(Selected from the translated work titled The Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China, authored by Robert Zhang and Steve Li, criminal defense lawyers registered in Shanghai, China.)
Chapter IV Defense and Representation
Article 33 In addition to exercising the right to defend themselves, a criminal suspect or defendant may engage one or two persons as their defenders.
The following individuals may be engaged as defenders:
Lawyers;
Persons recommended by a public organization or the employer of the criminal suspect or defendant; or
Guardians, relatives, or friends of the criminal suspect or defendant.
A person who is being criminally punished or whose personal freedom is deprived of or restricted in accordance with the law shall not serve as a defender.
A person who has been expelled from public office or whose lawyer's or notary's license has been revoked may not serve as a defender, unless they are guardians or close relatives of the criminal suspect or defendant.
