Criminal Defense for Foreign Nationals in China
When a foreign national is detained in China, the first days matter: family members are often abroad, information is limited, and procedures run in Chinese. This page explains the situations we handle, what information to send us first, and how representation proceeds.
Common Situations
- A foreign national has been detained or is under criminal investigation in China.
- Family members abroad have received notice of a detention and do not know what happens next.
- A foreign employee or business partner has been taken into custody.
- You have been asked to attend a police interview and want to understand your position before speaking.
What We Do
- Contact the detention facility and confirm the basic facts of the case.
- Meet the detained person where permitted under Chinese criminal procedure.
- Apply for release on bail (取保候审) where the legal conditions allow.
- Advise on consular notification and communication with family and employers.
- Represent the client through investigation, prosecution review, and trial.
What to Prepare
- The detention notice, if one has been received.
- A copy of the person's passport and visa or residence permit.
- The detaining authority, and the date and place of detention.
- Any documents received from the police, procuratorate, or employer.
- Contact details for family members and, where relevant, the consulate.
How Engagement Works
- 1
Immediate contact
Send the detained person’s name, nationality, date and place of detention, and the authority involved. We confirm what can be done at this stage.
- 2
Conflict check and engagement
We check for conflicts of interest and confirm the scope and fee arrangement in writing.
- 3
Access and basic facts
We contact the detention facility and, where permitted under Chinese criminal procedure, meet the detained person to establish the facts.
- 4
Early-stage applications
Where the legal conditions allow, we apply for release on bail (取保候审) and advise on consular notification and family communication.
- 5
Representation
We represent the client through investigation, prosecution review, and trial, and advise on appeal options where a decision is issued.
How Fees Are Determined
- Professional fees are agreed in writing before substantive work begins.
- Criminal matters are usually quoted in stages: early access and bail application, investigation, prosecution review, and trial.
- Interpretation, translation, travel, and any official costs are separate and confirmed in advance.
- No outcome can be guaranteed: the result depends on the evidence, the alleged conduct, and the applicable procedure.
Urgent matters: calls and WhatsApp messages are answered during 9:00–18:00 Beijing time (UTC+8). Outside those hours, send a message with the detained person's name, nationality, date and place of detention, and the authority involved — we will respond when the office reopens. We do not promise a 24-hour response.
Tell Us What Happened
A short summary of the facts and the documents you hold is enough to start. We will explain the realistic options before you commit to any step.
Contact Michael Ma