[Direct answer]Generally, this is not allowed. After being criminally detained, the suspect is held in a detention center, and family members are usually not allowed to visit them. They can only entrust defense lawyers to visit them with valid credentials. According to Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended on October 26, 2018), when defense lawyers request to meet with detained suspects or defendants with their lawyer's practice certificates, certificates of law firms, power of attorney or legal aid letters, the detention center shall arrange the meeting in a timely manner, and the latest time shall not exceed 48 hours; for cases involving crimes against national security and terrorist activities, the meeting during the investigation period must be approved by the investigating organ, and the lawyer's meeting shall not be monitored. Family members can deposit money and send items to the detention center, and entrust lawyers to understand the case and convey family matters. It is recommended to entrust a lawyer to visit them as soon as possible. For more information, please refer to the relevant provisions.Criminal defenseColumn.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

Such questions are commonly encountered in several situations: First, after receiving the notice of criminal detention, family members go to the detention center to request a visit but are refused, and they don't know where the person is detained or what his/her condition is. Second, when the suspect is detained by the authorities in another city, family members want to send money and supplies but don't know how to proceed. Third, if the case involves multiple detainees, family members worry that the suspect may be exaggerating the situation and are eager to pass on messages. Fourth, during the 37-day golden rescue period after criminal detention, family members want to secure bail as soon as possible but don't know the procedures. Fifth, when family members go to "inquire about the situation" on their own, they may be cheated of their money or be induced to sign unfavorable documents. In Beijing, detention centers allow close relatives to deposit money and send necessary clothing with proof of identity, but the right to visit is exclusively reserved for defense lawyers. For related entrustment and visit arrangements, please refer to the relevant guidelines.Criminal defenseColumn.

II. Key points of contention

Focus 1: Exclusion of family visits. During detention, the right to visit is exclusively reserved for defense attorneys, and family visits are generally not arranged. Focus 2: Guarantees and exceptions for arranging visits within 48 hours. For three types of cases, visits during the investigation period must be approved by the investigating authorities. Focus 3: The right of close relatives to act as agents for legal representation. When a client is detained, their guardians or close relatives may handle the legal representation procedures on their behalf. Focus 4: Confidentiality of attorney-client meetings. Defense attorneys are not allowed to be monitored during their meetings with suspects. Focus 5: Legality of family members communicating with outsiders of the case. Using connections to "rescue" detainees is not only ineffective but may also constitute a crime. Focus 6: Rules on depositing and storing items. The procedures vary among different detention centers, and the regulations of the detention center where the detainee is located should prevail. Specific provisions should be based on current laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

Based on the multiple criminal cases handled by our firm, we can observe the role of lawyers' meetings and timely intervention. Firstly, in a case of disseminating obscene materials defended by Attorney Shang Jiangpeng, C某 was detained for criminal custody for reposting three videos. The lawyer immediately went to the detention center to meet with him, verified the number of posts, motives, and the process of appearing in court, confirmed that he was a first-time offender with no profit-making intention, and submitted a legal opinion on bail to the case-handling organ after he pleaded guilty and accepted the punishment. By arguing from two aspects: the failure to meet the threshold for criminal conviction and the lack of social danger, the case-handling organ decided to grant bail on June 24, 2026. Secondly, in a case of operating a gambling house defended by Attorney Zhu Guiying, W某, who was a platform streamer, was detained for criminal custody. After the meeting, the lawyer submitted a bail application based on his accomplice status, confession, and the need for continuous treatment for a pituitary tumor. The bail was approved on January 19, 2026, and he regained his freedom after 30 days of detention. Thirdly, in a case of endangering precious and endangered wild animals defended by Attorney Lu Xiaoxue, the lawyer met with the client on the day of accepting the case and argued that the gift did not constitute acquisition and that the client did not know the illegal nature of the act. The client was released on bail within seven days from his detention to bail. These cases show that lawyers' meetings are not only the first step in understanding the case, but also the starting point for seeking to change the compulsory measures. This case is handled by Beijing Henglu Law Firm.Shang Jiang PengThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101202310580738, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

