What should I do if the defendant dies during the trial of a criminal case?

Legal analysis: if the defendant dies in a criminal case, he should not be investigated for criminal responsibility; If a case has been put on file for investigation, the case shall be dismissed or no prosecution shall be instituted or the trial shall be terminated; If the defendant is innocent, he should be acquitted. The specific way to take it depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Where civil compensation is involved, a separate civil compensation lawsuit may be filed; If a criminal case is accompanied by a civil action, the trial can continue in principle. If the defendant has an inheritance, he will use it for compensation.

Legal basis: Article 16 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) shall not be investigated for criminal responsibility under any of the following circumstances. If the investigation has been concluded, the case shall be dismissed, or no prosecution shall be instituted, or the trial shall be terminated or acquitted:

(a) if the circumstances are obviously minor and the harm is not great, it is not considered a crime;

(two) the crime has passed the limitation period;

(3) Being exempted from punishment by an amnesty order;

(4) Failing to tell or withdrawing a crime that should be dealt with only after being told according to the Criminal Law;

(5) The criminal suspect or defendant dies;

(six) other laws and regulations shall be exempted from criminal responsibility.