[Direct answer]Generally, direct meetings are not allowed. During the investigation stage, to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation activities and prevent collusion in providing evidence and destroying evidence, the law excludes family members from the subjects of meetings; family members can be informed of the suspected crime and the detention center where the suspect is held, and they can also entrust defense lawyers to meet with the detained suspects in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law. For some cases (such as crimes endangering national security and terrorist activities), meetings during the investigation period must also be approved by the investigative organ. After the case enters the review and prosecution and trial stages, the family members' channels of obtaining information will increase, but direct meetings will still be limited. Therefore, the correct approach is not to seek connections to meet with people, but to entrust lawyers as soon as possible to meet with them, communicate on their behalf, and provide legal assistance.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

After family members were subject to coercive measures, their most urgent demand was to "see them once and ask them about the situation". However, in practice, family members who went to the detention center were often told that they couldn't meet with them and could only send some clothes or deposit money; some family members then asked others to "pass on the message", but not only could they not meet with them, but they might also be held accountable for passing on information that could affect the case.

II. Key points of contention

First, the scope of the family members' right to know; second, the conditions and exceptions for lawyers' meetings (general cases and special cases that do not require permission); third, the assistance matters that family members can legally do; fourth, the legal risks of illegally transmitting information and colluding with each other. Clarifying the boundaries is the prerequisite for avoiding secondary risks.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

The first layer is the starting point of the system. The investigation stage is a critical period for evidence formation. The law imposes restrictions on meetings with the aim of preventing collusion, destroying evidence, and interfering with witnesses, which is a common rule in most countries. The second layer is the rules for lawyer meetings. Defense lawyers can hold lawyer practice certificates, law firm certificates, and power of attorney or legal aid letters to meet with detained suspects and defendants to understand the case situation and provide legal advice. For cases involving crimes against national security and terrorist activities, meetings during the investigation period must be approved by the investigative organ. In practice, lawyer meetings for general cases can usually be arranged within the statutory timeframe, and the content of the meetings is subject to confidentiality and professional norms. The third layer is legal actions that family members can take. Family members can: appoint a lawyer and sign an authorization document; inquire about the suspected crime and detention facility from the case-handling organ; send clothing and deposits to the detention center according to its regulations (no prohibited items or collusion information allowed); organize materials related to the case, such as contracts, transfers, and employment certificates, and hand them over to lawyers for evaluation; and take care of the detained person's family and daily life to reduce their worries. Information about family circumstances should be conveyed through lawyers within legal limits to avoid private transmission of case details. The fourth layer is the consequences of violations. If family members pass messages on behalf of others, collude with witnesses, conceal or destroy evidence, or instruct witnesses, they may commit illegal crimes such as obstruction of testimony and aiding in the destruction of evidence, and even face coercive measures. The risk of so-called "using connections to pass messages" is extremely high. Henglue Law Firm advises: When meetings are blocked, lawyers should negotiate or apply for permission according to the law, rather than seeking indirect solutions.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to verify with the case-handling authority the detention facility and the suspected charges, and properly keep the relevant notification documents; the second step is to promptly entrust a professional criminal lawyer to meet with the client, clarify the entrustment authority and communication methods; the third step is to assist in organizing objective materials favorable to the client and hand them over to the lawyer for screening and use; the fourth step is to abide by legal boundaries, not collude in giving false testimony, not passing on information, and not bringing in prohibited items. The main legal basis: the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China on defense and agency, meetings and communications, and coercive measures. The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

There are three key points to note during the investigation phase: family members are generally not allowed to meet with the suspect, and it is only through a lawyer that they can legally meet with them; for special cases, meetings must be approved by the investigating authorities; and the risk of colluding with others during interrogations is extremely high. Therefore, it is crucial not to let your concern for the suspect turn into illegal activities. For matters related to criminal meetings and defense, you can seek assistance through the following channels:Criminal defense and criminal case filingThe service obtains a comprehensive solution, which can be combined with changes in enforcement measures if necessary.Special servicesFor reference, please refer to the section involving employees of the company who are involved in the caseIntellectual property protection and corporate lawFor columns related to the disposition of assets involving criminal and civil cases, you can consult us for adviceCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcement casesTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can family members really visit the detention center to meet with the detainees?

During the investigation stage, it is generally not allowed to directly meet with the detainee. The family can be informed of the suspected crime and the detention facility, and can send items and make deposits according to the regulations of the detention center, but meeting with the detainee usually requires a defense lawyer to do so in accordance with the law. After the case enters the subsequent stage, the family's access to information may increase, but direct meetings are still restricted. The specific arrangements shall be subject to the provisions of the case-handling organ and the detention center.

Q2: What materials should be prepared when appointing a lawyer to attend a meeting?

Generally, the following documents are required: proof of family member identity, proof of kinship with the detained person, a power of attorney, and a letter from the law firm along with the lawyer's practice certificate. For special cases, it is also necessary to apply for a meeting permit as required by the investigating authority. It is recommended to provide the detained person's identity information and the suspected crime at the same time, which will facilitate the lawyer's arrangement for the meeting.

Q3: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a single consultation?

The attorney's fees are subject to market-regulated pricing. Meetings with attorneys are typically included in the fees charged during the engagement stage, or billed on a per-session basis, depending on the region, the complexity of the case, and the law firm's standard practices. Before engaging an attorney, it is important to clarify the service phases (investigation, review of prosecution, trial), the number of meetings, and whether bail application is included, to avoid disputes arising from additional charges during the process.

Q4: How long does it usually take from placing an order to having a meeting?

If all the materials are in place and the case is generally ordinary, lawyers can usually arrange a meeting within a relatively short time, usually within a few days in practice. However, if it is a special case requiring approval or the meeting appointment at the detention center is tight, the time will be extended accordingly. It is recommended to entrust a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing the defense window in the investigation stage.

Q5: What risks will family members face if they pass messages to those who are detained?

The risks are very high. Acts such as passing on case information, colluding to give false testimony, inciting to retract testimony, and concealing or destroying evidence may constitute offenses such as obstructing witness testimony and assisting in destroying evidence. Family members may also be held accountable and their mitigating circumstances may be weakened. In cases where communication is necessary, it should be conveyed by lawyers within the scope permitted by law.

The above answer is based on the judicial practice in Beijing. The adjudication standards in other provinces and cities may vary. For specific cases, please refer to the local rules and evidence situation.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Criminal defense legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If a dispute arises, please consult a practicing lawyer in a timely manner.