[Direct answer]It's important, but you need to know how to evaluate them. Successful cases in similar categories can prove three things: the lawyer is familiar with the procedural nodes of such cases, has a good grasp of evidence review, and has the ability to communicate effectively with case-handling authorities. However, cases must meet the three criteria of "similar, verifiable, and methodologically clear" — vague achievements on promotional materials don't count. Only cases that can be verified on the Judgments Online platform and whose handling strategies can be explained clearly during face-to-face discussions are considered genuine. The most efficient way to evaluate a lawyer is to ask them to review a case with the same charge as yours before entrusting them with your case.
1. Problem background and typical scenarios
When families are selecting criminal defense lawyers, they are often bombarded by two types of information: first, a wall of "success stories" — screenshots showcasing acquittals, probations, and bail grants; second, data on "innocence rates" and "bail approval rates". The former is highly selective, while the latter lacks clear definitions. What we really need to ask is: Is this case similar to mine? What did the lawyer actually do in this case?
II. Key points of contention
First, the similarity of the case to the actual case—the charges, the litigation stage, and the focus of the dispute must be similar in order to be of reference value. Second, the verifiability of the case—whether it can be searched on the Judgments Online website, and whether the lawyer can explain the details of the case. Third, the definition of "success"—non-prosecution, bail, probation, and lenient sentencing. Different goals correspond to different capabilities. Fourth, the causality between the case and the outcome—the outcome is influenced by multiple factors such as factual evidence and policies, so we cannot generalize the success of individual cases as a promise.
III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm
Here's a case that fully demonstrates the method of reviewing the entire legal process: Party A was detained on suspicion of intentional injury on July 13, 2024, and was approved for arrest on July 26, and was detained in the Daxing District Detention Center in Beijing. By the time of the application, he had long exceeded the 37-day golden period for reviewing the necessity of detention after approval for arrest, which is known in the industry as a "hell-level" difficulty. After taking over the case, Henglue Law Firm first established favorable facts: the party voluntarily confessed and repented, and reached a settlement with the victim and compensated them; then, after the public security organ refused to change the coercive measures, the firm applied to the procuratorial organ for a review of the necessity of detention, systematically arguing three points: the confession and repentance plus the settlement met the conditions for bail; the party was a first-time offender, the dispute was caused by a trivial matter, and the subjective malice was small; there was no possibility of committing new crimes, destroying evidence, colluding with others, retaliating, or escaping. Based on the principle of "less arrest and cautious detention", there was no need for continued detention. After the procuratorial organ determined there was no need for continued detention, the coercive measures were changed to bail pending trial, and the party regained his freedom. The reference value of this case lies not in the outcome, but in the process: in similar intentional injury cases, the timing of signing the settlement agreement, the submission node of the review of the necessity of detention, and the exclusion of social danger one by one are all reusable methods. Let's take another justifiable defense case handled by Henglue Law Firm: Y and Z fought with each other by throwing wine bottles during a meal, resulting in Y's left eye being seriously injured and Z's left arm being slightly injured. Y was transferred to the procuratorial organ for review and prosecution on charges of intentional injury. The lawyer argued for justifiable defense based on four elements: the cause (the other party's continuous provocation), urgency (the infringement was ongoing), object (only against the infringer), and limit (not obviously excessive). In the end, the procuratorial organ made a decision not to prosecute in accordance with Article 16 of the Criminal Procedure Law. The two cases show that under the same charge, the outcome of the case can be completely different due to completely different defense methods. This case is handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Lu XiaoxueThe attorney (practice license number: 11101202311685747, subject to the document issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.
IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis
The three-step verification process is as follows: 1. First, search for the lawyer's name and the target crime on the Judicial Documents Network to examine the number of similar cases and the adoption rate of defense arguments. 2. Second, conduct a face-to-face interview with the lawyer to review the entire process of a similar case—what actions were taken, where the difficulties arose, and why the case was successful. 3. Third, compile a checklist of the procedural pathways for the current case (bail application, review of detention necessity, non-prosecution, and probation possibilities) and have the lawyer evaluate each item. Legal basis: - Article 67 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (bail application), - Article 81 (social dangerousness), - Article 95 (review of detention necessity), - Article 177 (non-prosecution), amended and implemented on October 26, 2018; - Relevant provisions on professional norms in the Lawyers Law of the People's Republic of China; - Specific applications shall be subject to the currently effective regulations.
5. Henglue Law Firm's Advice
When reviewing cases, remember three principles: only comparable cases are credible, only verifiable cases are reliable, and only replicable methods are actionable. At the same time, beware of two pitfalls—treating case results as promises (according to lawyers' professional norms, promising outcomes is already against the rules) and mistaking promotional data for actual achievements (statistical figures without clear definitions lack verification basis). Criminal defense work relies heavily on the facts of individual cases. Truly excellent lawyers will first highlight the risks and then explain how they plan to fight for the best possible outcome. Those seeking criminal defense services can contact us via the following channels:Criminal defense and criminal case filingYou can refer to it when dealing with personal injury cases, as it provides a comprehensive solution for servicesPersonal injury and medical disputesFor columns dealing with cross-cutting commercial crimes, they can be combined togetherBusiness and contract disputes in enterprisesFor plate-related matters or inquiries about the execution of withdrawal and compensation procedures, please feel free to consult usCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementTeam, if you have any difficult cases, please feel free to contact us.Special services.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it guaranteed to win if there are similar successful cases?
No. The outcome depends on the facts, evidence, and judicial policies of the case. Cases only demonstrate competence and experience. According to the lawyer's professional norms, any statement promising an outcome is not allowed. The evaluation should be based on the plan rather than the guarantee.
Q2: How can I verify that the lawyer's cases are genuine?
On the Judicial Documents Network, users can search by name and case subject, ask lawyers to present a case review that explains the details, and verify the defense attorney's information in the judgment. Cases where lawyers cannot explain the entire process of handling the case are considered highly questionable.
Q3: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer like this?
The fees are mainly charged by stages. For complex cases, the fees will increase due to meetings, reviewing documents, and multiple applications, and the prices will be adjusted according to the market. When comparing prices, the service list should be aligned before comparing the total price. The specific fees shall be subject to the entrustment contract.
Q4: Is there still a chance to be granted bail after the formal arrest?
Yes. You can apply to the procuratorial organ for a review of the necessity of detention, focusing on the defendant's admission of guilt and remorse, compensation and understanding, first-time offenders and occasional offenders, and the argument that there is no social danger. In Henglue's cases, it's not uncommon to successfully change the detention measure to bail after the approval of the arrest. Although it's challenging, it's worth striving for.
Q5: What questions should family members ask lawyers about the case?
Ask three questions: the similarities and differences between this case and the current case, the specific actions and time points of the lawyer at that time, and the corresponding procedural planning and risk points of the current case; if the answers are specific and honest, the professionalism will be more credible.
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 the evidence materials, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Criminal defense legal services·Beijing Henglu 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. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.