Heavy Criminal Lawyer - Serious Criminal Defense Services

A Heavy Criminal Lawyer (Ağır Ceza Avukatı) is a specialized criminal defense attorney who represents clients in Heavy Penal Courts (Ağır Ceza Mahkemeleri), which handle the most serious criminal offenses in Turkey. As experienced heavy criminal lawyers in Antalya, we provide comprehensive legal defense for individuals facing serious criminal charges.

Heavy Penal Courts are the highest-level criminal courts in the Turkish judicial system, dealing with crimes that carry the most severe penalties. These cases require specialized legal knowledge, extensive experience, and strategic defense planning. Having the right legal representation can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

What Are Heavy Penal Courts?

Court Structure

Heavy Penal Courts operate with a panel of three judges:

• One presiding judge (president)
• Two member judges

This three-judge panel structure provides additional legal safeguards for defendants facing serious charges, ensuring more thorough deliberation and decision-making.

Jurisdiction

Heavy Penal Courts have jurisdiction over the most serious criminal offenses under Turkish law, where penalties can include:

• Long-term imprisonment (5 years or more)
• Aggravated life imprisonment
• Life imprisonment

Crimes Within Heavy Penal Court Jurisdiction

Crimes Against Life

Intentional Killing (Murder)

• Simple Intentional Killing: Turkish Penal Code Article 81
• Qualified Intentional Killing: Premeditated murder, murder for profit, torture-murder
• Penalty: 25 years to aggravated life imprisonment

Manslaughter

• Causing death through negligence
• Varies based on degree of negligence
• Penalty: 2 to 15 years imprisonment

Sexual Crimes

Sexual Assault

• Turkish Penal Code Article 102
• Forced sexual acts
• Penalty: 7 to 12 years (basic form), up to 18 years (aggravated forms)

Sexual Abuse of Children

• Turkish Penal Code Article 103
• Sexual acts with minors
• Penalty: 8 to 15 years (basic form), up to 25 years (aggravated forms)

Crimes Against Liberty

Human Trafficking

• Turkish Penal Code Article 80
• Exploitation for labor or sexual purposes
• Penalty: 8 to 12 years imprisonment

Torture

• Turkish Penal Code Article 94-95
• Inflicting severe pain or suffering
• Penalty: 3 to 12 years imprisonment

Kidnapping

• Turkish Penal Code Article 109
• Unlawful deprivation of liberty
• Penalty: 5 to 10 years (basic form), up to 15 years (aggravated forms)

Property Crimes

Robbery (Mugging)

• Turkish Penal Code Article 148-149
• Theft using force or threat
• Penalty: 7 to 10 years (basic form), up to 15 years (aggravated forms)

Qualified Fraud

• Turkish Penal Code Article 158
• Large-scale fraud schemes
• Fraud against public institutions
• Penalty: 2 to 10 years imprisonment

Embezzlement

• Turkish Penal Code Article 247
• Misappropriation of property or funds
• Penalty: 5 to 12 years imprisonment

Economic Crimes

Counterfeiting Money

• Turkish Penal Code Article 197
• Manufacturing or distributing fake currency
• Penalty: 5 to 12 years imprisonment

Fraudulent Bankruptcy

• Turkish Penal Code Article 161
• Intentional bankruptcy to avoid debts
• Penalty: 3 to 8 years imprisonment

Bribery

• Turkish Penal Code Articles 252-254
• Offering or accepting bribes
• Penalty: 4 to 12 years imprisonment

Drug Crimes

Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking

• Law No. 2313 on Narcotics
• Production, import, export, or sale of narcotics
• Penalty: 10 to 20 years (basic form), up to 30 years (aggravated forms)

Drug Use Facilitation

• Providing place or means for drug use
• Penalty: 5 to 10 years imprisonment

Organized Crime

Establishing or Leading Criminal Organization

• Turkish Penal Code Article 220
• Creating organized crime groups
• Penalty: 10 to 15 years imprisonment