Action suggestions: 1. First, immediately authorize a defense lawyer on behalf of the immediate family member and arrange the first meeting as soon as possible. 2. Bring the detention notice and identity proof to the detention center to handle deposits and send clothes to ensure basic living needs. 3. Provide the lawyer with truthful materials related to the client's physical condition, medical history, and family situation for bail applications. 4. Properly preserve evidence clues related to the case and hand them over to the lawyer for legal review. 5. Refuse any intermediaries claiming to "bribe officials to release detainees" or "use connections to secure release," and beware of fraud. Legal basis: - Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended on October 26, 2018) guarantees defense lawyers' right to meet with clients and specifies a 48-hour time limit for arranging meetings, prohibiting surveillance during meetings. - Article 67 stipulates the conditions for applying for bail. - The "Regulations on Several Issues Concerning Bail" (issued and implemented on September 5, 2022) details the application and execution procedures for bail. For reference on the commissioning process and document key points, please refer to the relevant materials.Special services and other casesColumn.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

Risk Warning: Firstly, the first 37 days after criminal detention are a critical period. Criminal detention generally lasts for a maximum of 30 days, plus seven days for the review and approval of arrest. Once the decision to approve the arrest is made, it will become more difficult to secure bail later, so it's better to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Secondly, family members who inquire about the case on their own may violate the rules of leaking confidential information or interfering with the testimony. The information related to the case should be obtained through lawyers in accordance with the law. Thirdly, do not discuss the details of the case on the phone or WeChat to avoid being used as evidence in the case or being accused of colluding to fabricate evidence. Fourthly, comply with the regulations of the detention center regarding deposits and parcels, and the amount should be appropriate. It is recommended to hire a professional lawyer to meet with the detainee and evaluate the conditions for securing bail as soon as possible, and you can consult with them for more details.Beijing Henglu Law FirmObtain targeted solutions from similar columns on the official website.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When can family members meet the person who has been criminally detained?

Before the judgment takes effect and is enforced, family members generally cannot meet the detainees, and the right to meet them during detention is exclusively reserved for defense lawyers. Family members can go to the detention center with their ID cards to deposit money and send clothes, or entrust lawyers to convey family matters after the meeting. After the defendant is released on bail and goes home, family members can interact with them normally. If there are indeed special circumstances, family members can report them to the case-handling organ, which will make a decision in accordance with the law.

Q2: How long does it take for a lawyer to meet with a client after being appointed?

According to Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law, when a defense lawyer holds a lawyer's practice certificate, a certificate from the law firm, and a power of attorney and requests a meeting, the detention center shall arrange it promptly, and the meeting shall be completed within 48 hours at the latest. For cases involving crimes against national security and terrorist activities, meetings during the investigation period must be approved by the investigating organ. In practice, most cases can arrange their first meeting within one to two days.

Q3: What should family members do after their relatives have been detained by criminal detention?

First, as soon as possible, have a close relative entrust a lawyer to meet with the detainee and evaluate the bail conditions; second, go to the detention center to deposit money and send clothes to ensure their daily life; third, collect materials such as the detainee's medical history and family situation that may support bail; fourth, cooperate with the lawyer to complete the restitution of the illegal proceeds and compensation, and obtain the understanding of the victim; fifth, stay calm, do not seek help from influential people, or spread information about the case, so as to avoid bringing negative effects to the case.

Q4: What is the maximum length of criminal detention?

Generally, the maximum period of criminal detention for a case is 14 days. For major suspects who commit crimes by roving around, repeatedly, or in gangs, the time for applying for review and approval of arrest can be extended to 30 days, plus the seven days for the People's Procuratorate to review and approve the arrest, making a total of 37 days. During this period, it is a golden window to strive for bail or not to approve the arrest. After the approval of the arrest, the case will enter a long-term detention state.

Q5: Under what circumstances can one apply for bail pending trial?

According to Article 67 of the Criminal Procedure Law, those who may be sentenced to control, detention, or independently apply additional punishments; those who may be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment or above but are not likely to pose a danger to society if released on bail; women who suffer from serious diseases, are unable to take care of themselves, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding their own babies; and those whose detention period has expired but whose cases have not been concluded, may all apply for bail pending trial. Whether to grant the application shall be decided by the case-handling organ after review.

The above questions and answers are mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the interpretation of the law in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are 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 Shang Jiangpeng·Beijing Henglue Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public 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.