[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, after receiving the detention notice, family members should prepare three types of materials as soon as possible to hire a lawyer: First, identity and relationship materials, including the family member's own ID card, household registration booklet, and other materials that can prove their close relationship with the detained person; Second, the original detention notice or clear photos, which indicate the suspected crime, the detention facility, and the investigating authority; Third, case clues materials, such as the suspect's occupation, recent whereabouts, relevant contracts, and communication records. According to Article 34 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended on October 26, 2018), a criminal suspect has the right to hire a defense attorney from the date of his/her first interrogation by the investigating organ or the date of taking compulsory measures; during the investigation period, only lawyers can be hired. It is recommended to hire a lawyer as soon as possible within the golden period of 37 days after criminal detention. For more details, please refer to the following link:Criminal defense and legal services for criminal case filing.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

Detention notices are often delivered late at night, containing only a few words such as the suspected crime, the detention center, and the investigating authority. However, family members are required to make important decisions within a few days. Typical scenarios include: family members suddenly receiving notices or being informed by phone by the investigating authority; worrying about the safety of the detainee and not knowing when they can see them; being targeted by scams aimed at bribing officials to release detainees; hearing that hiring a lawyer is helpful, but not knowing what to prepare first. The greatest risk in this panic is missing the critical rescue period of 37 days after criminal detention - during this period, lawyer's meetings, applications for bail, and demonstrations of the necessity of detention are most effective. Understanding what to prepare and what to avoid is the first step for family members. For more details, please refer to the following link:Criminal defense and legal services for criminal case filing.

II. Key points of contention

First, the subject of the entrustment. According to the law, the inmates can entrust their defense lawyers themselves and their close relatives, including spouses, parents, children, and siblings. If friends or fellow villagers need to entrust a lawyer, it usually requires the confirmation of the client himself or the transfer of the entrustment by his close relatives. Second, the timing of the entrustment. The entrustment can be initiated from the day of the first interrogation or the imposition of coercive measures. The earlier the lawyer intervenes, the better the chances of establishing evidence of innocence or a light sentence. Within 37 days after criminal detention, it is a crucial window for securing bail pending trial. Third, the arrangement of meetings. Lawyers can meet with clients in accordance with the law by presenting their practice certificates, law firm certificates, and power of attorney documents. Generally, family members cannot directly meet with the inmates. Fourth, the division of work stages. The focus of work is different at each stage: investigation, review and prosecution, first-instance trial, and second-instance trial. When entrusting a lawyer, it is necessary to specify the scope of each stage. In Beijing, meeting with inmates in detention centers generally requires advance booking and conducting the meeting according to the arranged schedule.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

After receiving the detention notice, how much difference does it make to promptly hire a lawyer? A case of gambling-related crime handled by Attorney Zhu Guiyin can serve as an example: W*, who had previously suffered setbacks in his business, came into contact with an overseas online gambling platform and, in order to repay his gambling debts, became a chat streamer for the platform. The platform's live-stream interface was embedded with gambling advertisements and recharge entry points. On December 20, 2025, the public security organ investigated and dealt with the platform, and W* was criminally detained on suspicion of operating a gambling house and was held in the detention center. After receiving the detention notice, the family immediately appointed Attorney Zhu Guiyin from Beijing Henglue Law Firm as the defense attorney. Attorney Zhu promptly met with W* to verify that he only provided traffic-driving assistance, did not participate in the operation of the gambling house or profit-sharing, and was a accomplice. After appearing in court, W* truthfully confessed and voluntarily pleaded guilty and accepted punishment. He suffered from diseases such as pituitary tumor and hepatitis that required continuous treatment. He was a first-time or occasional offender, committed a non-violent crime, and posed a low social danger. The lawyer drafted an application for bail, based on Article 67 of the Criminal Procedure Law and Articles 27 and 67 of the Criminal Law, and explained that the family was willing to provide a guarantor or a deposit, and that the client promised to appear when summoned. The case-handling organ adopted the main opinions, and on January 19, 2026, after being detained for exactly 30 days, W* was lawfully granted bail and regained his freedom. This case was handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Zhu GuiyingAttorney (practice certificate number: 11101202011246828, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acting as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The legal basis includes Article 34 (the time and subject of appointing a defense attorney), Article 85 (sending the detainee to the detention center and notifying his/her family within 24 hours after detention), Article 91 (the time limit for applying for arrest after detention and the review decision), and Article 67 (the conditions for bail pending trial) of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended on October 26, 2018). Action checklist: 1. Verify the authenticity of the notice and the detention information through the case-handling authority or the detention center to avoid fraud. 2. Prepare your ID card, proof of kinship, and the original detention notice to entrust a lawyer. 3. Organize the basic information of the client, including his/her occupation, recent activities, and contact information for the lawyer's reference. 4. Do not easily believe in "bribing to get someone released", and be particularly vigilant against requests involving money. 5. Cooperate with the lawyer to arrange meetings and follow up on the review of the necessity of detention and the application for bail in a timely manner. For more details, please refer to the following link:Criminal defense and legal services for criminal case filing.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

