The police custody reform will come into force on July 1 in France. Among the most criticized changes: the impossibility of starting a hearing without the presence of a lawyer for the suspect.
Until now, the law granted a waiting period of two hours to allow the defendant's lawyer to arrive at the police station or gendarmerie. The reform also provides for allowing the judicial police officer to notify the prosecutor if the lawyer of the person in custody seriously disrupts the hearing. In this case, new counsel may be appointed to defend the person interviewed.