Legal basis: Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC).
Article 156 The period of investigation and detention of a criminal suspect after his arrest shall not exceed two months. If the case is complicated and cannot be concluded at the expiration of the time limit, it may be extended for one month with the approval of the people's procuratorate at the next higher level.
Article 157 For particularly serious and complicated cases that are not suitable for trial for a long time due to special reasons, the Supreme People's Procuratorate shall report to the NPC Standing Committee for approval to postpone the trial.
Article 158 Time limit for investigation and detention of major and complicated cases
If the following cases cannot be concluded after the expiration of the time limit stipulated in Article 156 of this Law, they may be extended for two months with the approval or decision of the people's procuratorates of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government: (1) major and complicated cases in remote areas with very inconvenient transportation; (2) Major criminal group cases; (3) Major and complicated cases of escaping crime; (four) major and complex cases involving a wide range and difficult to obtain evidence.
Article 159 A criminal suspect may be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 10 years. If the extended period stipulated in Article 158 of this Law expires and the investigation is terminated, it may be extended for another two months with the approval or decision of the people's procuratorate of a province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government.