Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 119 - 118 Can’t Persuade? The Client Insists

Chapter 119: Chapter 118 Can’t Persuade? The Client Insists

Jincheng Building, 25th floor.

Jincheng Law Firm meeting room.

Zhang Wei returned once more and informed the client of the deal he had reached with the Procuratorate Headquarters.

"10 months?" Bai Ruoyun looked at Zhang Wei with surprise.

To get a 10-month plea deal from the Procuratorate Headquarters was no easy feat.

Generally speaking, plea bargains with the regional Procuratorate’s Office might be somewhat negotiable.

But it was different with the Procuratorate Headquarters, where the prosecutors were extremely tough. Even cutting a sentence by one third would be like asking for their life, let alone by half or more.

So when Bai Ruoyun heard the news, she went straight into the meeting room.

"Xiaoting, the prosecution agrees to a deal, 10 months!"

"10 months in prison?"

Zhuo Xiaoting looked at Grandma Wang, who in turn looked at Bai Ruoyun.

"I think you should accept it," Bai Ruoyun nodded gently, speaking kindly.

"But I’ll have to go to jail, isn’t jail for bad people?"

Zhuo Xiaoting was still resistant.

Bai Ruoyun tried to persuade her, "But if you don’t plead guilty, then you might face 3-5 years in prison, and from what I’ve heard outside, it’s likely to be the maximum sentence."

"But I didn’t commit a crime!"

"The Investigative Department found the stolen goods and money in your room, and you were getting ready to hide them when they caught you red-handed. We can’t deny that, can we?"

"That was my brother’s stuff. I was hiding it because..."

"Stop, I’ve heard this explanation before."

Bai Ruoyun interrupted Zhuo Xiaoting, then sighed and looked towards the door at Zhang Wei.

Her eyes seemed to tell Zhang Wei, ’I can’t persuade this girl for now; maybe you should try to come up with a solution!’

Zhang Wei was just as helpless; he wasn’t great at cajoling young ladies.

Otherwise, the lady at home would have opened her heart to him long ago, rather than scolding him every day as she did now.

"Zhuo Xiaoting, I should call you ’client,’ but that’s not important. What I need to tell you is that your brother is now a fugitive out of fear for his crimes, and his ’partners’ have all fled as well. In a few days, the Investigative Department might catch them, or they might not, but right now they need someone they can convict, and you are that person!"

Zhang Wei said this as he walked up to Zhuo Xiaoting and continued, "If you end up being convicted, the charge will be profiting illegally from the sale of obscene materials, and the amount involved is especially huge."

"You know, the people behind your brother have a complete supply chain. Their ’study materials’ are all imported from abroad. After they’re given a cover, they’re sold to minors. This has caused an extremely bad influence. According to the feedback from the Investigative Department, the involved amount with the group behind this operation is up to tens of millions."

"I’m telling you, these charges are statutory. Once the indictment is upheld, your brother is sure to face more than 10 years in prison, and the Boss behind that industry is almost certainly facing life imprisonment. There is no possibility of discretion for these charges! And as the first defendant in this case, the Procuratorate Headquarters definitely wants to set a good precedent, which means they will use all their power and best resources to ensure the trial achieves the result they want!"

"Now that I’ve explained it this way, do you understand?"

Zhuo Xiaoting stared blankly at Zhang Wei, then at Grandma Wang.

Zhang Wei’s words made her look flustered, and her expression increasingly agitated.

"Grandma..."

In the end, Zhuo Xiaoting collapsed into Grandma Wang’s arms.

"Lawyer Bai, and Lawyer Zhang, is there really no other way? You are Jincheng after all!"

Compared to the distraught young girl, Grandma Wang was a bit better off. Despite her heavier tone, she maintained relative composure.

"Grandma Wang, I’m not afraid to tell you, even we at Jincheng can’t guarantee a 100% win rate in court."

"Indeed, only heaven knows the outcome of a trial. No matter how outstanding a lawyer is or how high their level, they can only increase their chances of winning, bringing that percentage as close to 100% as possible, but it’s still just close."

Bai Ruoyun and Zhang Wei spoke in turn, making their stance clear.

"I think, we can’t be sure of winning this case, not even with a family-oriented courtroom strategy, because we can’t predict how many jurors will care about family matters, we..."

