Execution of Sentences & Calculating Prison Terms

 

The branch of law regulating the process of executing sentences once a criminal court conviction becomes final is known as penal execution law. The concept commonly referred to as "time served" indicates the net duration a convict will actually spend in prison.
 

Because the penal regime varies significantly based on the nature of the crime and the date it was committed, accurately calculating the length of imprisonment is a vital matter directly concerning personal liberty.

 

1. Key Criteria for Determining Prison Terms

Instead of using a static formula to calculate the time a person will spend in prison, all legal variables of the specific case must be analyzed:

• Crime Type & Execution Rate: The legislator sets different execution rates (e.g., 1/2, 2/3, 3/4) based on the crime. Rates for ordinary crimes, terrorism, organized crimes, or repeat offenders vary entirely.

• Date of the Crime: Penal legislation in Turkey is frequently updated. Identifying the most favorable legal provisions in effect when the crime was committed is the foundation of the calculation.

• Conditional Release (Parole): A system allowing a convict to serve the remainder of their sentence outside if they maintain good behavior in prison.

• Supervised Release (Probation): A system permitting early release by monitoring the convict's social life when a specific period remains until their parole date.

 

2. What is a Sentence Execution Record (Müddetname)?

When a sentence is finalized, the Public Prosecutor's Office prepares a document detailing the prison entry and exit dates, as well as parole and supervised release dates. This is called a Sentence Execution Record. Since even the slightest calculation error here can cause unjust imprisonment, it must be thoroughly reviewed by an expert criminal defense attorney.

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3. Consolidation of Sentences (İçtima)

If a person has multiple finalized sentences, combining them into a single sentence under execution law is called consolidation. This directly affects the duration of supervised release and eligibility for transfer to an open prison.

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4. The Tanyeri Law & Consulting Approach

Criminal law and penal execution is our most sensitive area of expertise—one that tolerates no errors and directly impacts human liberty. At Tanyeri Law, we combine 37 years of litigation experience with our academic depth in public law. With our dedicated team of 4 attorneys, we meticulously monitor execution processes, sentence calculations, and rights to open prison transfers and supervised release. We proactively manage these dynamics to prevent any loss of rights and ensure absolute transparency.

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Note: The calculation tool above provides an estimated "time served" based on the entered sentence and general execution rates. However, the Turkish penal system is subject to dozens of sub-rules, including legal exceptions, recidivism, minority age, good conduct assessments, and disciplinary penalties. To determine the precise release date and avoid any loss of rights, seeking professional legal counsel is strongly recommended.