Answers for overseas families facing detention in China
What if a foreign family member is detained or missing in China?
Contact a China-licensed criminal lawyer and the person's embassy or consulate promptly. Gather name, nationality, passport, last location and any notice. First verify custody, responsible authority and legal basis.
Can I appoint a lawyer from overseas?
Yes. A detained suspect's guardian or close relative may appoint counsel subject to the suspect's choice. Confirm identity, relationship proof, authorization, translations and remote formalities. Basic appointment guidance is included in formal defense.
How soon can a lawyer meet the detainee?
Once appointment documents are complete, counsel requests a meeting. An ordinary qualifying request must be arranged promptly, no later than 48 hours. Investigation-stage national-security or terrorism cases require permission. Actual booking availability can affect the date; we do not promise a visit within 48 hours. That does not change the statutory requirement.
Can family visit, and can an embassy help?
Family meetings and correspondence require the applicable approvals. Consular assistance is separate from defense and depends on relevant treaties and procedures. In our case experience family visits have been difficult. The citation below concerns family access, not consular rights.
Does 37 days guarantee release?
No. In qualifying police cases, up to 30 days may precede the arrest-approval request, plus up to seven days of procuratorial review. It is not a guaranteed release date or the maximum of all custody. Detention may continue after arrest approval.
Can a foreign suspect obtain bail and return home?
Eligible foreigners may obtain qu bao hou shen. Foreign nationality alone does not exclude eligibility. Stable residence and attendance may matter. A guarantor or deposit does not guarantee approval. Bail does not end proceedings or automatically allow departure from China. Check travel and exit restrictions separately.
What if the detainee needs interpretation or medical care?
Authorities must arrange interpretation when official questioning or trial is not understood. Official interpretation is provided without charge to the suspect; lawyer meetings have separate arrangements. Report language needs, medical conditions, medication and urgent concerns. Counsel can request treatment or assessment, but transfer and other measures depend on the authorities.
What does defense cost and what should the agreement cover?
Obtain written scope, stage, payment schedule, expenses and family-update arrangements. Assessment US$300; qualifying minor defense from US$6,000 per stage and standard from US$10,000. Complex cases require individual quotation.
Can I start with a US$300 assessment?
Yes: up to five pages, concise background, one round of written questions and a short assessment. No meeting, full-file review, authority submissions or formal defense. Detailed evaluation is US$750, crediting US$300 if upgraded.
What is included in a free inquiry?
Suitability, conflict-check basics and fee explanation. It excludes substantive advice, detailed review and continuing correspondence on the merits. Send a summary first and await instructions for extensive or sensitive materials.
Must I pay three stages at once?
No. Retain the current stage: minor from US$6,000, standard from US$10,000, subject to assessment. Complex cases are individually quoted. Three-stage representation is optional.
Are initial fees and the first meeting credited?
Eligible fees, including the first meeting, may be credited against first-stage defense under written conditions. Amount and any deadline are agreed. Travel, certification and external interpreter costs are excluded.
Can I communicate without calling?
Yes, through email, WhatsApp or WeChat. Preliminary written communication has no translation charge in all eight languages. Tools assist and important instructions are clarified. English meetings have no separate interpreter fee; other-language meetings needing a qualified translation company have separate costs.
Can a Beijing lawyer handle another city?
Yes. The team has experience in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hangzhou and handles cases nationwide. The office is in Beijing; other-city work involves travel, explained in the quotation.
How do I pay, and can someone in China pay for me?
Law-firm bank instructions follow agreed services and engagement. Accepted currencies: USD, RMB, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, account and amount confirmed. A relative or friend in China may pay with details confirmed. No online purchase or card checkout.
Who handles the case and updates the family?
Lawyer Mark leads with colleagues as required. Responsibilities, meetings and reports are agreed. Updates normally arrive in writing by email, WhatsApp or WeChat.
When will I receive a reply?
Initially within 12 hours. Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00, Beijing UTC+8. Mark urgent messages URGENT with location and deadline; reviewed outside office hours too. A reply is not confirmation that a meeting or substantive work is arranged.
Are overseas formalities and travel included?
Basic appointment guidance is included in formal defense. Complex notarization, authentication, certification or translation coordination may be separately quoted. Third-party costs and travel outside Beijing are additional.