Can criminal lawyers collect evidence by themselves?

Criminal lawyers are not allowed to collect evidence themselves. Article 35 of the Lawyers Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) stipulates that the entrusted lawyer shall apply to the people's procuratorate and the people's court for collecting evidence. After the application, if investigation and evidence collection are carried out, it is necessary to show the lawyer's practice certificate and the certificate of the law firm.

legal ground

Article 35 of the Lawyers Law of People's Republic of China (PRC)

The entrusted lawyer may, according to the needs of the case, apply to the people's procuratorate or the people's court to collect and obtain evidence or apply to the people's court to notify witnesses to testify in court.

If a lawyer investigates and collects evidence by himself, he may, with the lawyer's practice certificate and the certificate of the law firm, investigate the situation related to undertaking legal affairs with the relevant units or individuals.