STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES

criminal law, cases examine the concepts of crime and punishment in relation to fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, such as life, liberty, and property. In this context, statutes of limitations in criminal lawin both the crime/case and punishment dimensions.

Statute of limitations for lawsuits

According to Article 66 of the Turkish Penal Code, the statute of limitations for lawsuits is expressed as follows:

• Except in cases otherwise stipulated by law, public prosecution;
• For crimes punishable by aggravated life imprisonment, the sentence is 30 years
• For crimes punishable by life imprisonment, the sentence is 25 years
• For crimes punishable by imprisonment of not less than twenty years, 20 years
• For crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than five years but less than twenty years, the term is 15 years
• In cases involving offenses punishable by imprisonment or a fine of no more than five years, the sentence is dropped after eight years.

Criminal limitation periods

According to Article 68 of the Turkish Penal Code, the statute of limitations for criminal offenses is expressed as follows:

• Aggravated life imprisonment sentences are 40 years.
• 30 years in life imprisonment sentences.
• For prison sentences of twenty years or more, the term is 24 years.
• For sentences of more than five years, the limit is 20 years.
• Up to five years imprisonment and 10 years for judicial fines.

For more information on this matter and for any other questions, you can seek advice from our firm's experienced criminal law lawyers