All people make mistakes that might affect others, not just ourselves. But taking it a step further and breaking the law, intentionally or sometimes unintentionally is another matter, one which calls for legal action. One might get involved in a crime in one’s hometown or in a foreign country for example Turkey. So what happens when a foreigner commits a crime in Turkey? The Turkish Penal Code (TCK) doesn’t distinguish between Turkish citizens and foreigners residing in Turkey. A foreigner who commits a crime is subject to same laws applied to Turks. There is no positive or negative discrimination. Jurisdiction of Turkey According to Article 8 of the TCK, Turkish law is applied for crimes committed in Turkey. If the crime is partly or completely committed in Turkey or the result of the crime occurs within Turkish territory, a crime is considered to have been committed in Turkey. What if someone lack finances to defend himself? The judicial aid consists of temporary exemptions to any sort of fee for the legal process and in such cases the lawyer is appointed by the bar association, usually a young lawyer who wants some more experience. In case of foreigners, benefiting from this right depends on the condition of reciprocity or mutual agreements related to the subject between states on civil law matters and the applicant should prove that he is below poverty line. For criminal cases no such poverty line declaration is necessary. There is also no such precondition for refugees. How to apply for legal aid?
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