Legal basis: Article 96 of the Criminal Procedure Law: A criminal suspect may hire a lawyer to provide him with legal advice, charge and complain on his behalf after the first interrogation by the investigation organ or from the day when compulsory measures are taken (compulsory measures here refer to criminal detention, for example). If a criminal suspect is arrested, he may ask for bail pending trial.
When a defense lawyer meets a criminal suspect or defendant in custody, he can understand the case and provide legal advice. From the date when the case is transferred for examination and prosecution, the relevant evidence may be verified with the criminal suspect or defendant. Defense lawyers are not monitored when meeting with criminal suspects and defendants.
The provisions of the first, third and fourth paragraphs shall apply to the meetings and correspondence between defense lawyers and criminal suspects and defendants who are under surveillance.