What are the procedures for lawyers to meet in prison?

Legal analysis: Lawyers need to meet prisoners, and can submit power of attorney to the prison where the prisoners are located by fax, email or direct submission. If a power of attorney is not required, copies of relevant certificates, lawyer's practice license, letters issued by law firms and other materials shall be provided. If a paralegal or interpreter attends the meeting, the lawyer shall submit a copy of his work certificate or identity certificate to the prison.

After receiving the relevant materials submitted by lawyers, the prison shall arrange a meeting with those who meet the requirements within 48 hours. For criminals involved in state secrets or major and complicated cases, the prison shall make a decision to approve or disapprove the interview. The prison shall arrange a meeting within 48 hours after making the approval decision.

Legal basis: Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC), defense lawyers can meet and correspond with criminal suspects and defendants in custody. Other defenders, with the permission of the people's courts and people's procuratorates, may also meet and correspond with criminal suspects and defendants in custody.

If a defense lawyer holds a lawyer's practice certificate, a law firm's certificate, a power of attorney or a letter of legal aid to ask for a meeting with the criminal suspect or defendant in custody, the detention center shall arrange the meeting in time, which shall not exceed 48 hours at the latest.

In criminal cases endangering national security and terrorist activities, defense lawyers should obtain permission from the investigation organ when meeting with the criminal suspect in custody during the investigation. The investigation organ shall notify the detention center of the above situation in advance.

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.