Only lawyers can be entrusted as defenders in the investigation stage.

Legal analysis: The newly revised Criminal Procedure Law clearly stipulates that a criminal suspect may entrust a defender at the investigation stage. The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, which will be implemented on 20 13 10, changes the original provision of the Criminal Procedure Law that a criminal suspect can only hire a lawyer to provide legal aid in the investigation stage to: a criminal suspect can entrust a lawyer as a defender during the investigation.

Legal basis: Article 33 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). In addition to exercising the right of defense, criminal suspects and defendants may also entrust one or two people as defenders. 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.