"No!"

Zhang Wei seemed like he was about to say more but was interrupted by a scream from Zhuo Xiaoting.

Her scream also startled Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng, who were nearby.

Zhuo Xiaoting broke free from Grandma Wang’s arms, shouting at Zhang Wei, "I haven’t done anything wrong, I really haven’t done anything wrong, this isn’t fair!"

"It’s not fair, I didn’t do anything, I won’t plead guilty, I don’t want to go to jail!"

"But you were indeed about to hide the stolen goods and money, the Investigative Department’s evidence..."

"I won’t go to jail, I won’t plead guilty, I’m innocent!"

Seeing Zhang Wei still trying to persuade her, Zhuo Xiaoting once again let out a shrill scream, her voice slightly hoarse, yet filled with defiance.

"Grandma, you taught me not to lie. I haven’t committed a crime, so why should I confess? "

"Little girl, it’s not what you think it is. The confession here is actually..."

"No, I don’t want to confess. I haven’t done anything wrong. I did it all to help my brother, to help my grandma, I don’t want..."

Finally, with a scream, Zhuo Xiaoting pushed past Zhang Wei in front of her and rushed out of the meeting room.

"Xiaoting!" Grandma Wang immediately followed.

"This..."

Zhang Wei quickly stood up, ready to give chase.

"Zhang Wei, enough, let them go!"

But Bai Ruoyun also spoke up, stopping Zhang Wei, and gestured with her eyes for Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng to follow them out.

After the two women left, the meeting room was left with only Bai Ruoyun and Zhang Wei.

"How is it? This is the daily life of the family department. Children can’t, unlike us lawyers, accurately weigh the pros and cons or know what to sacrifice."

"Your family department is truly remarkable, actually having to convince such people every day. If it were me, I probably wouldn’t have the patience."

"It’s not all like that. At least the juvenile court we attend rarely deals with major criminal offenses, mostly just kids stealing or fighting."

Bai Ruoyun said, the corners of her mouth turning slightly bitter.

Grandma Wang’s grandson was a child she once knew very well, a kid who was up to no good when he was young. She didn’t expect that he had not changed.

This just shows that old habits die hard, watched him grow up from a young age!

Now the grandson had fled, but he managed to get his sister into trouble and cause Grandma Wang to live in fear.

"Zhang Wei, do you have confidence in this case? Although I know you’re just a newcomer to the criminal group, I have a feeling that you’re not quite a newcomer."

"Sister Bai, what are you talking about? How can I not be a newcomer? I haven’t even gotten my practice certificate!"

Seeing Zhang Wei’s teasing attitude, Bai Ruoyun finally felt a little relief from her depressed mood.

"Alright, you’re a newbie, but shall we get back to the case?"

"Didn’t you just say it? No one can guarantee a hundred percent that they will win a lawsuit, let alone me. Even the big boss probably can’t!"

"That’s true!"

"So the only thing I can promise my clients is that I will face each case with my best performance!"

Just then, Grandma Wang returned, pulling Zhuo Xiaoting along. The grandmother and granddaughter stood hand in hand at the door of the meeting room.

"Lawyer Zhang, Lawyer Bai, we’ve decided not to confess because I believe my granddaughter is innocent!"

Seeing Grandma Wang say this, Zhang Wei was not surprised.

He and Bai Ruoyun beside him exchanged a knowing smile; it seemed like another tough battle awaited them in court.

...

Wednesday, pre-trial day.

Zhang Wei arrived early at the city court with his team.

"Zhang Wei, over here!"

When Zhang Wei reached the city court, Bai Ruoyun was also there with Grandma Wang and a somewhat nervous Zhuo Xiaoting.

Several female lawyers from the family department were also there with Bai Ruoyun.

"They’re here to observe, kind of like cheering you on. This time, the entire family department supports your criminal group!"

"Thank you, Sister Bai!"

Zhang Wei expressed his gratitude and then looked around.

"I told Old Tie exactly that, to not bother driving and simply come with us on the subway like everyone else. Look, we’ve all arrived, and he’s still stuck in traffic!"

Seeing that Tie Ruyun was not yet there, Zhang Wei couldn’t resist making a comment.

"Right, the master said it best, our team leader is too foolish!"

