The Problem
You have been formally arrested. You are in a cell, and the clock is ticking. You are terrified about what comes next, when you will see a judge, and whether you will be sent to prison immediately or released to your hotel.
How the Law Works in Turkey
The first 48 hours are the most critical. By law, the police can hold you for up to 24 hours (up to 48 hours for collective crimes) before they must bring you before a Public Prosecutor. The Prosecutor then decides whether to release you or ask a judge for "Pre-trial Detention" (Tutuklama). You have the absolute right to a hearing before a judge (Sorgu Hakimi) within this period, where your lawyer can argue for your release under judicial control.
What the Tourist Should Do
Keep track of the time. Note down exactly when you were detained. State clearly that you want to exercise your right to a lawyer and a translator before any prosecutor interview. Your lawyer must prepare a defense specifically focused on preventing pre-trial detention by proving you are not a flight risk (showing hotel bookings, return tickets, or financial guarantees).
The Risks
If you do not have a lawyer during these first 48 hours, the risk of being sent to prison "pending trial" is extremely high. Once a judge orders pre-trial detention, it can take months before you are allowed to see a judge again to ask for release. Furthermore, statements made to the prosecutor without a lawyer are rarely reversible.
LetFix Solution
The first 48 hours define the direction of your entire case. Our criminal defense lawyers provide emergency 24/7 intervention, going directly to the police station and the courthouse to fight for your immediate release before the detention order is even signed.
