What Should You Do If the Police Call You to Give a Statement in Turkey? | 2026 Updated Legal Guide

Learn what to do if the police call you to give a statement in Turkey. Discover your legal rights, the statement procedure, lawyer assistance, interpreter rights, detention rules, and criminal defense strategies in this 2026 Updated Legal Guide.

Receiving a phone call or official notice from the police requesting you to give a statement can be stressful, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Turkish legal system. Both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals are often uncertain about whether they are legally required to attend, whether they should answer questions immediately, or whether they should consult a lawyer before speaking to the police.

A request to give a statement does not automatically mean that you are guilty of a crime. You may be invited to provide information as a suspect, a witness, a victim, or a complainant. However, anything you say during the statement process may become part of a criminal investigation and could influence future judicial proceedings.

This 2026 Updated Legal Guide explains what happens when the police ask you to give a statement in Turkey, your legal rights during the process, and how professional legal assistance can protect your interests.

Why Might the Police Ask You to Give a Statement?

The police may request a statement for various reasons, including:

• You are suspected of committing a criminal offence.
• You are the victim of a crime.
• You witnessed an incident.
• Your name appears during an investigation.
• Additional information is required by the Public Prosecutor.
• New evidence has emerged during an ongoing investigation.

Being asked to give a statement does not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow.

Who Can Be Asked to Give a Statement?

The police may request statements from:

• Turkish citizens.
• Foreign nationals.
• Tourists.
• Residence permit holders.
• International students.
• Employees.
• Business owners.
• Witnesses.
• Victims.
• Complainants.

The legal procedure depends on your role in the investigation.

Is It Mandatory to Attend?

If you receive an official summons issued under Turkish criminal procedure, you should comply with the legal requirements stated in the notice.

Ignoring an official summons without a valid legal reason may lead to additional procedural measures in accordance with Turkish law.

If you receive only an informal telephone call, you should first verify:

• Which police department contacted you.
• The investigation number, if available.
• Whether you are being called as a suspect or a witness.
• Whether the request is officially documented.

Consulting a lawyer before attending is strongly recommended.

Are You a Suspect or a Witness?

Understanding your legal status is essential.

If You Are a Suspect

You benefit from important procedural rights, including:

• The right to remain silent.
• The right to legal representation.
• The right to know the allegation.
• The right to examine certain evidence through your lawyer where legally permitted.
• The right to request an interpreter.
• The right to challenge unlawful procedures.

If You Are a Witness

Witnesses are generally expected to provide truthful information regarding the events they observed.

However, witnesses also have legal protections under Turkish law in certain circumstances.

The Right to a Lawyer

One of the most important rights during police questioning is the right to legal representation.

A criminal defense lawyer can:

• Explain the allegations.
• Attend the interview.
• Protect your procedural rights.
• Prevent unlawful questioning.
• Review the statement before signature.
• Advise you when to answer questions.
• Object to unlawful procedures.

Giving a statement without legal advice may create unnecessary risks.

The Right to Remain Silent

If you are questioned as a suspect, Turkish criminal procedure recognizes your right to remain silent.

Choosing not to answer specific questions cannot, by itself, be treated as proof of guilt.

A lawyer can help determine whether answering questions is in your legal interests.

The Right to an Interpreter

Foreign nationals who do not understand Turkish have the right to a qualified interpreter.

An interpreter should assist during:

• Police interviews.
• Official notifications.
• Statement procedures.
• Reading official documents.
• Criminal investigations.

You should never sign a statement that you do not fully understand.

Should You Sign the Statement?

Before signing any statement, you should:

• Read every page carefully.
• Confirm that your answers are recorded accurately.
• Request corrections if necessary.
• Ensure the translation is correct if using an interpreter.
• Consult your lawyer.

Once signed, the statement becomes part of the investigation file.

Can the Police Detain You?

Not every person who gives a statement is detained.

Whether detention is possible depends on the legal conditions established under Turkish criminal procedure.

Many individuals provide statements and leave immediately afterward.