Membership in Criminal Organization

• Participating in organized crime
• Penalty: 5 to 10 years imprisonment

Crimes Against Humanity

Genocide

• Turkish Penal Code Article 76
• Systematic destruction of ethnic, national, or religious groups
• Penalty: Aggravated life imprisonment

Crimes Against Humanity

• Turkish Penal Code Article 77
• Systematic attacks against civilian population
• Penalty: 8 years to aggravated life imprisonment

Role of Heavy Criminal Lawyer

Defense Responsibilities

A heavy criminal lawyer provides comprehensive legal defense including:

Case Analysis

• Detailed examination of charges
• Review of evidence and witness statements
• Identification of procedural violations
• Assessment of prosecution's case strength

Legal Strategy Development

• Crafting defense theory
• Identifying applicable defenses
• Planning witness testimony
• Preparing cross-examination

Court Representation

• Representing client in all hearings
• Presenting defense arguments
• Examining witnesses
• Objecting to improper evidence
• Delivering closing arguments

Rights Protection

• Ensuring fair trial rights
• Protecting against illegal evidence
• Preventing rights violations
• Monitoring detention conditions

Pre-Trial Services

Investigation Stage

• Representation during police interrogation
• Advising on statement rights
• Challenging detention orders
• Seeking release pending trial
• Gathering defense evidence

Indictment Review

• Analyzing charges
• Identifying defects in indictment
• Filing objections
• Seeking charge reduction

Trial Services

Hearing Preparation

• Witness preparation
• Evidence organization
• Legal research
• Strategy refinement

Trial Advocacy

• Opening statements
• Evidence presentation
• Witness examination
• Legal arguments
• Closing statements

Post-Conviction Services

Appeals

• Appellate brief preparation
• Regional Court of Appeals representation
• Court of Cassation appeals
• Constitutional Court applications

Sentence Reduction

• Good behavior applications
• Conditional release proceedings
• Sentence conversion requests

Why You Need a Heavy Criminal Lawyer

Complexity of Cases

Heavy criminal cases involve:

• Complex legal issues
• Extensive evidence
• Multiple witnesses
• Technical expert reports
• Lengthy proceedings

High Stakes

Consequences of conviction include:

• Long-term imprisonment
• Life sentences
• Permanent criminal record
• Social stigma
• Career destruction
• Family separation

Specialized Knowledge Required

Effective defense requires:

• Deep understanding of criminal law
• Knowledge of criminal procedure
• Experience with heavy penal courts
• Familiarity with judges and prosecutors
• Understanding of forensic evidence

Protection of Rights

Your lawyer ensures:

• Fair trial rights
• Presumption of innocence
• Right to remain silent
• Right to confront witnesses
• Protection against self-incrimination

Defense Strategies

Common Defenses

Depending on the case, defenses may include:

Factual Defenses

• Alibi (being elsewhere)
• Mistaken identity
• False accusation
• Lack of evidence

Legal Defenses

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Necessity
• Duress
• Insanity or diminished capacity

Procedural Defenses

• Illegal search and seizure
• Coerced confession
• Violation of rights
• Prosecutorial misconduct
• Insufficient evidence

Mitigation Strategies

When conviction is likely:

• Presenting mitigating circumstances
• Demonstrating remorse
• Showing rehabilitation efforts
• Highlighting personal history
• Seeking minimum sentence

The Criminal Trial Process

Investigation Phase

• Police investigation
• Prosecutor's investigation
• Suspect interrogation
• Evidence collection
• Expert examinations

Indictment

• Prosecutor prepares indictment
• Charges formally filed
• Court accepts case
• Trial date set

Trial Phase

• Multiple hearings
• Evidence presentation
• Witness testimony
• Expert reports
• Defense arguments

Verdict

• Court deliberation
• Decision announcement
• Sentencing (if convicted)
• Written decision

