What happened and when?
Record the location, agency or officials involved, dates, notices, communications and the person's current status as accurately as possible.
URGENT CHINA CRIMINAL DEFENSE
When a foreign national faces a China legal emergency, act promptly.
We help foreign nationals, families and businesses identify the right first steps when there is detention, an investigation, questioning or a criminal proceeding in China.
TIME-SENSITIVE MATTERS
Early information can change the quality of the next decision.
Urgent matters require direct communication and careful handling of facts. Contact a qualified China lawyer as soon as possible, preserve notices and contact details, and avoid guessing about procedure from a different jurisdiction.
If someone is detained or being investigated, contact local emergency services or the relevant consular channel where appropriate, and seek China-qualified legal help promptly. This page is general information, not an emergency service or a substitute for immediate professional assistance.
What the first review may cover
Who needs to be contacted?
Identify family members, employer, consular contacts, interpreters and other people who may have relevant information or authority.
Which documents exist?
Preserve passports, notices, identity information, employment records, contracts, messages and other documents without altering the originals.
What is the immediate decision?
The appropriate next step depends on the matter. A prompt factual briefing helps counsel assess what can be done and what must not be assumed.
For employers and families
Do not circulate sensitive accusations or speculate publicly. Keep a factual timeline, use one reliable point of contact and tell counsel about language, medical, immigration and consular concerns that may affect communication.
Related insights
China Business Lawyer for Foreign Companies
How to prepare a clear factual briefing before the first China legal consultation.
How to Sue a Chinese Company
A general guide to preserving documents and defining the next legal decision.
Enforcing a Contract in China
Why entity, authority and evidence checks matter when a business relationship breaks down.
Frequently asked questions
What should a family do first if a foreign national is detained in China?
Record the location, agency or contact details, timing and notices as accurately as possible. Contact the relevant consular channel where appropriate and seek China-qualified legal help promptly; do not rely on assumptions from another jurisdiction.
Can an employer contact a China criminal defence lawyer?
An employer may be able to provide useful factual and employment information, but confidentiality and authority must be handled carefully. Counsel can explain what information is relevant and who should be the reliable point of contact.
Which documents should be preserved in an urgent China matter?
Preserve passports or identity details, notices, messages, employment records, contracts, travel information and contact details without altering the originals. The appropriate list depends on the situation.
Does this page provide emergency legal advice?
No. This page is general information and not an emergency service. In an urgent situation, use appropriate local emergency or consular channels and contact qualified China legal assistance as soon as possible.
Is a foreign national in urgent difficulty in China?
Contact us with the location, timing and available notice or contact details.
General information only. This page is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not guarantee availability or outcome.