48 hours.
After the arrest, can the parties meet their families?
: no.
What is the role of lawyers at this stage?
Article 96 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) stipulates that a criminal suspect may hire a lawyer to provide him with legal advice, appeal and accusation on his behalf after being interrogated for the first time by the investigation organ or from the date when compulsory measures are taken. If the suspect is arrested, the lawyer hired can apply for bail pending trial. In cases involving state secrets, the criminal suspect's employment of a lawyer shall be approved by the investigation organ.
The entrusted lawyer has the right to know the charges charged by the criminal suspect from the investigation organ, to meet the criminal suspect in custody and to know the relevant information from the criminal suspect. When a lawyer meets a criminal suspect in custody, the investigation organ may send personnel to be present according to the circumstances and needs of the case. When a lawyer meets a criminal suspect in custody in a case involving state secrets, it shall be approved by the investigation organ.