[Direct answer]Yes. According to the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2018), a criminal suspect has the right to appoint a defense attorney from the day he/she is first interrogated or subjected to compulsory measures by the investigative organ. During the investigation, only lawyers can be appointed as defense attorneys. If the criminal suspect or defendant is detained, his/her guardians or close relatives can also appoint defense attorneys on his/her behalf. Therefore, after being taken away by the police, being interrogated, or being subjected to compulsory measures, the suspect and his/her close relatives can legally appoint lawyers, who can provide legal assistance and put forward opinions. It should be noted that providing truthful answers and exercising rights in accordance with the law are not contradictory. The parties should truthfully state the facts and not fabricate them. At the same time, they can learn about their rights through defense lawyers, apply for changes in compulsory measures, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

After being taken away by the police, the parties involved are often nervous and confused about their rights and whether they can contact a lawyer. Their families also don't know how to provide help. Typical situations include: being summoned for questioning and then being transferred to criminal detention; being taken away for investigation but not yet having the type of coercive measures specified; and the parties involved wanting to understand the legal consequences before being interrogated. In the Beijing area, criminal cases are handled in accordance with legal procedures, and there are clear guidelines for the exercise of the right to defense.

II. Key points of contention

First, how to determine the starting point of appointing a defense attorney. Second, the scope of clients and procedural requirements during the investigation. Third, legal rights during the interrogation process, including giving truthful statements and refusing illegal evidence collection. Fourth, what work lawyers can carry out after their involvement. Fifth, the behavioral boundaries that the client and their family need to pay attention to, and which actions may pose risks.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

Here are the four practical tips from Henglue Law Firm in criminal defense: 1. **Clear starting point of rights**: A defendant can appoint a defense attorney from the day of their first interrogation or being subject to coercive measures. During the investigation period, only lawyers can be appointed. Detained individuals can authorize their guardians or close relatives to appoint lawyers on their behalf. Once the attorney-client relationship is established, the lawyer can legally meet with the client. 2. **Value of lawyer involvement**: Lawyers can provide legal assistance, explain the suspected charges and legal consequences, inform clients of their rights during interrogations, file appeals and complaints, apply for changes to coercive measures, and offer opinions on case facts and legal application to help clients avoid making unfavorable statements due to procedural ignorance. 3. **Principles for clients**: Clients should truthfully state the facts, not fabricate or conceal key details; refuse to answer questions unrelated to the case; and report any illegal interrogation practices to their lawyers, who will take legal action accordingly. 4. **Boundaries for family members**: Family members must not collude in providing false evidence, destroy or fabricate evidence, interfere with witness testimony, or inquire about the case through unofficial channels. They should hire a lawyer to monitor progress and convey necessary information. 5. **Timeliness**: The earlier a lawyer is hired, the more effective responses can be developed during the investigation phase, securing space for subsequent coercive measures and defense strategies. In summary, consulting and hiring a criminal lawyer immediately after being taken into custody is a legitimate right granted by law and the first step toward rational response. This case was handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Liu LiqiangThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101200910454358, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

Action suggestions: First, the person involved or their close relatives should handle the entrustment procedures as soon as possible, and let the lawyer intervene in accordance with the law; Second, they should truthfully explain the situation to the lawyer, so as to accurately assess the legal consequences; Third, they should truthfully state their answers during the interrogation, and can legally refuse to answer questions unrelated to the case, and pay attention to whether the interrogation process is legal; Fourth, family members should avoid colluding to provide false testimony or interfering with the collection of evidence, and should understand the progress through the lawyer; Fifth, they should pay attention to changes in compulsory measures and timely assess the feasibility of applying for changes. For matters involving criminal defense and case filing, they can refer to the relevant provisions.Criminal defense and criminal case filingFor cases involving personal rights and damages, you can refer to the following materials for reference.Personal injury and medical disputesLegal basis: The provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2018) regarding the right to appoint a defense attorney and the interrogation and meeting with lawyers shall be specifically applied in accordance with the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

Firstly, the right to appoint a defense attorney can be exercised from the date of the first interrogation or the imposition of coercive measures, without having to wait until being indicted. Secondly, detainees can authorize their close relatives to appoint lawyers on their behalf, and the lawyer can meet with them after all the formalities are completed. Thirdly, truthfully stating facts and exercising rights in accordance with the law do not conflict with each other. It is essential not to fabricate facts or resist the investigation. Fourthly, family members should cooperate within the limits of the law. Colluding to fabricate evidence or interfering with the collection of evidence may lead to new legal responsibilities. For cases involving enterprises and operations, relevant reference materials can be consulted.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesFor matters related to family affairs, you can refer to the following resources for reference.Divorce litigation and family disputesFor issues related to debt and enforcement, you can refer to the following materials for reference.Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcement.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I hire a lawyer immediately if I'm taken away by the police?

From the date of the first interrogation or enforcement of coercive measures by the investigative organ, the criminal suspect has the right to appoint a defense attorney; if the suspect's personal freedom is restricted during the period of being summoned for questioning, the corresponding rights are also protected by law. The suspect or his/her near relatives may appoint a defense attorney, and the specific procedures shall be subject to the provisions of the law and the instructions of the case-handling organ.

Q2: Can a lawyer be present during the interrogation?

China's Criminal Procedure Law does not stipulate that lawyers must be present throughout the interrogation process, but defense lawyers can legally meet with detainees, provide legal assistance, and put forward opinions. Regarding procedural issues during the interrogation, lawyers can obtain information after the meeting and, if necessary, file appeals or complaints in accordance with the law, subject to the specific provisions of the law.

Q3: I don't know anything. What should I say?

You should truthfully state the facts, without fabricating or concealing key details. You can refuse to answer questions that are irrelevant to the case. If you really don't know or remember certain matters, you can say that you can't remember or don't know, and avoid making speculative responses. It's more prudent to provide necessary explanations after understanding the legal consequences through your defense attorney.

Q4: Can family members hire a lawyer on behalf of the suspect?

Yes. If the criminal suspect is in custody, his guardian or close relatives may appoint a defense attorney on his behalf. Generally, they need to provide proof of identity and kinship, and the law firm will issue the power of attorney. After the power of attorney is established, the lawyer can meet with the criminal suspect in accordance with the law. The specific requirements for handling the case shall be subject to the provisions of the case-handling organ and the detention center.

Q5: Is it possible to handle the case without hiring a lawyer?

The law allows individuals to exercise their right to defend themselves, but criminal procedures are highly specialized, involving evidentiary rules, coercive measures, and sentencing circumstances. Lacking professional assistance may lead to missed opportunities. It is recommended to consult or hire a lawyer as soon as possible, who will evaluate the case and propose a defense strategy. Whether to hire a lawyer remains the decision of the client.

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

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

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current laws and regulations and publicly available 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 you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.