Legal Analysis: Yes, it’s up to you. Sentencing will be determined by considering a variety of factors, and it is recommended to retain a lawyer as soon as possible. Lawyers can consider various favorable factors to obtain a lighter sentence, reduced punishment, or even a suspended sentence for the criminal suspect.
Legal basis: "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China and the State"
Article 32 In addition to exercising the right to defend themselves, criminal suspects and defendants may also entrust a Two people may serve as defenders. The following persons may be appointed as defenders:
(1) Lawyers;
(2) People recommended by people’s organizations or the unit where the criminal suspect or defendant works;
(3) Guardians, relatives and friends of criminal suspects and defendants
Those who are serving a sentence or whose personal freedom is deprived or restricted in accordance with the law shall not serve as defenders.
Article 33 A criminal suspect has the right to entrust a defender from the first day he is interrogated or taken compulsory measures by the investigation agency; during the investigation period, the defendant can only entrust a lawyer as a defender and the defendant has the right to entrust a defender at any time.
When the investigative agency interrogates a criminal suspect or takes compulsory measures against him for the first time, he shall inform the criminal suspect that he has the right to entrust a defender. The People's Procuratorate shall start from the date of receipt of the case materials transferred for review and prosecution. Within three days, the People's Court shall inform the defendant of the right to appoint a defender within three days from the date of accepting the case. If the criminal suspect or defendant requests to appoint a defender during the period of detention, the People's Court and the People's Procuratorate shall notify the defendant of the right to appoint a defender. , the public security organ shall convey the information in a timely manner.
While the criminal suspect or defendant is in custody, his or her guardian or close relative may also appoint a defender on his or her behalf.
After entrustment, the case handling agency shall be notified promptly.