When do you need a lawyer in criminal cases?

Legal analysis: The people's procuratorate shall, within three days from the date of receiving the case materials transferred for examination and prosecution, inform the criminal suspect that he has the right to entrust a defender.

Legal basis: Article 33 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). A criminal suspect has the right to entrust a defender from the day when he is interrogated for the first time by the investigation organ or takes compulsory measures.