Do you have to hire a lawyer as a defender in criminal proceedings?

In criminal proceedings, there is no need to hire a lawyer as a defender. 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.

legal ground

Article 33 of the Criminal Procedure Law

A criminal suspect or defendant may entrust one or two persons as defenders in addition to exercising their right of defense. 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.