How to Handle Being Called or Detained for Police Statement in Turkey

Foreigners transiting through or residing in Türkiye may face unexpected legal encounters, especially when called by police to give a statement regarding an investigation. Whether you are stopped at a Turkish airport or summoned to a police station, understanding your legal rights and the procedure is essential.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, our main goal is to assist foreign nationals who are taken by police at Türkiye’s airports or within the country for questioning in relation to any investigation.

Our team provides immediate legal representation and consultation in such situations, ensuring that our clients are never alone during a high-stress legal process.

Are You Being Taken to Give a Statement or Being Detained?

Not every police interaction means you are under arrest. In many cases, the police may only wish to take your statement as part of an ongoing investigation. You might be a:

• Suspect,

• Witness, or

• Victim.

However, foreigners are often confused by the process, especially at airports where they may be stopped unexpectedly. Police have the authority to call or take you in to give a statement even without a court order if your name is listed in the investigation file.

If you are taken to a police station for any reason, you have the right to consult with a lawyer before and during the statement. That’s where we step in.

Police Cannot Interrogate You Without a Lawyer – For Serious Crimes

Under Turkish Criminal Procedure Law, if the suspected offense carries a potential sentence of 10 years or more, the police cannot take your statement without a lawyer present. This includes crimes such as:

• Human trafficking,

• Organized criminal activity,

• Major drug crimes,

• Terrorism-related offenses.

In such cases, the presence of a lawyer is legally mandatory, and the interrogation must be postponed until legal counsel arrives. Also, if the total imprisonment for multiple lighter crimes in total surpasses 10 years, the attorney's presence will still be mandatory.

What If the Alleged Crime Is Less Serious?

If the alleged offense carries a sentence of less than 10 years, the law does not require the police to wait for your lawyer to begin questioning.

However, this does not mean you should face it alone. In fact, it becomes even more important to hire a lawyer and have them immediately contact the police station where you are held. This is because:

• You might inadvertently say something that could be used against you,

• You may not fully understand the accusation or Turkish legal terms,

• You might be pressured into signing documents without understanding their consequences.

We’ve seen many foreign clients unintentionally harm their defense during such unsupervised interrogations.

What Should You Do If Taken by Police?

1. Do not panic.

2. Do not make any statements before consulting a lawyer.

3. Politely but firmly request legal assistance.

4. Contact Bayraktar Attorneys or have a relative do so immediately.

Once contacted, we will:

• Join the interrogation process at the police station you have been detained,

• Speak to the police and prosecutor on your behalf,

• Review your investigation file,

• Prevent unlawful treatment,

• Discuss the case merits with you at the attorney's interview room at the police station,

• Accompany you during the entire statement procedure.

What Can Bayraktar Attorneys Do for You?

As a law firm specializing in assisting foreigners in Türkiye, we provide:

• 24/7 emergency legal representation at airports and police stations

• Legal consultation to help you understand your rights before any contact with authorities

• Access to investigation files and criminal records

• Official communication with police and prosecutors

• Legal defense in court, if needed

Whether you are a witness, suspect, or just confused by the situation, our lawyers step in immediately to ensure your safety and legal protection.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has been taken for questioning or suspect there’s an investigation pending, contact Bayraktar Attorneys immediately. Our experienced English speaking lawyers will assist you on the spot and protect your legal rights from day one.