Zhang Wei’s words promptly elicited agreement from Lin Yumeng, lightening the mood among the group a bit.

At least Zhuo Xiaoting didn’t look as nervous as before after hearing Zhang Wei’s jesting.

Bai Ruoyun observed all this and silently commended the tactic. With just a few words, he managed to ease the client’s tension, something not everyone could do!

"It looks like Old Tie isn’t going to make it for a while, let’s go in!"

As Tie Ruyun was still absent, Zhang Wei had no choice but to lead the clients into the preparation room to adjust.

Meanwhile.

With the public trial of this case, many people from the Procuratorate Headquarters had arrived.

As the first significant case after the New Year and with higher-ups closely monitoring the outcome, the Procuratorate Headquarters had to present themselves assertively.

Being the director of the Major Crimes Division, Zhao Chunming naturally needed to be present.

Accompanying him were five or six prosecutors from the Major Crimes Division, as well as an equal number from the neighboring Minor Crimes Division.

And so, with the prosecutors attending, Guo Wufeng naturally had to be there as well.

Of course, they sent their ace, Prosecutor Xiao Baihe with her little follower Tan Yingying, walking amidst the crowd.

Intimidated by the Procuratorate Headquarters’ presence, the media at the court entrance didn’t dare to get close, only preparing to start interviews from a distance of two or three meters once they stopped.

After arriving at the court’s entrance, Zhao Chunming scanned left and right and snorted,

"Leave two people behind to deal with the media; the rest of you, follow me inside!"

Two people from each the Minor and Major Crimes Division stayed to handle the media, while everyone else didn’t delay a second, entering straight into the courtroom.

Fortunately, this time a medium-sized courtroom was opened up, which was big enough to accommodate several dozen people, including the media.

In the preparation room.

"The court session is about to begin!"

With the announcement made by the Court Guard at the door, Zhuo Xiaoting held Grandma Wang’s hand, and the two looked at each other for a long time.

"Child, today the lawyers said it’s a preliminary hearing, so you don’t have to appear in court, don’t be afraid!"

A group walked into the courtroom, their presence attracting countless gazes.

Everyone present desired to see who the defendant was this time.

When they saw the defendant was a young girl, some were surprised, others puzzled, and even more began to doubt whether there had been a mistake in the case.

However, people from the Procuratorate Headquarters, like Zhao Chunming, sat in the front rows of the audience seats, supremely confident.

Guo Wufeng, who sat next to Zhao Chunming, finally changed his expression when he saw Zhang Wei appear.

"Hmph, Director Zhao, just as you predicted, Jincheng sent this kid!"

"Zhang Wei does have some ability, and since this case is initiated by our Procuratorate Headquarters, sending out the ace Prosecutor Xiao Baihe, who else if not Zhang Wei could it be? That timid Tie Ruyun?"

"That’s true!"

Guo Wufeng nodded as if in agreement.

Fortunately, Zhang Wei couldn’t hear these words; he was leading Zhuo Xiaoting to the defendant’s bench.

Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng flanked Zhuo Xiaoting on both sides.

The defense took their seats.

Zhang Wei glanced at the side and saw Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying looking towards him.

The two sides nodded at each other, a gesture of greeting.

Soon, the judge arrived.

The judge for this session was also an old acquaintance of Zhang Wei’s, Judge Wang from the Lin Xiao case.

"Judge Wang eh, quite a conservative one, likely to side with those who stick to the law, which is the prosecution."

Seeing Judge Wang appear, Zhang Wei felt a slight sense of resignation.

The character and style of this judge were not what he had hoped for.

It would have been better if Calm Bro were presiding, as he might have been inclined towards their side.

After Judge Wang ascended to the bench, he swept his gaze over everyone present.

"Good heavens, so many people have come!"

He muttered to himself internally, then waved at Zhang Wei and Xiao Baihe.

The two exchanged a look and had no choice but to approach.

"What’s the situation with you two, especially you, Lawyer Zhang? I heard the prosecution offered a 10-month deal to your side, why didn’t you agree?"

Hearing Judge Wang ask this, Zhang Wei spread his hands.

"Judge Wang, you have wronged me. Both Lawyer Bai Ruoyun and I from our firm advised the client to accept this condition."

"In fact, I hope the court will record this matter. I have indeed reminded my client and even analyzed all possible sentencing consequences with her. I have fulfilled my duty as a lawyer!"

