Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 125 - 124: You’re So Brave! For the Family (Holiday Time~)

Chapter 125: Chapter 124: You’re So Brave! For the Family (Holiday Time~)

(In fact, Author Germ was very excited yesterday afternoon, but today is the real start of the vacation, and the joy in Author Germ’s heart — woohoo, takeoff!)

PS: For the updates during the Spring Festival holiday, Author Germ can only try to maintain them as much as possible. There shouldn’t be any missed updates, but there will always be visits to family and friends that could delay the updates. If there’s only one update on a certain day, Author Germ will explain the reason, and I ask the readers to forgive me. After all, it’s the Spring Festival — there’s nothing that can be done~

...

The courtroom was in session.

The prosecution was delivering its closing statement.

"In fact, I am very much against this argument, but defense attorneys never tire of it. Do you know why?"

"Because that’s what they think; if they win, they’ll say the jurors are fools, to have let him win. If they lose, they’ll also call the jurors fools, because the juror didn’t understand when it was all laid out; if not fools, then what?"

"Do you hear that, no matter what decision you make, in the eyes of defense attorneys, you are 12 fools, completely incapable of fulfilling the responsibilities of jurors."

"So, when your client has done something wrong, and even got caught red-handed, you don’t need to worry, why?"

"Because there is a jury!"

"Even if you really committed a crime, and all the evidence is laid out, and you have no defense, don’t give up, why?"

"Because there is a jury!"

After these rhetorical questions, Xiao Baihe pointed her hand toward the defendant’s seat.

"The girl sitting there, or should I say Zhuo Xiaoting, she is already over 18 and should be held accountable for her actions. And just like everyone has seen, she..."

She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly intensified her tone, "She assisted in a criminal case and helped the main suspect hide the loot, and her silence indirectly helped the suspect. Her acquiescence is akin to condoning the crime!"

"Nowadays, many people mock the jury, but I hope they don’t have the chance to mock you today!"

With that, Xiao Baihe’s closing statement came to an end.

She nodded to the jury and then made her way back to the prosecutor’s bench.

Grandma Wang, seated in the witness stand, hung her head in regret.

Bai Ruoyun quickly grasped her hand, her complexion no better.

In her view, Xiao Baihe’s closing statement left no opportunity for the defense.

"Group Leader Tie, from now on all Zhang Wei can do is try his best..."

She sighed, and then noticed that the person beside her had an unusual expression on his face.

"Group Leader Tie, what’s with your expression? Are you smiling?"

"Chief Bai, I’m not smiling. I’m just a bit surprised," he replied.

"Surprised by what?"

"Surprised that, the prosecution’s closing statement — isn’t this giving Zhang Wei an opportunity?"

"What?"

Bai Ruoyun obviously didn’t understand the intricacies, but at that moment Zhang Wei also stood up.

He walked up in front of the jury and took a deep breath.

"Actually, the prosecution’s move just now can be counteracted. For example, by playing dumb — a tactic I once had my disciple use to neutralize the prosecution’s momentum. But for the 12 smart people before me, I assume this tactic won’t be of much use, so I won’t waste any more of your time."

"My closing statement boils down to just two words, family!"

Zhang Wei raised two fingers to emphasize once again, "You heard me right, family!"

"I’d like each juror to reflect, if you were a frail young girl, just 18 years old, with only a similarly vulnerable grandmother at home, I believe the term ’weak as a chicken’ would describe you both, correct?"

"Under such a premise, if a family member committed a crime that involved a criminal organization, and you had no clue about the scale of this group, how many people were in it, or how ruthless they were, would you reveal the crimes of the group?"

"Please think carefully, if you really disclosed it, what would the consequences be? What would the outcome of the situation be?"

Zhang Wei’s two raised fingers slowly came down, then he raised one finger:

"The first possibility, everyone’s happy!"

