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Foreign · 04 Editorial guide

Foreign-national overlay

Nationality adds steps. It does not replace first contact or the measure clock.

First job Flag nationality and consular issues as a separate overlay, not a substitute for the status file.

Start here

Start here

Key considerations

The first questions are about urgency, governance and preservation — before collection expands or interviews begin.

  1. What passport is involved?
  2. Has consular notice been requested?
  3. Is language assistance in place?

Decision map

Keep the question bounded.

  1. Flag nationalityOverlay, not a separate crime theory.
  2. Consular and languageNotice and interpretation at a high level.
  3. Return to statusMeasures and investigation still govern.

Quick answers

Need the short version? Start with one narrow question.

These explainers answer one question. They do not replace this topic route or a deep guide.

Curated resources

Open the asset that matches this job.

Helpful to prepare

Facts that make the next conversation clearer.

These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.

Nationality at a high levelConsular contact statusLinked first-contact or measures file

Local context

Add the city when the bureau or court is local.

Public-security, procuratorate and court practice differ after the national procedural status is identified.

Open city and province guides

Counsel hand-off

Need criminal-defense counsel?

This hub organises procedure. It does not represent anyone, obtain bail or speak to investigators on your facts. For detention, use the consultation form’s emergency path.

Find criminal-defense counsel

Submit an initial enquiry

Need qualified counsel?

Move carefully. Move with a record.

Use the portal to identify counsel for this practice and related China-side issues.