Practice Notes & Legal Explainers
Courtroom experience turned into readable legal knowledge — helping clients and families understand criminal procedure and act on the moments that matter.
The Critical 37 Days After a Criminal Detention: What Families Should Do
From detention to arrest approval can take up to about 37 days. Every step in this window can shape the case — here is what families should, and should not, do.
Contract Fraud or Civil Deceit? The Most Critical Line in Criminal-Civil Crossover
A contract signed and not performed — why does one person face criminal liability and another only civil damages? The pivot is whether there was an "intent to illegally possess."
Criminal-First or Parallel Tracks? Procedure in Criminal-Civil Crossover Cases
When the same facts give rise to both criminal and civil issues, which track goes first? The choice shapes proof, asset recovery, and the final result.
Bail Pending Trial Does Not Mean the Case Is Over: What Families Need to Understand
Bail pending trial is important, but it does not mean a criminal case is over. This article explains what bail really means, common family misunderstandings, and the practical defense steps that matter afterward.
Can Corporate Compliance Get You a Non-Prosecution? A Practical Guide to China's Compliance-Based Deferred Prosecution
In recent years, Chinese prosecutors have piloted compliance-based non-prosecution for companies under investigation, offering business owners an alternative path. What legal outcomes can compliance achieve? Which cases qualify? This article provides a practical breakdown.
Police Won't Open a Case? What Crime Victims Can Do When Facing a Refusal to Investigate
After suffering fraud, embezzlement, or assault, many victims in China find their police reports result in a refusal to open a case. This article explains how to prepare an effective criminal report, the legal remedies available, and how to maximize the chances of successful case filing.
Why Is Illegal Business Operations Called a Catch-All Crime: Defense Strategies That Work
China's Illegal Business Operations offense is notorious as a catch-all crime due to its blanket clause. This article analyzes its elements, judicial interpretation boundaries, and practical defense strategies.
Does Diverting Former Employer's Lost Customers Constitute Embezzlement? — Defense Practice in a Non-Prosecution Case
A course consultant started a competing business targeting customers who had already decided not to renew with the former employer. Does this constitute embezzlement? This article analyzes a non-prosecution case from Pengjiang District, Jiangmen, examining key issues including whether customer relationships qualify as 'company property', the monetary threshold, and layered defense strategies.
Illegal Evidence Exclusion in Criminal Cases: The Sharpest Procedural Blade in a Defense Lawyer's Arsenal
Illegal evidence exclusion is one of the most potent procedural weapons in criminal defense. From coerced confessions to unlawful searches, understanding what evidence can be excluded and how to initiate the process can decisively impact the outcome of a case.
Unhappy with the First-Instance Verdict? A Practical Guide to Criminal Appeals in China
You only have 10 days to appeal after a first-instance criminal verdict. This guide covers appeal conditions, deadlines, trial formats, and realistic expectations for defendants and families.
Why Hire a Lawyer After Confessing? How Sentencing Defense Can Secure the Lightest Penalty
Pleading guilty does not mean giving up your defense rights. Sentencing defense is an often-overlooked yet critical phase in criminal proceedings — it determines how long a defendant serves and whether probation is attainable. This article examines key strategies and practical insights.
Can a Criminal Case Recover All Losses at Once? The Real Scope of Compensation in Incidental Civil Actions
In criminal cases, not every loss item can be awarded through an incidental civil judgment. This article explains the compensation boundary, key exceptions, and practical choices for victims and families.
When Does Unpaid Debt Become Criminal Fraud? The Legal Boundary Between Private Lending and the Crime of Fraud
When a debtor fails to repay a loan, can the creditor file a criminal complaint too? This article systematically analyzes the core boundary between private lending and criminal fraud, helping both creditors and debtors identify legal risks.
What Does Non-Prosecution Really Mean? A Deep Dive into China's Prosecutorial Non-Prosecution System
Non-prosecution is one way a criminal case can end at the prosecutorial stage, but different types carry vastly different legal meanings. This article systematically explains statutory, discretionary, evidence-insufficient, and conditional non-prosecution, their conditions, legal consequences, and practical implications for both defendants and victims.
Illegal Fundraising: The Life-or-Death Line Between Unlawful Deposit-Taking and Fundraising Fraud
Both involve raising money from the public, yet one carries three years and the other life imprisonment. This article explains the decisive line between unlawful deposit-taking and fundraising fraud, and the key defense strategies.
Can a Lawsuit Land You in Prison? The Red Lines and Defense Space of the Crime of False Litigation
The crime of false litigation is a hotspot where civil and criminal law collide: a forged IOU or a staged lawsuit can escalate a civil dispute into a crime. This article clarifies its elements, difficulties, and defense space.
Jiangmen Lawyers Association Holds 2026 Criminal Defense Training
On April 27, 2026, the Jiangmen Lawyers Association held a specialized criminal defense training for nearly a hundred young lawyers, focusing on first- and second-instance practice. Lawyer Huo Jun was among the keynote speakers.