Each case depends on:

• The alleged offence.
• Available evidence.
• Instructions from the Public Prosecutor.
• Applicable legal grounds.

What Happens After the Statement?

After your statement is completed, several outcomes are possible.

The authorities may:

• Close the investigation.
• Continue gathering evidence.
• Request additional statements.
• Refer the file to the Public Prosecutor.
• Initiate criminal proceedings if sufficient evidence exists.
• Release you if no further measures are required.

The outcome depends on the facts of the case.

Common Mistakes People Make

Individuals frequently make avoidable errors, including:

• Attending without consulting a lawyer.
• Speaking before understanding the allegation.
• Signing inaccurate statements.
• Guessing answers.
• Concealing relevant information.
• Becoming argumentative with investigators.
• Ignoring procedural rights.
• Failing to request an interpreter.

These mistakes may complicate the investigation unnecessarily.

Special Considerations for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals should also consider potential immigration consequences.

In some situations, criminal investigations may affect:

• Residence permit applications.
• Residence permit renewals.
• Work permits.
• Student residence permits.
• Deportation assessments where the legal requirements are met.

Immigration consequences should be evaluated separately from the criminal investigation.

How Should You Prepare Before Giving a Statement?

Before attending the police station, you should:

• Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
• Gather relevant documents.
• Review the facts carefully.
• Verify the purpose of the interview.
• Bring identification documents.
• Request an interpreter if necessary.
• Avoid discussing the case publicly.
• Remain calm and cooperative.

Preparation often improves the effectiveness of your legal defense.

Why Professional Legal Assistance Is Essential

Police interviews are one of the most critical stages of a criminal investigation.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can:

• Explain your legal position.
• Attend police questioning.
• Protect your procedural rights.
• Prevent self-incrimination.
• Challenge unlawful evidence.
• Communicate with prosecutors.
• Develop an effective defense strategy.
• Represent you before Turkish criminal courts.

Early legal assistance frequently has a significant impact on the outcome of criminal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a police request for a statement mean I am guilty?

No. A request to give a statement does not mean that you have committed a crime. You may be questioned as a suspect, witness, victim, or complainant.

2. Should I speak to the police without a lawyer?

Although you may do so in some circumstances, obtaining legal advice before giving a statement is strongly recommended, particularly if you are being questioned as a suspect.

3. Do I have the right to remain silent?

Yes. If you are questioned as a suspect, Turkish criminal procedure recognizes your right to remain silent.

4. Can I request an interpreter?

Yes. Foreign nationals who do not understand Turkish have the right to assistance from a qualified interpreter during official procedures.

5. Will I be arrested after giving a statement?

Not necessarily. Many individuals provide statements without being detained or arrested. Any restriction of liberty must satisfy the legal conditions established by Turkish law.

6. Should I sign my statement immediately?

Only after carefully reviewing its contents, confirming its accuracy, and consulting your lawyer whenever possible.

7. Can giving a statement affect my residence permit?

In some cases, criminal investigations may have immigration consequences. Any impact on your residence permit or immigration status should be assessed separately under Turkish immigration law.

8. Why should I hire a criminal defense lawyer before giving a statement?

A lawyer can protect your legal rights, prevent procedural mistakes, advise you during questioning, challenge unlawful procedures, and help build the strongest possible defense from the beginning of the investigation.

Legal Support – Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers

Being asked to give a statement to the police should always be taken seriously. Early legal advice can protect your rights, prevent procedural mistakes, and significantly improve your position throughout the criminal investigation. Whether you are a Turkish citizen or a foreign national, professional legal representation is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your future.

Fırat Fesih Kaya and our legal team provide comprehensive legal services to individuals, international businesses, foreign nationals, expatriates, students, and investors in criminal investigations, police interviews, prosecutor proceedings, criminal trials, immigration-related criminal matters, deportation defense, and all aspects of Turkish criminal law.

Phone: +90 312 434 22 22

Mobile: +90 532 769 22 22

Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr

Address: Mevlana Boulevard No:221, Yıldırım Tower, Office No:148, 06520 Balgat, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey