Time for lawyers to read documents in criminal cases

Legal analysis: The Criminal Procedure Law stipulates that defense lawyers can consult, extract and copy the case files from the date when the people's procuratorate examines and prosecutes the case.

Legal basis: Article 38 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). From the date when the people's procuratorate examines and prosecutes the case, the defense lawyer may consult, extract and copy the case file. Other defenders may also consult, extract and copy the above materials with the permission of the people's court or the people's procuratorate.