Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ankara
Aslan & Duran Law and Mediation Office

Facing a criminal investigation or accusation is a daunting experience for anyone. When this occurs in a foreign country, the complexities of an unfamiliar legal system can be overwhelming and frightening. In these critical moments, securing immediate and expert legal representation is paramount to protecting your rights. As a leading Turkish criminal lawyer in Ankara, the team at Aslan & Duran is dedicated to providing a vigorous and strategic defense for individuals and corporations. We understand the intricacies of the Turkish Penal Code and criminal procedure, and our primary commitment is to ensure you receive a fair process and the strongest defense possible. This page outlines our core criminal defense services, from initial police interrogations and investigations to courtroom representation and appeals.

Turkish Criminal Lawyer Şerife Duran – A Former Judge’s Perspective

turkish criminal lawyer

Turkish Criminal Lawyer Şerife Duran

In a criminal trial, knowing the law is only half the battle. The other, more critical half is understanding how the law is applied, how evidence is interpreted from the bench, and how a judge’s final decision is formed. This is where a defense built on standard legal arguments can fall short, and a defense built on deep judicial insight can prevail.

At Aslan Duran Law Firm, we offer our clients a rare and decisive strategic advantage: the perspective of a former judge. Our founding partner, Atty. Şerife Duran (Turkish criminal lawyer), served for many years on the bench, presiding over and ruling on the most complex criminal cases. This firsthand experience from within the judicial system provides an unparalleled edge to your defense. It means we can:

  • See Your Case Through the Judge’s Eyes: We don’t just present evidence; we frame it in the way a judge is most likely to find compelling. We understand the nuances of judicial discretion and what truly influences a verdict beyond the letter of the law.
  • Anticipate the Prosecution’s Strategy: Having evaluated countless prosecutorial arguments from a position of authority, we can accurately predict the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you, allowing us to build a proactive defense that counters their strategy before it fully unfolds.
  • Provide an Honest and Realistic Assessment: Our insight allows us to provide you with a clear, unvarnished assessment of your case’s potential outcomes, enabling you to make the most informed decisions for your future.

This is the fundamental difference between a capable Turkish criminal lawyer and a defense team equipped with a 360-degree view of the justice system. It is a perspective that can mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal, and we leverage this unique insight to ensure every possible advantage is seized in your defense.

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Our firm provides comprehensive legal representation across a wide spectrum of criminal law. We are equipped to handle complex cases at every level of the Turkish criminal justice system, from initial investigation to trial and appeal.

Cases in High Criminal Court

Defense for serious felonies such as homicide, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The High Criminal Court  is the judicial body responsible for hearing the most serious felonies under the Turkish Penal Code. These cases involve severe penalties, including life imprisonment, and require an exceptionally high level of legal expertise and strategic defense. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients in the High Criminal Court for a wide range of serious charges, including:

  • Intentional Homicide and Attempted Murder
  • Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing
  • Serious Financial Crimes (Qualified Fraud, Embezzlement)
  • Sexual Assault and Exploitation
  • Organized Crime
  • Crimes Against State Security

Representation in these courts demands a deep understanding of complex evidence, forensic analysis, and advanced litigation techniques. We provide the robust and experienced defense necessary for such high-stakes cases.

Police Interrogation & Detention

Providing immediate legal support upon arrest to protect your rights. The first few hours after an arrest or detention are the most critical moments in any criminal case. The statement you give to the police will form the foundation of the prosecution’s case against you. It is your absolute constitutional right to have a lawyer present during this process.

Our primary role at this stage is to be by your side immediately to protect your rights. We ensure you are not subjected to pressure and advise you on your most important right: the right to remain silent.

We strongly advise you to follow these golden rules:

  • Do not answer any questions until your lawyer is present.
  • Do not sign any documents, especially those in a language you do not fully understand, without your lawyer’s review and approval.

Our immediate intervention ensures that your rights are protected from the very first moment, and that your official statement—the cornerstone of your entire defense—is taken correctly and without prejudice.

White-Collar & Financial Crimes

We offer a robust defense for individuals and corporations facing allegations of financial crimes. Our expertise covers complex matters such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, and securities violations. We meticulously analyze financial records and build strategic defenses to protect our clients’ professional reputations and assets.

General Criminal Offenses (Felonies & Misdemeanors)

We provide skilled representation for individuals accused of a wide range of offenses under the Turkish Penal Code, including but not limited to assault, theft, property crimes, and drug-related offenses. We ensure that our client’s side of the story is heard and that every legal avenue for their defense is pursued vigorously.

