When can criminal defense lawyers read the papers?

General defenders have no right to read papers, only defense lawyers have the right to read papers, and defense lawyers can only read papers from the date of examination and prosecution, which is clearly stipulated.

Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China

Article 38 From the date of examination and prosecution by the People's Procuratorate, defense lawyers may consult, extract and copy the case files. Other defenders may also consult, extract and copy the above materials with the permission of the people's court or the people's procuratorate.