"The Martial Association successfully takes down the criminal organization, its leader gets life in prison, subordinates get 5-10 years each, and those with particularly heinous crimes face 15-20 years. After serving their sentences, they all turn over a new leaf. Not a single one remembers who reported them, nor does a single criminal think of seeking revenge after their release, isn’t that right?"

Hearing this, a few jurors fell into thought.

While Zhang Wei made a good point, could reality be as he described?

They were all thinking, could this be too idealistic?

The outcome wasn’t impossible, but the probability was exceedingly low.

"Alright, onto the second possibility!"

"The Martial Association accepts your report and begins the investigation, and they successfully find the criminal syndicate, rounding up all the members. They all get sentences, the leader receives life imprisonment, and the underlings face 5-20 years each. Isn’t that cause for universal rejoicing?"

Zhang Wei smiled, but his smile swiftly faded: "But what if someone, upon being released from prison, harbors resentment and seeks revenge against the person who reported them? Given they’re criminals with no scruples or moral bottom line, I ask you, would you then be in danger?"

Zhang Wei looked at the jury, many of whom lowered their heads as if contemplating this question.

He then raised a third finger: "The third possibility!"

"You make a report, and the Martial Association initiates an investigation. The investigative team follows the trail to the crime syndicate, just as Chief Liu mentioned. In such a large crackdown, there’s bound to be some leak. The criminals receive a tip-off and also learn through an unknown channel about the informant. What then might happen?"

"They might all flee, too preoccupied to deal with you!"

"But there’s also a significant possibility, something only a desperate and wicked person would do. I believe you all can guess what it is without me having to continue, right?"

"Here, I am not discouraging the fight against crime, and I do believe that our Martial Association officers are capable of capturing criminals and bringing them to justice. But please, put yourself in their shoes. You are not me, not a criminal defense attorney, not an adult used to seeing wrongdoing, not someone who can protect themselves without fearing difficulty. You are but an 18-year-old girl who also needs to protect her grandmother, her family."

"So, what would you do in this situation? Would you take a great risk to report your brother, thereby drawing the attention of a criminal syndicate?"

"I urge you to seriously consider this question. If you have loved ones to protect, would you expose them to danger?"

"Would you do such a thing?"

"If you can tell me without hesitation that you would do it, that you are not afraid of a criminal’s retaliation, and that you have complete trust in the capacity of the Martial Association officers to capture the criminals before they can retaliate against us, then I have nothing more to say... I can only remark..."

Zhang Wei changed his tone and raised his eyebrows: "You’re quite brave!"

His words had led the jury to deep thought.

If it were them, what would they do? Would they trust the Martial Association, or would they protect their family, or could they manage both...

Their answers might differ, but as Zhang Wei put it, think from the other person’s perspective. You’re not who you are now; you’re an 18-year-old girl.

Under those circumstances, what would an 18-year-old girl do?

"Cough cough, don’t ponder for too long, because I still have more to say!"

Zhang Wei spoke and looked in the direction of Judge Wang.

This gesture caused a change in Judge Wang’s expression.

On the prosecutor’s side, Xiao Baihe clenched her fist till her knuckles turned white, her face also changing hue.

"This guy, could he be about to—!"

Zhang Wei raised his voice again: "As a criminal defense attorney, most of our time is spent dealing with the guilty. In your view, we’re mostly helping the guilty avoid legal punishment, helping them escape the reach of the law, to the point where many defense lawyers begin to doubt themselves..."

"Is what we’re doing meaningful? Why do we defend robbers, rapists, even murderers every day, helping them for what purpose? Why do I do this job, these thankless tasks?"

"But I want to tell you, do you know why I chose to be a criminal defense attorney and not a more lucrative business lawyer, civil litigation lawyer, or even a big-shot lawyer overseeing multinational projects?"

Zhang Wei said this and raised his hand, pointing to the defendant’s bench, pointing at Zhuo Xiaoting.

"Do you all see that? That is the reason, that is the purpose behind my perseverance in this job!"

"Because among countless defenses of the guilty, you will ’luckily’ encounter one, an innocent person in need of your help, someone who has not committed any crime!"

