Can multiple defendants in criminal cases entrust lawyers at the same time?

Legal analysis: A lawyer can only represent one defendant. However, it does not prohibit the same firm from representing several defendants in the same case. Only two lawyers can be entrusted as defenders in criminal cases at the same time. According to the law, the defendant can entrust one or two people as defenders in addition to defending himself. Therefore, a criminal defendant can entrust two lawyers as defenders at most. The defendant has the right to be defended, and the people's court has the obligation to ensure that the defendant is defended. The people's courts, people's procuratorates and public security organs shall guarantee the right of defense and other litigation rights enjoyed by criminal suspects, defendants and other participants in litigation according to law.

Legal basis: Article 33 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). In addition to exercising the right of defense, criminal suspects and defendants may also entrust one or two people 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. A person who has been dismissed from public office or has his lawyer's or notary's practice certificate revoked may not act as a defender, except the guardian or near relative of the criminal suspect or defendant.