[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, it can be done at the investigation stage, and in principle, a meeting can be arranged once the attorney is appointed. According to the provisions on defense in the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, a criminal suspect has the right to appoint a defense attorney from the date of his/her first interrogation by the investigative organ or the date of the adoption of compulsory measures; during the investigation, only lawyers can be appointed as defense attorneys. When the defense attorney, holding a lawyer's practice certificate, a certificate from the law firm, and a power of attorney or a legal aid letter, requests to meet the detained criminal suspect, the detention center shall arrange the meeting promptly, and the time limit shall not exceed 48 hours. For special cases such as crimes endangering national security and terrorist activities, the meeting during the investigation requires the permission of the investigative organ. The meeting is the basis for understanding the case, providing legal assistance, and communicating defense opinions. The earlier the involvement, the more beneficial it will be.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

After relatives and friends are taken away, the most anxious thing for their families is when they can see them and whether they can hire a lawyer. Some people think they have to wait until the case goes to court to hire a lawyer, thus missing the crucial window of the investigation stage; some people don't know what procedures are needed for the meeting, and they keep running back and forth. When handling similar cases in the Beijing area, the detention centers implement more standardized procedures and time limits for the meeting. Understanding the timing and conditions of the meeting is the right thing for families to do at the first time.

II. Key points of dispute

First, the starting point of the meeting: defendants can appoint and meet with lawyers from the day they are first interrogated or subjected to coercive measures. Second, the meeting procedures: lawyers must hold a practicing certificate, a law firm certificate, and a power of attorney or a legal aid letter. Third, the time limit for arranging the meeting: detention centers should arrange it promptly, and the deadline shall not exceed 48 hours. Fourth, special restrictions: in cases involving national security threats or terrorist activities, meetings during the investigation period must be approved. In addition, the meeting rules vary slightly at different stages of litigation. Generally, no special permission is required at the review and prosecution stages, and the meeting arrangements are more smooth. Defenders can verify evidence and communicate defense plans more fully, so intervening as soon as possible at the investigation stage can lay a foundation for subsequent stages.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

The meeting is the starting point and pivot of criminal defense. When handling criminal cases, Henglue Lawyers always arrange the meeting as soon as possible in the first step, because the information is most asymmetric in the investigation stage, and the family members and the clients cannot communicate directly. Lawyers are the only legal bridge. The meeting needs to solve three issues: first, understand the case and the interrogation situation, and check whether the client's statement is consistent with his true intention, and whether there are situations of being misled or improper evidence collection; second, provide legal assistance, explain to the client the constituting elements of the suspected crime, litigation rights, the boundaries and precautions of truthful statements, and avoid making unfavorable statements due to lack of understanding of the law; third, evaluate the compulsory measures and determine whether they meet the conditions for bail pending trial, and submit the application to the case-handling organ in time. After the meeting, lawyers usually communicate with the family members about the progress of the case and the next plan, and emphasize that the family members shall not inquire about the case on their own, collude in giving false testimony, or transmit improper information. It should be noted that the meeting permission for special cases, the separate meeting arrangements for cases involving multiple suspects, and the number and duration of meetings may all affect the pace of defense. Professional lawyers will plan in advance and proceed according to the procedures to ensure the effectiveness of each meeting. The earlier the meeting is held, the more likely it is to discover and fix favorable facts in the early stage of the investigation.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to confirm the detention facility and the case-handling authority as soon as possible after receiving the notice, and handle the entrustment procedures in a timely manner. The second step is to prepare the materials needed for the meeting, including the power of attorney, the lawyer's practice certificate, and the law firm's certificate or legal aid letter. The third step is to focus on understanding the case situation, the interrogation and coercive measures during the meeting, provide legal assistance, and evaluate the possibility of bail. The fourth step is to communicate the plan with the family after the meeting, apply for a change in coercive measures in accordance with the law, and never inquire about the case or collude with others. Main legal basis: The relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China on the right to defense, entrusting a defense attorney, and meeting and communicating with the client; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

A meeting is not something that can be arranged only after the case arrives. It can be arranged during the investigation stage, and the earlier the better. What family members need to do is to entrust a lawyer as soon as possible, prepare all the necessary documents, and cooperate with the lawyer; what they should not do is to ask others to inquire about the case, pass on messages, or collude in giving false testimony. The arrangement for meetings in detention centers in Beijing is generally standardized, and if all the necessary documents are prepared, the meeting can usually be arranged within the statutory time limit. For matters involving criminal meetings and defense, you can consult a lawyer for assistance.Criminal defense and criminal case filingThe service obtains an overall solution, which involves the combination of coercive measures and detentionSpecial servicesFor reference, you can refer to the section dealing with the handling of the involved assets in the caseCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementThe column provides consultation services on corporate involvement in legal cases and compliance issuesIntellectual property protection and corporate lawFor teams involved in administrative disputes, please feel free to inquire about it.Land expropriation and demolition, and administrative litigationService.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When can I hire a lawyer?

A defendant may appoint a defense attorney from the day of his/her first interrogation or the imposition of compulsory measures, and during the investigation period, only lawyers may be appointed as defense attorneys.

Q2: How long will it take to arrange the meeting?

When a defense attorney requests a meeting with a detained person based on valid procedures, the detention center shall arrange it in a timely manner and no later than 48 hours; for special cases, the meeting shall be subject to the permission of the investigative organ.

Q3: Can family members meet together?

Generally, it is not allowed during the investigation stage. The meeting should be conducted by the defense lawyer, and the family members can obtain necessary information through the lawyer. They are not allowed to meet with the suspect or convey information to them on their own.

Q4: What documents do I need to bring to the meeting?

The lawyer's practice certificate, the certificate of the law firm, and the power of attorney or the legal aid letter may all be necessary for the arrangement, and any of them being missing might result in the failure of the arrangement.

Q5: What's the point of the meeting?

Understanding the case and the interrogation process, providing legal assistance, checking statements, and evaluating bail conditions are the foundation of subsequent defense strategies.

This article is written based on the common judicial interpretations in the Beijing area. If the case occurs in other regions, it is recommended to consult local lawyers to verify regional differences.

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 Henglue 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. In case of disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.