Zhang Wei swung his fist, his tone impassioned: "Then it’s time for me to stand up and fight, to seek justice for such a person!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yumeng and Li Yueqin from the defense felt deeply moved and admired Zhang Wei’s powerful influence.

If this weren’t a courtroom, they might have been moved to tears.

At this moment, they thought, in the future they wouldn’t consider transferring; they wanted to be criminal defense attorneys, to seek justice for the innocent.

In the audience, Tie Ruyun also felt moved, as if something had resonated in his heart, his eyes slightly moist.

Even on the prosecution’s side, Xiao Baihe breathed a sigh of relief. As long as you don’t bring up that matter, whatever you say is fine.

But then again, these words did indeed resonate with people, or perhaps aligned more closely with her work as a prosecutor.

Isn’t seeking justice for the innocent exactly what their duty as prosecutors entails?

"As is well known, my client Zhuo Xiaoting’s only wrongdoing was her desire to help her brother. What fault is there in that? Why did she help her brother? Because in the end it boils down to two words: family!"

"She helped her brother simply because he is her family. No matter his crimes, even if he is a scoundrel, he is still her family. That’s the very essence of family, where members should support each other."

"Although in my view, Zhuo Xiaoting’s behavior was somewhat irrational, she is just an 18-year-old girl. What more do you expect her to achieve?"

"I can tell you, I understand this girl. In the process of handling this case, my chief and our company colleagues, we all tried to teach her some principles, some basic, common-sense, real truths. But what was the result?"

"The result was that she instead taught us some principles. Her honesty and integrity deeply moved me, and this virtue urged me to stand before you and share these truths with you."

The jury was moved by these words, and they all turned towards the defendant’s bench, looking at Zhuo Xiaoting.

"I know everyone is looking at her right now, and I don’t oppose you scrutinizing her, but I hope you’ll take a close look at her qualities later. For now, please turn towards me, thank you!"

As Zhang Wei said this, the jury naturally turned towards him.

It was at this moment that Zhang Wei took a deep breath, then slowed down his tone:

"Do you know that during the defense process, a lawyer must follow specific rules? If you break the rules, it could lead to a mistrial, and even the lawyer could end up in prison... "

"This kid!"

On the bench, Judge Wang was startled, his right hand gripping the gavel tightly!

He swore that once Zhang Wei dared to utter a word, he would smash the gavel down with all his might, interrupt Zhang Wei’s "chant," and then have the court guard take him away.

He knew he might have to do this in the next second!

Xiao Baihe was also extremely tense, thinking to herself, has Zhang Wei finally decided to take that step since he is absolutely reckless?

For a client you believe is innocent, is it worth paying such a high price?

The atmosphere in the courtroom was at its most tense.

The worst outcome was on a hair trigger!

Yet Zhang Wei was oblivious; he went on to raise his hand, "One of the rules is this!"

"A lawyer cannot deliberately provide false evidence, cannot state facts to the jury that they know are false. That means, whether you believe it or not, if I know my client is guilty, I cannot stand here, in front of you, and claim that my client is innocent!"

Phew—

Judge Wang relaxed, his hand releasing the gavel.

Xiao Baihe also breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Wei still had some self-control and hadn’t done that thing.

Zhang Wei did not see their expressions, but he guessed that the atmosphere had been somewhat tense.

Yet he continued to state: "I can say that the prosecution did not fulfill its burden of proof. They have not proved that the defendant is guilty, they have not met the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. These are all things I can say."

"However, if I know she committed a certain action, then I cannot stand before you and say that she did not do it. This is a rule that lawyers must follow!"

"Now, if you will, dear jurors, please listen closely. I can solemnly tell you that my client Zhuo Xiaoting has not committed any criminal acts, there is no connection between her and any criminal organization. She is innocent; she is pure and innocent..."

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes my closing argument!"

As Zhang Wei returned to the defense bench, the whole courtroom fell silent.