The Crime of Money Laundering: Why "Just Helping Move Some Money" Can Land You in Prison
Since "self-laundering" was criminalized in 2021, money laundering has moved from distant financial mega-cases into ordinary life. This article explains the boundaries of the offense, common risks, and the space for defense.
The Crime of Falsely Issuing VAT Invoices: Why You Can Face Heavy Sentences Even Without Evading Tax
Falsely issuing VAT invoices carries heavy penalties and complex criteria. Many business owners only realize that practices like routing invoices or affiliated invoicing cross a criminal red line after arrest. This article explains the elements, common misconceptions, and defense space.
Admitting Guilt for Leniency: Five Things You Must Understand Before You Sign
Admitting guilt can earn leniency, but leniency is not acquittal. Five key questions defendants and families must resolve before signing the affidavit.
Can You Still Get Out After Arrest? Detention Necessity Review, the Remedy Families Most Often Overlook
Many families believe that once arrest is approved, nothing can be done until trial. In fact, detention is not set in stone: prosecutors have a duty to review whether continued custody is necessary, and eligible defendants may be released on bail or residential surveillance. This article explains this frequently overlooked remedy.
Renting Out a Bank Card Made You an Accomplice? The Red Lines and Defense Space of the Crime of Aiding Cybercrime
Why can lending a bank card, helping transfer funds, or providing a QR code lead to criminal liability for aiding cybercrime? This article explains the core boundaries of this high-frequency offense, from the 'knowingly' standard to defense strategies.
Does a Suspended Sentence Mean No Prison at All? Conditions, Probation Period, and Revocation Risks
A suspended sentence is neither an acquittal nor the end of punishment—it is a conditional non-execution. This article explains the conditions, obligations during probation, and the risk of revocation and imprisonment.
Is a Final Judgment Really the End? Criminal Petition and Retrial, the Last Line of Relief
Lost at both trial and appeal—is the case truly hopeless? This article explains the conditions, common misconceptions, and practical points of criminal petition and retrial, the last door of relief for defendants and their families.
How Much Can Voluntary Surrender Reduce a Sentence? Recognizing and Defending 'Self-Surrender' in Chinese Criminal Law
Voluntary surrender is the most common yet most overlooked statutory leniency circumstance in Chinese criminal law. What counts as 'automatically surrendering'? How truthful must a confession be? This article explains the standards, common misunderstandings, and defense space.
Can Reporting Others Really Reduce a Sentence? Recognizing and Defending 'Meritorious Service' in Chinese Criminal Law
Many defendants hear that 'meritorious service reduces sentences' but do not know what actually qualifies, where leads come from, or how to preserve evidence. This article explains the recognition standards, the difference between ordinary and major meritorious service, and key defense points and pitfalls.
Can Paying Back Taxes Keep You Out of Prison? The 'Administrative Pre-Procedure' and Defense Points of Tax Evasion
Tax evasion carries an escape route unique among crimes: for a first offense, if the taxpayer complies with the tax authority's decision, pays back the taxes and late fees, and accepts the administrative penalty, criminal liability is generally not pursued. This article explains how this pre-procedure works and its defense points.
How Does "Underpaying Duties" Become Smuggling? Recognizing and Defending the Crime of Smuggling Ordinary Goods
Personal shopping, under-declaring value, and 'buying a customs slip' can all cross the line into smuggling ordinary goods. This article explains how evaded duties are calculated, the boundary between crime and non-crime, and the defense space available.
Same Case, Different Fate: How the Principal–Accessory Line in Joint Crimes Decides Your Sentence
Why does one defendant get ten years while another in the same case gets probation? Often it turns on principal-versus-accessory status. This article explains the legal line, how much an accessory's sentence can be reduced, and the practical defense angles.
Does Taking Money Always Mean Bribery? The Key Elements and Defense Focus in Bribery Cases
A bribery allegation is serious, but not every transfer of money or gifts automatically constitutes the crime of bribery. The real issues lie in identity, official advantage, quid pro quo, evidence, and timing.
What's the Real Cost of Drinking and Driving? — The Crime of Dangerous Driving in China
Since drunk driving was criminalized, "don't drink and drive" has become common sense — yet many still don't know the legal threshold, the aggravating factors, or whether there is any room for leniency or defense.
Misappropriation of Funds or Occupational Embezzlement? Two Corporate Property Crimes Most Often Confused
When an employee uses company money, why is one case treated as misappropriation of funds while another becomes occupational embezzlement? The real distinction is not just the amount involved, but whether there was an intent to return, what the money was used for, and what the actor intended at the time.
Can Seeking Compensation Land You in Prison? The Line Between Legitimate Claims and Extortion
Both involve demanding money, so why is one person a legitimate rights-holder while another commits extortion? The key is not whether money was demanded, but whether the claim has a factual basis, whether it stays within a reasonable scope, and whether the means amount to coercion.
