Time limit of first instance
Article 202 When trying a case of public prosecution, the people's court shall pronounce a judgment within two months after accepting it, and no later than three months. For a case that may be sentenced to death or an incidental civil lawsuit, if one of the circumstances stipulated in Article 156 of this Law occurs, it may be extended for three months with the approval of the people's court at the next higher level; Due to special circumstances need to be extended, it shall be submitted to the Supreme People's Court for approval.
Article 206 A people's court may mediate a case of private prosecution. Before the verdict is pronounced, the private prosecutor may reconcile with the defendant or withdraw the private prosecution. Mediation is not applicable to cases specified in Item 3 of Article 204 of this Law.
The time limit for the people's court to hear a case of private prosecution, and if the defendant is detained, the provisions of the first and second paragraphs of Article 202 of this Law shall apply; Those who are not in custody shall be sentenced within six months after accepting the case.
Time limit of second instance
Article 232 The people's court of second instance shall conclude the case of appeal or protest within two months. For a case that may be sentenced to death or a case with incidental civil action, if one of the circumstances stipulated in Article 156 of this Law occurs, it may be extended for two months with the approval or decision of the higher people's court of a province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government; Due to special circumstances need to be extended, it shall be submitted to the Supreme People's Court for approval.