Appeal

• Regional Court of Appeals
• Court of Cassation
• Constitutional Court (if applicable)

Your Rights as a Defendant

During Investigation

• Right to remain silent
• Right to legal counsel
• Right to interpreter
• Protection from torture
• Right to medical examination

During Trial

• Presumption of innocence
• Right to fair trial
• Right to confront witnesses
• Right to present evidence
• Right to appeal

Detention Rights

• Humane treatment
• Access to lawyer
• Family visits
• Medical care
• Protection from abuse

Our Heavy Criminal Law Services

As experienced heavy criminal lawyers in Antalya, we provide:

Comprehensive Defense

• Full case management
• Strategic defense planning
• Aggressive representation
• Appeals and post-conviction relief

24/7 Availability

• Emergency legal assistance
• Immediate response to arrests
• Weekend and holiday service
• Detention visit arrangements

Experienced Representation

• Years of heavy criminal court experience
• Successful case outcomes
• Knowledge of local courts
• Strong professional relationships

Client-Centered Approach

• Clear communication
• Regular updates
• Honest assessment
• Emotional support
• Family involvement

Why Choose Our Services?

Proven Track Record

• Numerous successful defenses
• Acquittals and charge dismissals
• Reduced sentences
• Successful appeals

Specialized Expertise

• Focus on heavy criminal cases
• Deep knowledge of criminal law
• Understanding of forensic evidence
• Experience with complex cases

Strategic Defense

• Thorough case preparation
• Creative legal strategies
• Aggressive advocacy
• Attention to detail

Professional Network

• Expert witnesses
• Investigators
• Forensic specialists
• Appeal lawyers

Contact Our Heavy Criminal Law Office

If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges in Antalya, immediate legal representation is crucial. Contact our experienced heavy criminal lawyers today.

Phone: +90 242 966 65 45
Email: [email protected]
Address: Meltem Mh. 3808 Sk. No:2E, Onur Sitesi A7 Blok, Kat:1 Daire:2, Muratpaşa / Antalya

24/7 Emergency Line: Available for urgent matters

Working Hours:
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday: By Appointment
Emergency: 24/7

Don't face serious criminal charges alone. Our experienced heavy criminal lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and freedom. Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does a Heavy Criminal Lawyer Do?

A heavy criminal lawyer represents defendants in Heavy Penal Courts, which handle the most serious criminal offenses. They provide comprehensive legal defense for murder, drug trafficking, robbery, and other serious crimes.

What Cases Do Heavy Penal Courts Handle?

Heavy Penal Courts handle crimes that carry severe penalties, including murder, sexual assault, human trafficking, robbery, drug trafficking, organized crime, and crimes against humanity. These courts deal with offenses requiring 5 years or more imprisonment.

How Long Does a Heavy Criminal Case Take?

Heavy criminal cases typically take 1-3 years. The duration depends on the complexity of the case, number of witnesses, evidence availability, and court workload. Complex cases with many witnesses may take longer.

Can I Appeal a Heavy Criminal Court Decision?

Yes, you can appeal a conviction from a Heavy Penal Court. Appeals are evaluated by the Regional Court of Appeals and the Court of Cassation. An experienced heavy criminal lawyer can provide effective representation in the appeal process.

Is a Lawyer Mandatory in Heavy Criminal Cases?

Yes, in heavy criminal cases, the defendant must have a lawyer. If the defendant cannot afford a lawyer, the state appoints a public defender. However, working with an experienced heavy criminal lawyer can positively affect the case outcome.

How Are Heavy Criminal Lawyer Fees Determined?

Heavy criminal lawyer fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, duration, and lawyer's experience. The first consultation evaluates your situation and provides transparent fee information.

Related Legal Services

Our law office also provides expert legal services in:

• Internet Crimes - Cyber crime defense
• IT Crimes Lawyer - Technology-related offenses
• Compensation Law - Victim compensation claims
• Family Law - Divorce and family matters

Last Updated: December 1, 2025