The first 30 days after detention are a critical window for securing evidence and changing coercive measures. Delaying the appointment of a lawyer often misses the best opportunity. We also remind family members not to destroy or transfer any items, funds, or records that may be related to the case. Such actions may be suspected of helping to destroy evidence and turn small problems into big ones. When handling similar cases in the Beijing area, it is recommended that family members contact the lawyer as soon as possible after receiving the noticeBeijing Henglue Law FirmProfessional criminal lawyers should initiate meetings, applications, and communication as early as possible.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Having received the detention notice, is there still a chance for a favorable outcome in the case?

Yes. Criminal detention is just a coercive measure, not equivalent to a final conviction. The 37 days after criminal detention are a critical window for securing bail pending trial. Lawyers can meet with clients to verify the case facts, put forward opinions on innocence or mitigated guilt, and apply for a change in coercive measures. Even if the person is approved for arrest, they can still apply to the procuratorial organ for a review of the necessity of detention. The outcome of the case depends on the facts and evidence. Engaging a lawyer as early as possible and actively seeking favorable circumstances can turn potential advantages into actual results.

Q2: What specific materials do I need to bring when I hire a lawyer?

There are three categories: First, the client's own ID card, household registration booklet, and other proofs of identity and kinship with close relatives; Second, the original detention notice or clear photos, which specify the suspected crime, the detention facility, and the case-handling authority; Third, case clues, such as the client's occupation, recent whereabouts, relevant contracts, and communication records. It's not necessary to have all the materials before initiating the entrustment. After the lawyer's meeting with the client, the lawyer will guide them in supplementing the materials. The key is to let the lawyer meet the client as soon as possible.

Q3: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer at this stage?

During the investigation stage, the fees are generally charged on a per-stage basis, which is determined through negotiation between the law firm and the client. There is no unified government pricing, and the fees shall be based on the written contract and quotation. When entrusting the lawyer, the client should clarify the services included in this stage, such as the number of meetings, applications for bail pending trial, legal opinions, etc. They should also agree on whether to renew the engagement for the subsequent stages and how the fees will be charged. The fees should be paid into the law firm's account and receipts should be requested. In criminal cases, contingency fee arrangements are not allowed.

Q4: How long does it usually take from detention to getting a result?

The key stages can be predicted as follows: After detention, the application for arrest is generally submitted within three days, and in special circumstances, it can be extended by one to four days. For cases involving fugitives, multiple offenses, or gang-related crimes, the time limit can be extended to 30 days. The procuratorate shall make a decision within seven days, which is commonly referred to as the "37-day golden period". After that, the investigation ends and the case is transferred for examination and prosecution. The examination and prosecution generally take one month, and the first-instance trial usually lasts two to three months. At each stage, lawyers can apply for the modification of compulsory measures in accordance with the law.

Q5: What should family members do first and foremost?

Four steps to proceed: First, verify the authenticity of the notice and the detention facility and the suspected crime through the case-handling organ or the detention center, to guard against the "rescue people" scam; Second, prepare ID cards, proof of relationship, and the notice, and hire a lawyer as soon as possible; Third, organize the basic information of the client and the clues of the case; Fourth, cooperate with the lawyer to arrange meetings, follow up on the application for bail pending trial, and review the necessity of detention. Do not destroy or transfer any items or funds related to the case without authorization.

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 the regional differences.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with evidence materials, so as 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 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.