Criminal suspects meet with lawyers during grassroots investigations.

During the investigation stage of a criminal case by the public security organ, the defense lawyer can meet with the criminal suspect multiple times, with no limit on the number of times. During the investigation stage, defense lawyers have the right to meet and correspond, and can review, extract, and copy case file materials.

Legal Basis

Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law

Defense lawyers may meet and communicate with criminal suspects and defendants in custody. Other defenders may also meet and communicate with criminal suspects and defendants in custody with the permission of the People's Court and People's Procuratorate.

If a defense lawyer requests to meet with a detained criminal suspect or defendant with a lawyer's practicing certificate, law firm certificate, power of attorney, or legal aid letter, the detention center shall arrange the meeting in a timely manner, no later than 48 hours.

In cases of crimes endangering national security or terrorist activities, defense lawyers must obtain permission from the investigation agency to meet criminal suspects in custody during the investigation. The investigation agency shall notify the detention center of the above situation in advance.