How do lawyers collect evidence in criminal cases

Legal analysis: defense lawyers can collect materials related to the case from witnesses or units and individuals related to the case, and can also apply to the court and procuratorate for evidence collection. With the permission of the procuratorate or the court, and with the consent of the victim or his near relatives, the defense lawyer may collect evidence related to the case from him. Physical evidence, witness testimony and suspect's defense can all be used as evidence.

Legal basis: Article 43 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC), with the consent of witnesses or other relevant units and individuals, defense lawyers may collect materials related to this case from them, apply to the people's procuratorate or the people's court for collecting and obtaining evidence, or apply to the people's court for notifying witnesses to testify in court. With the permission of the people's procuratorate or the people's court, and with the consent of the victim or his close relatives or witnesses provided by the victim, the defense lawyer may collect materials related to the case from them.

Article 50 All materials that can prove the facts of a case are evidence. Evidence includes: (1) physical evidence; (2) Documentary evidence; (3) Testimony of witnesses; (4) the victim's statement; (5) confessions and excuses of criminal suspects and defendants; (6) Appraisal opinions; (7) Records of inquests, inspections, appraisals, investigations and experiments; (8) Audio-visual materials and electronic data. The evidence must be verified before it can be used as the basis for finalizing the case.