When can I hire a lawyer after I am suspected of a criminal offence?

According to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law, a criminal suspect may hire a lawyer to provide 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 a criminal suspect is arrested, the lawyer hired may 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 criminal suspect may hire a lawyer to defend a public prosecution case from the date when the case is transferred for examination and prosecution; A defendant in a case of private prosecution may ask a lawyer to defend him at any time.