What procedures do citizens need to go through as agents in criminal proceedings? Can't you be an agent without the permission of the court?

China's criminal procedure law has certain restrictions on criminal defenders, and those who do not meet the conditions are not allowed to appear in court to defend.

Article 32 of the Criminal Procedure Law: In addition to exercising the right of defense, a criminal suspect or defendant may entrust one or two persons as defenders. The following persons may be entrusted as defenders:

(1) lawyers;

(2) A person recommended by a people's organization or the unit to which the criminal suspect or defendant belongs;

(3) Guardians, relatives and friends of criminal suspects and defendants.

A person who has been sentenced to punishment according to law or deprived of or restricted personal freedom shall not act as a defender.