Frequently Asked Questions

23 2026-10

Can the compensation for expropriation be increased if it's deemed unreasonable?

The lawyer explained that the compensation should not be lower than the similar real estate market price, which is the statutory minimum standard. It can be increased through appraisal review and litigation for reconsideration. He also cited a case where the land compensation, which had been delayed for more than ten years, was revoked through reconsideration and the responsible person was ordered...

Learn more >
23 2026-10

Is it important to hire a lawyer to meet with you after being detained in criminal custody?

The lawyer explained the importance of meeting with clients after their criminal detention: Article 39 stipulates that the detention center shall arrange for lawyers to meet with clients within 48 hours at the latest. The meeting is the basis for verifying the case, investigating illegal interrogations, and formulating bail plans. He also cited an example of a client who was granted bail seven day...

Learn more >
23 2026-10

Is 37 days the maximum length of criminal detention?

The lawyer explained the composition of the maximum 37-day criminal detention period: Article 91 stipulates the deadline for applying for arrest, plus seven days for the procuratorate's review. For general cases, the period is usually seven to fourteen days. He also cited examples of criminal detention for about one month and bail granted after seven days.

Learn more >
23 2026-10

How do criminal law firms typically charge their fees?

The lawyer explained that criminal lawyers charge by the hour on a per-stage basis, with no standardized fees. According to the "Measures for the Administration of Lawyers' Service Fees", risk-based fees are prohibited in criminal cases. In Beijing, the fees for a single stage typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of yuan. A written contract should be signed to clarify the scope...

Learn more >
23 2026-10

When is the best time to hire a lawyer after being detained criminally?

The lawyer explained that it's better to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after being detained in criminal custody: Article 34 stipulates that a lawyer can be appointed during the investigation stage, and the 37 days before the approval of arrest is the golden window for bail, and the best time to meet with the lawyer is within 48 hours. He also cited cases where bail was successfully obtained.

Learn more >
23 2026-10

During the review stage of the death penalty, what can family members do to try to save the condemned person's life?

The lawyer explained the review procedure for the death penalty: the death penalty is approved by the Supreme People's Court. During the review, the defendant shall be interrogated and the defense lawyer's opinions shall be heard. The family members can entrust lawyers as soon as possible, organize mitigating circumstances such as compensation and apology, and strive for a lighter sentence accordi...

Learn more >
23 2026-10

Is bail pending trial just about paying money to get someone released?

The lawyer clarified the misunderstandings about bail pending trial: Bail must comply with the statutory circumstances of Article 67 of the Criminal Procedure Law, with a minimum guarantee deposit of 1,000 yuan, and it is applicable to either the guarantor or the defendant. The maximum duration is 12 months. Bail does not mean the case is closed, and the claim that "pay the money and the person wi...

Learn more >
23 2026-10

Do the fees for criminal defense lawyers include meeting with clients and reviewing case files?

The lawyer explained that the cost of criminal defense usually includes meeting with the client and reviewing the case file: Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law guarantees that a meeting with the client will be arranged within 48 hours, and Article 40 guarantees the right to review the case file during the review and prosecution process. It is prohibited to charge a contingency fee in crimina...

Learn more >
23 2026-10

What is the success rate of lawyers reviewing death penalty cases?

The lawyer explained that there are no unified and public success rate data for death penalty review. If the review is not approved, the case may be sent back for retrial or a different sentence will be imposed. Families should focus on evidence and compensation agreements, and be vigilant against deception schemes involving promised outcomes.

Learn more >
23 2026-10

What are the responsibilities of a criminal defense lawyer?

The lawyer explained the duties of criminal defense lawyers at the stages of investigation, review of prosecution, and trial: meeting with clients, applying for bail, reviewing case files, cross-examining witnesses, and excluding illegal evidence. He also cited legal provisions such as Article 37 of the Criminal Procedure Law as references.

Learn more >
23 2026-10

How effective are death penalty review lawyers in obtaining a retrial?

The lawyer explained the role of lawyers in the review stage of the death penalty: submitting opinions that are not approved, applying for hearings, and supplementing sentencing circumstances. If the opinion is not approved, the case may be sent back for retrial or a new sentence may be imposed, and the outcome depends on the evidence and the application of the law.

Learn more >
23 2026-10

Can a will include conditions or obligations?

The lawyer explained that a will can be subject to conditions or obligations. Article 1144 of the Civil Code stipulates that if the obligations are not fulfilled, the inheritance rights of the part subject to obligations may be revoked. The lawyer also cited legal precedents to illustrate that the performance period can be determined at the court's discretion.

Learn more >
23 2026-10

How should a testator proceed if they want to revoke their will?

The lawyer explained the three ways to revoke a will and the key points of the operation: Article 1142 of the Civil Code allows for the revocation and modification of a will, and the last will shall prevail among several wills. It is advisable to handle notarized wills in accordance with the notarization procedures, and the revocation and re-establishment of a will should be carried out simultaneo...

Learn more >