The Problem
You have just been arrested in Turkey and you are sitting in a police station with no idea how to contact a lawyer. You do not speak Turkish fluently, you do not know any local attorneys, and the officers around you are not offering much guidance. The clock is ticking because critical decisions about your detention will be made within the first 24 hours. Without legal representation, you risk making statements that could be used against you or waiving rights you did not know you had.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Under Article 149 of the Turkish Code of Criminal Procedure (CMK), every suspect has the right to an attorney from the moment of detention. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the bar association (Baro) must appoint one free of charge upon your request under Article 150 CMK. This is known as the "zorunlu müdafi" (mandatory defense counsel) system. For crimes carrying a minimum sentence of five years or more, a lawyer must be appointed regardless of whether you request one. Your right to counsel cannot be delayed or denied by police.
What the Tourist Should Do
Immediately tell the police officer: "Avukat istiyorum" (I want a lawyer). Do not answer any questions or sign any documents until your lawyer arrives. If you have a phone, contact your embassy or consulate and ask them to recommend English-speaking criminal lawyers. You can also call the local bar association directly, as every province in Turkey has one. If you are using LetFix, our 24/7 emergency line can dispatch a vetted criminal lawyer to your location within hours.
The Risks
The biggest risk is giving a statement without a lawyer present. Under Turkish law, statements made without counsel can still be referenced during investigation even if they are later retracted. Police may pressure you to speak quickly by saying a lawyer will slow things down, but this is a tactic to get you to waive your rights. Another risk is accepting a randomly appointed bar association lawyer who may not speak your language, leading to critical miscommunication during your defense.
LetFix Solution
LetFix maintains a network of vetted, multilingual criminal defense lawyers across Turkey who can respond to emergency calls 24/7. We connect you with a qualified attorney who speaks your language and specializes in cases involving foreign nationals.