Jiangmen Legal Aid Office Holds 2025 Symposium on Legal Aid Case Quality Assessment
On July 4, 2025, the Jiangmen Legal Aid Office held a symposium on legal aid case quality assessment, reviewing 2024 results and planning quality improvement. Lawyer Huo Jun attended as an expert lawyer and provided comments.
Wuyi Honors | Deep Expertise, Honored Service — 52 Wuyi Lawyers Selected for the 9th Jiangmen Lawyers Association Committees
The Jiangmen Lawyers Association announced its 9th committee roster; 52 lawyers from Guangdong Wuyi Law Firm were selected for 17 working committees and 19 professional committees, with many serving as chairs, vice chairs, and secretaries-general.
What Does Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location Really Mean? A Practical Guide for Families
What does Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location really mean, and what can families do after receiving the notice? This article explains its legal nature, risks, defense focus, and practical response steps.
What Can a Defense Lawyer Do at Trial? Key Stages and Practical Points in Courtroom Defense
Many assume a criminal trial is merely a formality, but that is a serious misconception. From cross-examination during the trial investigation stage to legal argument in courtroom debate and the defendant's final statement, each step offers real room for defense counsel to influence both conviction and sentencing.
You Won the Lawsuit but Still Got No Money? When Refusal to Perform a Judgment Becomes a Crime
After winning a lawsuit, why can enforcement still fail? This article explains when refusal to perform an effective judgment may cross into criminal liability, how applicants can gather evidence, and where the real defense line lies.
Three Criminal Risks Entrepreneurs Most Often Miss: How Business Owners Cross the Line Without Realizing It
Many business habits become criminal risks once they touch money flows, invoices, accounts, and evidence. This article explains the three traps entrepreneurs most often miss.
Why Is the Case Being Handled in Another City? A Practical Guide to Criminal Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction in criminal cases is never a mere technicality. It can affect where a case is handled, how defense is organized, and what burdens families must bear—especially in online and cross-regional cases.
Unit Crime or Individual Crime? How to Determine Who Is Criminally Responsible in a Corporate Case
Corporate criminal liability does not automatically extend to every manager or employee. This article explains how Chinese law distinguishes unit crimes from individual crimes, how direct responsibility is assessed, and what evidence businesses and families should preserve early.
Can Criminal Cases Recover the Money? A Practical Guide to Asset Recovery
Victims often care most about whether lost money can be recovered. This article explains the three main legal paths, the best timing, and the mistakes that often reduce recovery.
Electronic Evidence in Criminal Cases: How to Review Chats, Payments, and Device Data
Chat records, payment records, and mobile-phone data may look objective, but their legal value depends on source, collection procedure, integrity, relevance, and the complete chain of proof. This article explains the main review points and what families should preserve immediately.
Does Compensation Guarantee Leniency? Restitution, Criminal Reconciliation, and Letters of Forgiveness Explained
A practical guide to restitution, compensation, criminal reconciliation, and letters of forgiveness in China, explaining their real impact on conviction, sentencing, bail, non-prosecution, and probation.
Can a Confession Alone Lead to Conviction? Corroborating Evidence, Retractions, and Defense Review
A confession matters, but it cannot alone support a conviction. This article explains corroboration, retractions, unlawful evidence exclusion, and practical review methods for suspects and families.
Bank Account Frozen or Phone Seized? Legal Boundaries and Remedies for Property in Criminal Cases
A practical guide to the legal boundaries, document checks, third-party rights, and remedies when accounts are frozen or phones and vehicles are seized during a criminal investigation.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do in a Detention Meeting? A Practical Guide for Families
A practical guide to when criminal defense counsel may meet a detained client, what the meeting can achieve, its legal limits, and how families should prepare.
Forensic Opinions in Criminal Cases: Five Questions Defense Lawyers Must Ask
A forensic opinion is evidence to be tested, not a verdict. This article explains how defense counsel reviews the scope of the commission, sample provenance, method, reasoning, and corroboration.
Returned for Supplemental Investigation: Deadlines, Evidence, and Defense Responses
Being returned for supplemental investigation means neither an imminent indictment nor a finding of innocence. This article explains the practical essentials across four areas: reasons for return, statutory deadlines, evidence review, and how families should respond.
A Witness Identified Me. Is That Enough to Convict? How to Review Identification Records in Criminal Cases
An identification record is not automatically reliable. This article explains how to examine observation conditions, suggestive procedures, the completeness of records, corroborating evidence, and practical defense responses.
Traffic Accident Crime Defense: Hit-and-Run Findings, Compensation, and Seeking Probation
A traffic accident case may look straightforward, yet findings of hit-and-run, fault allocation, compensation and reconciliation, and sentencing discretion often determine the outcome. This article outlines the key defense points and emergency guidance for families.
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