Sample Criminal Defense Petition in Turkiye: A Guide for Foreigners

In Türkiye’s criminal justice system, submitting a well-drafted defense petition (savunma dilekçesi) is essential when responding to accusations. Whether you are a defendant or legal counsel, the way you present facts, legal arguments, and procedural points can significantly affect the outcome.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we support our clients throughout the criminal proceedings, especially during early critical stages such as submitting a defense petition.

This blog includes real-life inspired samples in both Turkish and English, offering guidance to those who may face criminal charges in Türkiye and are unsure how to submit an appropriate response.

What Is a Defense Petition in Türkiye?

A defense petition is a formal written response submitted by a suspect or their attorney in a criminal case. It is typically addressed to the relevant criminal court and must include:

• Personal and case information

• Legal representation details (if applicable)

• A factual and legal explanation of the defense

• Specific requests, such as acquittal or release from detention

Failure to submit a proper petition may weaken a defendant’s position, even if they are factually innocent.

Sample Petition 1: For Youth Offenders Involved in Minor Crimes

🇹🇷 Türkçe Versiyonu

Dosya No: ………

…… ASLİYE CEZA MAHKEMESİ’NE

SANIK: İsim Soyisim, T.C. Kimlik No, Adres
MÜDAFİİ: Av. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar, Baro Sicil No: …, Adres

KONU: ……… Esas sayılı dosya kapsamında savunmalarımızın sunulmasıdır.

AÇIKLAMALAR:

Müvekkilim, genç yaşının ve ailesinden uzak olmanın etkisiyle …/…/… tarihinde arkadaş grubuyla birlikte alkol almış ve istemeden de olsa ……… eylemine dahil olmuştur.

Olay sonrası pişmanlık duyup polis merkezine giderek 155’i aramış ve teslim olmuştur. Suçla ilgili tüm bilgileri açık şekilde beyan etmiştir.

Suç tarihinde 18 yaşını doldurmamış olan müvekkilin, alkol etkisinde ve genç yaşında bulunduğu dikkate alındığında, davranışlarının sonuçlarını tam olarak idrak edemediği açıktır.

Müvekkil tutuklu olarak cezaevindedir ve ruh sağlığı ciddi şekilde etkilenmiştir. Bu nedenle, tutuksuz yargılanmasına ve yargılama sonunda beraatine karar verilmesini arz ederiz.

NETİCE VE TALEP: Yukarıda arz edilen nedenlerle müvekkilin tahliyesine ve beraatine karar verilmesini saygıyla talep ederiz.

Av. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar
İmza

🇬🇧🇺🇸 English Version

File No: ………

TO THE HONORABLE … CRIMINAL COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

DEFENDANT: Full Name, Turkish ID No, Address
DEFENSE COUNSEL: Attorney Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar, Bar Registration No: …, Address

SUBJECT: Submission of defense arguments regarding file numbered ………

STATEMENT:

My client, under the influence of alcohol and due to being young and away from family support, unintentionally participated in the incident on …/…/… along with friends.

Soon after, he regretted his actions and voluntarily went to the police station, dialed 155, and surrendered, cooperating fully during interrogation.

At the time of the alleged offense, my client was under 18 years old. Due to his age and intoxicated state, he was not fully aware of the consequences of his behavior.

He has been detained in prison, and his mental health has significantly deteriorated. Considering this, we respectfully request his release pending trial and ultimate acquittal.

REQUEST: Based on the above reasons, we request that the court orders the release and acquittal of our client.

Attorney Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar
Signature

Sample Petition 2: Drug Use Charges (Not Trafficking)

🇹🇷 Türkçe Versiyonu

Dosya No: ………

…… SULH CEZA MAHKEMESİ’NE

SANIK: İsim Soyisim, T.C. Kimlik No, Adres
MÜDAFİİ: Av. Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar, Baro Sicil No: …, Adres

KONU: ……… Esas sayılı dosya kapsamında savunmalarımızın sunulmasıdır.

AÇIKLAMALAR:

Müvekkilim hakkında uyuşturucu madde bulundurma gerekçesiyle tutuklama kararı verilmiştir. Ancak müvekkil, başından beri uyuşturucuyu yalnızca kullanmak amacıyla satın aldığını ifade etmiş olup, satışla ilgili hiçbir delil yoktur.

Kriminal raporlar ve HGS kayıtları da bu iddiayı desteklemektedir. Ayrıca arama işlemi usule aykırı yapılmış, adli karar olmadan iş yerine girilmiştir.

Müvekkilin eşi ve yakın arkadaşlarının tanıklığı da suçun kullanıma yönelik olduğunu göstermektedir.

Yargıtay içtihatlarına göre miktar tek başına yeterli değildir. Müvekkilin sabit ikametgâhı ve düzenli işi vardır. Kaçma veya delilleri yok etme riski bulunmamaktadır.

NETİCE VE TALEP: Müvekkilin derhal tahliyesine ve yargılama sonucunda beraatine karar verilmesini saygıyla arz ederim.
İmza

🇬🇧🇺🇸English Version

File No: ………

TO THE HONORABLE … CRIMINAL JUDGE OF PEACE

DEFENDANT: Full Name, Turkish ID No, Address
DEFENSE COUNSEL: Attorney Nevzat Oğulcan Bayraktar, Bar Registration No: …, Address

SUBJECT: Submission of defense arguments regarding file numbered ………

STATEMENT:

Our client was arrested for alleged possession of drugs. However, from the very beginning, he admitted to having purchased the substance only for personal use, with no intent to distribute.

The criminal report and toll records support this claim. Additionally, the search was conducted without a valid warrant, making it procedurally unlawful.

Testimonies from his spouse and close friend confirm the drug was solely for use.

According to Court of Cassation precedents, the quantity alone is not sufficient to prove trafficking. Our client has a fixed residence, steady employment, and no risk of escape or evidence tampering.

REQUEST: We respectfully request the immediate release of our client and his acquittal at the end of trial.
Signature

Also Read; How to successfully petition for criminal record expungement in Turkey

Conclusion: Seek Professional Legal Representation

The quality of your defense petition can make or break your case. As Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist both foreign and Turkish clients with all criminal defense procedures in Türkiye.

Whether the charges involve youth crimes, drug-related offenses, or cybercrime, we ensure your rights are fully protected and present the most compelling legal arguments before Turkish courts.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Türkiye, contact us to prepare a custom-tailored and strategic defense petition.