[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, the fees for hiring criminal defense lawyers during the investigation stage are usually negotiated separately according to the stages of the case (investigation, review and prosecution, trial), or packaged as a lump sum. The specific amount is determined by the complexity of the case, the charge, and the workload, subject to the terms of the contract. Our firm does not guarantee the outcome in advance. The core basis is Article 34 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2018), which stipulates that suspects have the right to engage a defense attorney from the date they are first interrogated or subjected to compulsory measures by the investigating authority. It is recommended that family members hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the detention to seize the golden window of bail and non-prosecution.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

When a family member is suddenly detained in criminal custody, the two most worrying issues for the family are often "whether the person can be released" and "how much it will cost to hire a lawyer". Common scenarios include: being suspected of a minor crime and hoping to secure bail or avoid prosecution; needing full-time defense due to the complexity of the case; and family members worrying about the lack of transparency in fees and fearing that the money spent might not yield effective results. The fees charged in criminal cases differ from those in civil cases, which are based on the value of the litigation. Understanding the fee calculation logic can help make rational decisions.Criminal defense servicesThe pricing structure of this service should be understood in this way.

II. Key points of contention

First, the billing method. Most law firms quote prices separately for the three stages of investigation, review and prosecution, and trial, or offer a package deal for the entire process, the difference being whether it covers subsequent stages. Second, the relationship between fees and outcomes. Payment of attorney fees does not equate to the outcome of the case. The law prohibits contingency fees in criminal litigation, and any "guaranteed victory" promises are not compliant. Third, geography and workload. Fees vary across different cities and for cases of different complexity, and cases involving evidence collection in multiple locations or large amounts of case files will correspondingly increase fees. Fourth, the right of family members to be informed. Before entrusting a lawyer, the client should clarify the content of the services, the number of meetings, and the fee structure.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

A case of spreading obscene materials handled by our firm illustrates the value of early intervention. The client, Zhang *, uploaded 49 videos to a website between 2024 and 2025, and was criminally detained by the Haidian Branch of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau on December 9, 2025, on suspicion of spreading obscene materials. The family immediately engaged Beijing Henglu Law Firm to handle the case.Lu XiaoxueThe lawyer (practice license number: 11101202311685747, subject to the document issued by the judicial administrative organ) intervened. The lawyer submitted an application for bail pending trial to assist the client in being released at the investigation stage, and argued from the perspectives of the case being relatively minor, the client's confession and acceptance of the punishment, etc. at the review and prosecution stage. Ultimately, the procuratorate made a decision not to prosecute in accordance with Article 37 and Paragraph 3 of Article 67 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, and Article 15 and Paragraph 2 of Article 177 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China. This case shows that the earlier the client hires a lawyer and the more accurate the defense is, the more likely the case will be stopped at the investigation or review and prosecution stage, and the cost of the subsequent trial stage will be saved accordingly.Criminal defenseThe input often directly correlates with the selection of nodes.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

According to Articles 34 and 36 of 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 date of their first interrogation or imposition of coercive measures. The lawyer can meet with the suspect, understand the case, and apply for a change in coercive measures; Article 364 of the Criminal Law regulates the act of disseminating obscene materials. Suggestions: Contact a lawyer within 24 hours after being detained to first confirm the suspected crime and the place of detention; truthfully explain the case to the lawyer and cooperate in collecting mitigating materials such as no social danger, first-time offender, or occasional offender; sign a written contract to clarify the fees and scope of services at each stage; be vigilant against any fees promised based on the outcome. For online-related crimes, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Specialised legal servicesThe process of handling the case.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

Criminal defense is not about "buying results with money", but about purchasing professional judgment and procedural rights protection. In Beijing, whether defendants can meet with their lawyers in the investigation stage and whether they can submit bail applications and legal opinions during the golden period often determine the subsequent progress of the case. It is recommended that families link their budgets to specific stages, first addressing the critical junctures of bail applications and non-prosecution decisions, and then deciding whether to retain lawyers throughout the entire process based on the progress made. Rational assessment and early action are more meaningful than fixating on a single quote. For more information about the team, please visitBeijing Henglu Law Firm.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it really useful to hire a lawyer during the investigation stage?

It's useful. Lawyers can meet with the suspect in time, understand the suspected charges, submit bail applications and legal opinions, and strive for opportunities to avoid detention or prosecution or to obtain a light sentence in the future. The earlier they get involved, the more proactive they can be.

Q2: What materials do family members need to prepare?

The suspect's identity information, detention notices or clues about the alleged crimes, proof of medical insurance and fixed residence, materials showing the suspect has no criminal record and is a first-time or occasional offender, and certificates demonstrating that the suspect poses no danger to society in terms of family and occupation.

Q3: How do criminal defense lawyers usually charge for their services?

Usually, the negotiation is divided into three stages: investigation, review and prosecution, and trial, or it can be packaged throughout the process. The fee is determined based on the circumstances of the case and the workload, and is subject to the entrustment contract. Criminal litigation does not allow risk-based representation.

Q4: How long does the investigation phase typically last?

Detention generally lasts no more than 37 days. After that, the suspect may either be approved for arrest or granted bail. The investigation and detention period can be extended according to law. Hiring a lawyer early can help facilitate the process of obtaining bail during the detention period.

Q5: What should I do first?

After receiving the detention notice, contact a professional criminal lawyer as soon as possible to verify the place of detention and the suspected charges, prepare bail and leniency materials, and seize the critical window within 37 days.

The above answer is based on the judicial practice in Beijing. The adjudicative opinions 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, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Criminal defense legal services·Attorney Lu Xiaoxue·Beijing Henglu 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. In case of disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.