What is the scope of criminal legal aid?

Legal analysis: (1) The criminal suspect did not hire a lawyer due to financial difficulties after being questioned for the first time or taking compulsory measures by the investigative agency; (2) The victim of the public prosecution case and his legal representative or close relatives have not been able to hire a lawyer since the case. Since the date of transfer for review and prosecution, no litigation agent has been appointed due to financial difficulties; (3) Since the private prosecution case has been accepted by the People's Court, the private prosecutor and his legal agent have not appointed a litigation agent due to financial difficulties. (4) The defendant is blind, deaf, mute or a mental patient who has not completely lost the ability to recognize or control his own behavior and has not entrusted a defender.

Legal basis: Article 35 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China. If a criminal suspect or defendant does not retain a defender due to financial difficulties or other reasons, he or his close relatives may apply to a legal aid agency. For those who meet the conditions for legal aid, the legal aid institution shall designate a lawyer to defend them.

If the criminal suspect or defendant is blind, deaf, mute or a mental patient who has not completely lost the ability to recognize or control his own behavior and has not entrusted a defender, the people's court, people's procuratorate and public security organs shall notify legal aid The agency is represented by its appointed attorney.

If a criminal suspect or defendant may be sentenced to life imprisonment or death without appointing 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.