Is it necessary to hire a lawyer in a death penalty case?

Legal Analysis: Death Penalty Cases Need Lawyers. If a criminal suspect or defendant may be sentenced to life imprisonment or death and has not appointed a defender, the People's Court, People's Procuratorate, and Public Security Bureau shall notify the legal aid agency to appoint a lawyer to defend him.

Legal basis: Article 34 of the "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China". If a criminal suspect or defendant may be sentenced to life imprisonment or death and has not appointed a defender, the People's Court, People's Procuratorate, and Public Security Bureau shall notify the legal aid agency to appoint a lawyer to defend him.