If, after being held in custody, the case is dropped, not prosecuted or ends in a not-guilty verdict, apply for state compensation, calculated by the day
- Top value
- Evidence A
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- No willpower
In plain words
If you were detained (拘留) or arrested (逮捕) and the case was then dropped, not prosecuted or ended in a not-guilty verdict, you can apply for state compensation (国家赔偿). Days in custody are compensated by the day, at 495.94 CNY a day from May 18, 2026, about 180,000 CNY (18万) a year. In cases with serious consequences, compensation for emotional distress is added. There is no compensation if you did commit the act and were simply not prosecuted because it was minor, if the limitation period had passed, if you were under the age of liability, or if you gave a false confession yourself.
Mentioned in
- Get a lawyer first if you are accused or summoned; don't settle privately and don't delete records
- 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 someone makes up facts to report you, you can demand that they be held accountable: at least 5 days of detention when it merits a public security punishment, up to 3 years when it is a crime
- 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 35. 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 Content may be out of date and rules differ by place.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