a formal complaint, the complaint must generally be filed within the time limit set by law, counted from when the victim learned of the offence and the offender's identity. Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to pursue the matter through the criminal justice system.
Pre-Trial Detention and Judicial Control
Depending on the nature of the alleged offence and the circumstances, a suspect or defendant may be placed under judicial control measures or, in more serious cases, pre-trial detention. Both can be challenged through an objection procedure, and it is important that this be done within the applicable time limits.
Mediation in Criminal Cases
For a defined category of offences, Turkish law provides for a mediation process between the parties before the case proceeds to trial. Where mediation is available and successful, it can resolve the matter without a full criminal trial; where it does not apply or does not succeed, the case proceeds through the ordinary investigation and prosecution stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign national request an interpreter during a police interview in Turkey?
Yes. Anyone who does not understand Turkish is entitled to the assistance of a sworn interpreter during police and court proceedings, at no cost to them for that specific service.
What should I do immediately after an accident or incident while visiting Fethiye?
Report the incident to the police, keep any documentation (accident report, medical report, photographs) and, wherever possible, obtain the contact details of witnesses. Speaking with a lawyer early helps ensure your rights are protected from the outset.
Do I have to remain in Turkey for the case to proceed?
Not necessarily. With a power of attorney, a lawyer can represent you in most stages of a criminal or related civil claim while you are abroad, although some steps may require your presence.
Is a criminal complaint the same as reporting a crime?
No. A complaint (şikayet) is a formal condition required to prosecute certain offences and must generally be filed within a set time limit, while a report (ihbar) is simply informing the authorities of a possible crime and does not carry the same time-limited, condition-of-prosecution character.
What happens if I am placed under judicial control instead of detention?
Judicial control measures are lighter alternatives to detention, such as reporting obligations or a travel ban, and can also be challenged through an objection if you believe they are unwarranted.
Are the rights of a victim different from those of a suspect?
Yes, though both are protected. A victim/complainant can participate in the proceedings, be informed of developments and pursue a compensation claim, while a suspect or defendant has the specific rights described above (silence, legal assistance, and so on).
Please contact us via our contact page with questions on this topic, or visit our Criminal Law page for more on our services in this area.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Briefly describe your situation and we will get back to you to arrange a suitable initial conversation.