Can a lawyer make an appointment online when meeting a criminal suspect?

Some detention centers can make online appointments and receive remote visits online, but rarely. In practice, lawyers usually go to the detention center with materials, and those with complete materials can generally arrange meetings immediately.

However, some detention centers have special circumstances. I am a lawyer practicing in Nanning. On Thursday morning, Nanning No.1 Detention Center arranged a family meeting, but no lawyer met. There are only three lawyer meeting rooms in Nanning No.2 Detention Center for the time being, and there will be a long queue when there are many lawyers. Other foreign law firms have not encountered special circumstances, and they can generally go early.

According to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law:

Article 36 A defense lawyer may provide legal aid to a criminal suspect during investigation; Acting as an agent for complaints and accusations; Apply for changing compulsory measures; Ask the investigation organ about the crimes and cases suspected by the criminal suspect, and put forward opinions.

Article 37 A defense lawyer may meet and correspond with a criminal suspect or defendant in custody. Other defenders, with the permission of the people's courts and people's procuratorates, may also meet and correspond with criminal suspects and defendants in custody.

If a defense lawyer holds a lawyer's practice certificate, a law firm's certificate, a power of attorney or a letter of legal aid to ask for a meeting with the criminal suspect or defendant in custody, the detention center shall arrange the meeting in time, which shall not exceed 48 hours at the latest.

In cases of crimes endangering national security, terrorist activities and particularly serious bribery crimes, defense lawyers should obtain permission from the investigation organ when meeting with the criminal suspect in custody during the investigation. The investigation organ shall notify the detention center of the above situation in advance.

When a defense lawyer meets a criminal suspect or defendant in custody, he can understand the case and provide legal advice. From the date when the case is transferred for examination and prosecution, the relevant evidence may be verified with the criminal suspect or defendant. Defense lawyers are not monitored when meeting with criminal suspects and defendants.

The provisions of paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 shall apply to the meetings and correspondence between defense lawyers and criminal suspects and defendants who are under surveillance.