Cybercrimes & Online Offenses

As technology evolves, so do the legal complexities surrounding it. Our team is experienced in defending clients against accusations of cybercrime, including online fraud, illegal data access, and other internet-related offenses. We understand the technical evidence involved and build effective defense strategies accordingly.

Legal Counsel During Investigation and Detention

The first hours of a criminal investigation are often the most critical. We provide immediate legal assistance during police interrogations, detentions, and arrests. Our primary goal at this stage is to protect your constitutional rights, ensure you are not subjected to improper questioning, and advise you on the best course of action from the very beginning.

The Criminal Appeals Process

An unfavorable verdict at the trial level is not necessarily the end of the road. Our lawyers are experienced in navigating the criminal appeals process (istinaf and temyiz). We conduct a thorough review of the trial record, identify legal errors or procedural injustices, and draft compelling appellate briefs to challenge a conviction or sentence at a higher court.

Our Defense Philosophy: Strategic, Proactive, and Unwavering

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated advocate with a powerful defense philosophy. Our approach is built on the unwavering principle that every client is presumed innocent and is entitled to a defense of the highest caliber.

Meticulous Case Analysis and Investigation

A successful defense begins with a deep understanding of the facts. We conduct a thorough and independent investigation into every aspect of your case. We scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, identify inconsistencies, interview witnesses, and consult with experts when necessary to uncover the details needed to build the strongest possible defense from the ground up.

Unyielding Protection of Your Constitutional Rights

We are staunch defenders of your fundamental rights at every stage. We ensure that law enforcement has acted within the legal bounds, challenging any instance of illegal searches, improper interrogations, or other violations of your constitutional protections. For us, upholding your rights is not just part of the strategy; it is our primary duty.

A Proactive and Strategic Approach

We do not simply react to the prosecution’s moves. From the moment we are retained, we take a proactive approach—challenging evidence, filing strategic pre-trial motions, negotiating with prosecutors from a position of strength, and preparing meticulously for trial. Our goal is to control the narrative and create opportunities for a favorable outcome, whether that is a case dismissal, an acquittal, or a beneficial plea agreement.

Meet Our Criminal Defense Team

Our defense philosophy is put into practice by a team of skilled and determined legal professionals committed to protecting your rights.

Atty. Şerife Duran, Founding Partner

Şerife Duran’s background as a former judge, having served in the Criminal Courts (Asliye Ceza Mahkemesi), provides our clients with an unparalleled advantage in criminal defense. She possesses a rare 360-degree perspective on the Turkish criminal justice system, understanding not only how to build a defense but also how prosecutors construct their cases and how judges analyze evidence. This judicial insight allows her to craft powerful courtroom strategies and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments that others might miss. She is deeply committed to leveraging her unique experience to defend our clients’ freedom.

Atty. Yasemin Berna Aslanbay, Partner

Yasemin Berna Aslanbay brings a methodical and detail-oriented approach to our criminal defense practice. She excels in the critical phases of case preparation, conducting meticulous reviews of police reports, witness statements, and all procedural documentation to ensure every detail is scrutinized for legal accuracy and potential defense angles. Her expertise in legal research and procedural law provides the essential foundation upon which our firm builds its robust defense strategies, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice for our clients.

Contact Us for Immediate and Confidential Legal Support

If you or a loved one is facing a criminal investigation or charge, time is of the essence. Do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner you have an experienced lawyer on your side, the more opportunities there are to protect your rights and influence the outcome of your case. Contact our office immediately to schedule a private and completely confidential consultation.

Contact Information

 

While we have deep expertise in Turkish Criminal Law, you can learn more about our full range of services as a leading English speaking lawyer Ankara.

Conclusion: The Right Defense for Your Future

Facing a criminal charge in Turkey is a defining moment where your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. Throughout this guide, we’ve outlined the complexities of the legal process and the critical importance of a strategic, proactive defense from the very first moment of an investigation.

At Aslan Duran Law Firm, we combine rigorous legal knowledge with the unparalleled insight of a former judge to protect your rights at every turn. When your future is at stake, the choice of your legal representation is paramount. Selecting an Ankara lawyer with proven experience in serious criminal cases and a deep understanding of the judicial system is the most critical decision you will make.

Do not face this challenge alone. Contact our team today for an urgent and confidential consultation to build your defense strategy.

Last Update : 27.09.2025