China’s Criminal Procedure Law, in its 2012 and 2018 versions, has a special procedure for reconciliation between the parties. It covers offenses against the person or property that arise from civil disputes and may carry up to three years in prison, and most crimes of negligence that may carry up to seven years.
If the accused sincerely repents, compensates the victim, apologizes and gains the victim’s forgiveness (谅解), the two sides may reach a settlement. The police may then recommend leniency to the prosecutors, and the prosecutors to the court. Prosecutors may decide not to prosecute minor cases, and courts may reduce the punishment.