In criminal cases, if the victim or the defendant does not have legal representation, the people's court, the people's procuratorate and the public security department should inform the legal aid institution designate lawyers for him or her.

 (1) Blind, deaf, mute or a minor;

 (2) A mental patient who has not completely lost the ability of recognizing or controlling his/her own conduct;

 (3) Possible to be sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

In addition, in a case of compulsory medical treatment, if person subject to that treatment does not have legal representation, the public security department, the people’s procuratorate, or the people’s court shall inform the legal aid institution to appoint a lawyer to provide a defense for him or her.

Besides, according to the relevant documents, in some other criminal cases, if the victim or the defendant does not have legal representation, the people's court, the people's procuratorate and the public security department may be inform the legal aid institution designate lawyers for him or her.