It wasn’t until more than ten seconds later that Judge Wang stood up to announce, "Both sides have concluded their closing statements, the jury will please follow me to the deliberation room for discussion, court is now in recess!"

Afterward.

minutes passed...

minutes passed...

minutes...

minutes...

hour...

After more than an hour, the jury finally ended their deliberation.

Zhang Wei and his group, the prosecution’s group, all returned.

However, this time the atmosphere was different from before.

In the spectator seats, Zhao Chunming and Guo Wufeng’s expressions were slightly gloomy.

Bai Ruoyun and Tie Ruyun looked towards the court with some anticipation, as if something good was about to happen.

Grandma Wang bowed her head as if she was praying.

In the prosecution bench, Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying looked towards the jury bench, waiting for the result.

On the defense bench, Li Yueqin and Lin Yumeng were extremely nervous, with Zhuo Xiaoting also mimicking her grandmother’s pose, bowing her head in prayer, silently chanting something.

Only Zhang Wei remained completely composed, showing no sign of joy or sorrow.

"Jury, have you reached a decision?"

"Yes, Your Honor, we have reached a decision!"

"Zhuo Xiaoting, please stand up!"

Everyone at the defense table stood up, including Zhang Wei.

All eyes in the courtroom turned toward the jury box.

"Chief Juror, please announce the verdict!"

The Chief Juror stood up, then unfolded the piece of paper with the verdict written on it and read aloud:

"Regarding the defendant’s charges of unlawfully concealing illicit funds and property, assisting a criminal gang in selling obscene materials for profit, and other charges..."

"...After deliberation, the jury has reached the following verdict for the defendant Zhuo Xiaoting on these charges..."

"Not guilty!"

As soon as the Chief Juror uttered these two exhilarating words, the defense’s side erupted!

"Oh my God, we won!"

"Master, you are so amazing!"

"I’m innocent, I don’t have to go to prison, oh my heavens!"

Li Yueqin, Lin Yumeng, and Zhuo Xiaoting all jumped up excitedly, with Zhuo Xiaoting even covering her face and crying, but these were tears of joy from being overwhelmed with happiness!

Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying both breathed a sigh of relief. Whether they were satisfied with the result, only heaven knew.

In the spectators’ gallery, there were mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.

"Hmph!" Zhao Chunming snorted coldly and quickly left the scene with the Procuratorate Headquarters team.

Although he was annoyed in his heart and Zhang Wei had won again, he could not show it publicly, after all, he represented the face of the Procuratorate Headquarters.

Staying there would only mean watching Zhang Wei and the others celebrate; it was better to leave early.

"Thank goodness, my granddaughter, my granddaughter is innocent..."

Grandma Wang was also in tears of joy, holding Bai Ruoyun’s hand, too excited to know what to say.

Bai Ruoyun quickly comforted her while also looking towards the court.

The Criminal Defense Team, Zhang Wei, she would remember that name.

However, she was even more curious as to why that name felt so familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.

"This guy, truly impressive!"

Tie Ruyun also stood up excitedly; he couldn’t help but admire Zhang Wei. Why were his cases always so thrilling?

"Congratulations, Zhang Wei!"

Xiao Baihe approached Zhang Wei, and although her face remained expressionless, her tone was much gentler than before.

"Xiao Baihe, don’t tell me you didn’t go easy on me?"

"I think that even without going easy, I would probably not win against your closing argument, would I?"

"Although that’s true, I think you could try to challenge it."

"Next time I have the chance, I’ll try!"

Xiao Baihe responded with a smile, although her smile wavered as she shook her head and went back to the prosecution’s side.

She and Tan Yingying would have to write a very long report next.

"Lawyer Zhang, thank you so much!"

Zhang Wei felt his hand being tightly grasped; it was Zhuo Xiaoting coming to thank him.

"This is what you deserve, I just fulfilled my duty!"

To his client, Zhang Wei naturally had nothing more to say, only repeating a line he had often said before.

He was a criminal defense lawyer; wasn’t it his duty to help the innocent?

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