This was true; Zhang Wei had indeed advised her, but to no avail—Zhuo Xiaoting wouldn’t listen!

After listening, Judge Wang turned his gaze to Xiao Baihe.

Xiao Baihe remained silent, though she was muttering inwardly.

I’ve already given the conditions, why are you looking at me? What does it have to do with me if the defendant refuses to agree with my side?

"All right then!"

Judge Wang understood, but he did not let the two return to their seats; instead, he suddenly yelled towards the defendant’s dock, "Defendant Zhuo Xiaoting!"

Zhang Wei quickly gestured to the defendant’s dock, and Zhuo Xiaoting slowly stood up.

"Zhuo Xiaoting, do you fully understand that once the charges against you are confirmed, you will face a mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and no one can change that fact?"

This question was rather serious, especially for an 18-year-old young woman.

"Yes, I know!"

Zhuo Xiaoting nodded in response to the judge’s interrogation.

"Are you also aware that the prosecution has offered a plea bargain of 10 months’ imprisonment?"

"I’m aware!"

"Since you know, yet you refused it, didn’t you?"

"Yes!"

As Judge Wang asked this question, his gaze narrowed, and then he continued to ask:

"Your lawyer, Zhang Wei, advised you to accept the prosecutor’s conditions, is this true?"

"It is true, but I did not agree!"

"You did not agree?"

"Yes, Your Honor!"

"Alright, I understand. You may sit down."

Judge Wang was clear on this, at least he understood the defendant’s determination.

Zhang Wei and Xiao Baihe turned around, and Judge Wang looked over as well.

"Lawyer Zhang, you are no newbie, and I am fully aware that your skill does not match your young age. But to be honest, I really feel like revoking your qualification to defend this case!"

"Judge Wang, what do you mean by that? I haven’t done anything wrong, have I?"

Upon hearing the judge speak so, Zhang Wei cried out in grievance.

"Isn’t it obvious, young man?"

The judge, at a loss for words, reprimanded in a suppressed voice, "You can’t even persuade your own client, a young woman who is not yet fully grown, to accept such an evident truth. How can you expect me to believe that you can convince the jury to believe an impossible fact?"

After hearing this, Zhang Wei understood the situation.

"Judge Wang, I cannot agree with your statement!"

"You don’t agree? Have I overlooked something, or do you believe your whimsical questioning can help you secure 12 qualified jurors, or perhaps your excellent ability to improvise will render all evidence submitted by the prosecution invalid, or is it possible that Prosecutor Xiao Baihe has suddenly taken a liking to you and decided to withdraw from this trial?"

"Cough cough cough..."

Seeing that Judge Wang made a joke at her expense, Xiao Baihe made an appropriate "protest".

"Judge Wang, although I do not deny any possibilities, what I want to say is, my courtroom stance is based on the fact that my client claims she is innocent!"

"Really, Lawyer Zhang, you are a regular in our court, you should know how ironic it is for a defendant to say that phrase. Can you tell me which defendant wouldn’t say the same thing in court?"

"No, Judge Wang, you misunderstand. What I’m trying to say is that it is because I trust my client that I chose to defend her and reject the prosecutor’s offer."

"So today, you want to use ’I trust the defendant is innocent’ as your defense argument?"

Zhang Wei stopped talking; the judge couldn’t be bothered to ask further.

"Well, I hope, Lawyer Zhang, that you know what you are doing and that you can create another miracle. But I’m just the presiding judge, and my professional ethics do not allow me to make any decision that favors one side over the other, nor can I influence the jury, I hope you understand that!"

Judge Wang said this, glancing at Xiao Baihe, implying: I specifically said this for you to hear.

Xiao Baihe nodded, indicating she understood.

"Enough, you may step back!"

As Judge Wang dismissed the two, they returned to their seats.

"Old Lu, I’m a bit tired today, bring the prospective jurors in quickly!"

Judge Wang called out to the court guard beside him, beginning the voir dire.

As the prospective jurors entered and sat in the jury box, it signaled the start of the voir dire.

And the tense atmosphere gradually spread throughout the courtroom.

Zhang Wei sat in the defendant’s dock, looking back at the spectator seats, somewhat speechless.

Did Old Tie get stuck on the road?