What is a Criminal Charge and in What Situations Can You Face It?

What is a Criminal Charge?

A criminal charge means making a negative statement about a person that does not reflect the truth and makes them look guilty. This statement can be made in any medium, verbal, written or visual. A criminal charge damages a person’s honor and dignity, damages their reputation in their social environment and can have negative psychological effects.

In What Situations Can You Be Faced with a Criminal Charge?

Criminal charges can occur in different ways and in various situations. Some of these are:

Social Media: Insulting, slanderous and threatening posts made on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram can be given as examples of criminal charges.

Press and Media Organs: Making false claims about people’s private lives in news articles in newspapers, magazines or websites can be considered within the scope of criminal charges.

In Business Life: Gossip among co-workers, false accusations or mobbing behaviors can lead to criminal charges.
In Court Proceedings: In litigation processes, false statements made by the opposing party or witnesses may be considered as a criminal charge.

Legal Consequences of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges are a crime regulated in the Turkish Penal Code. The person making the criminal charge may be punished for the crimes of insult, slander or threat. The punishment for these crimes may vary depending on the severity of the charge, whether the victim has a complaint or not, and some other factors.

What Should You Do When You Are Faced with a Criminal Charge?

If you think you have been charged with a criminal charge, you should first collect your evidence and contact a lawyer. Your lawyer will help you protect your legal rights and initiate the necessary legal proceedings against the person making the criminal charge.

How Can We Help You as Özkök Law Firm?

As Özkök Law Firm, we provide legal consultancy services to people facing criminal charges. If you think you have been charged with a criminal charge, you can contact us for detailed information.