Get a lawyer first if you are accused or summoned; don't settle privately and don't delete records
- Moderate value
- Evidence A
- Keeps you free
- Costs a lot
- Takes some hours
- Some willpower
In plain words
You can ask for a lawyer from the first time you are called in for questioning. When the lawyer asks to see you, the detention center (看守所) must arrange it within 48 hours at the latest, and the conversation is not monitored. You may decline to answer questions unrelated to the case.
Mentioned in
- Go and explain yourself if something happens: turning yourself in (自首) can cut a sentence by up to 40%, and for lighter offenses can reduce it more or even waive punishment; "outwaiting the statute of limitations" is a dead end
- You may fight back against an attack you can't avoid, but hit only the person who is attacking, and stop when he stops
- If, after sex or a nude video chat, the other side demands money by threatening to call the police, post photos or tell your employer, pay not a cent, delete not a record, and call the police directly
- Where evidence is insufficient the verdict should be not guilty, and confessions extracted by force should be excluded; after a verdict there are still petitions and retrials
- When you are the victim and seek compensation, use 12315, a lawsuit or a lawyer; don't go alone to meet the other side, and don't tie "pay me" and "I won't expose you" into one sentence
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 8, tip 5. This section describes legal rules, mostly mainland China’s. It is general information, not legal advice; for your own case, talk to a lawyer. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer