Are You Crazy? He's only an Intern Lawyer?-Chapter 40 - I Believe You are Innocent!

After comparing photos of suspects, he identified Tang Chunfeng as the murderer.

The Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters has charged suspect Tang Chunfeng with robbery and murder, and the trial is set to begin in two days.”

Zhang Wei put down the case file and looked at Tang Chunfeng in front of him.

Honestly, the moment he saw the man, he thought it impossible that the person before him could be a murderer.

Why?

Because he could tell right away if a person had the guts or not.

Tang Chunfeng was the epitome of an honest guy in the eyes of the public.

The biggest mistake he had probably made in his life was forgetting to do homework at school or secretly keeping “study materials” on his computer.

It was hard to imagine someone like him daring to commit murder, let alone breaking and entering followed by murder.

“I want to ask you something.

Are you short of money?” Zhang Wei asked calmly, looking at him.

Tang Chunfeng was surprised but answered honestly, “I…

I’m not short of money…”

That was indeed true; although the Tang family wasn’t exceedingly rich, their circumstances were not bad either.

Before Tang’s father passed away, he left them an old house in Central Ring, more than a hundred square meters in size, valued at over 7 million.

After graduating from medical school, Tang Chunfeng ran a dental clinic, and his income was stable.

He himself had no bad habits, not touching cigarettes, alcohol, or gambling.

Apart from not having taken a wife at over thirty, he could be said to have no vices.

An individual like him, with such family conditions—who would imagine him engaging in burglary?

Zhang Wei thought for a moment, then asked, “According to the testimony you provided to the Martial Association, you left your clinic at around 10 p.m.

and went home alone.

No one else accompanied you, right?”

“Yes.”

“Did anyone see you returning home?

Like a security guard or neighbors?”

Tang Chunfeng glanced at his mother and shook his head, “My mother goes to bed early; she usually retires by 9:30 p.m., so every time I come home, I tread lightly to avoid disturbing her.

As for the neighbors, I drive home, so I don’t see them either.”

“So, that means you have no alibi.”

Zhang Wei’s brows furrowed tightly, feeling slightly troubled by the situation.

Because the community where Tang Chunfeng lived was an old one and there were no surveillance cameras at his doorstep, proving that Tang Chunfeng went straight home after work was going to be difficult.

Similarly, the West Wind Community, where the victim Chen Mou lived, was also an old community without surveillance cameras.

But this case did not need video evidence; the testimony of the victim’s son was enough.

The only eyewitness firmly identified Tang Chunfeng as the murderer.

It seemed like even Heaven’s own emperor couldn’t help in this case.

Tang Chunfeng seemed to sense Zhang Wei’s predicament and quickly said, “Lawyer, I’ve never been to the West Wind Community and certainly had no acquaintance with the deceased.

I had no grudge against him.

Why would I kill him?”

“Good question,” Zhang Wei mused, “the prosecution will want to know the answer, and even I am curious!”

Zhang Wei smiled, then turned to look at Tang Chunde and Tang’s Mother, “Are you sure you want to choose me?

I can defend him on the grounds of innocence, but this means giving up the option of pleading guilty for a reduced sentence.”

“This…” Tang Chunde hesitated.

He had sought out Zhang Wei as a last-resort solution and hadn’t expected Zhang Wei to actually accept the case.

“Let me give you a heads-up—if we go for an innocence defense and lose, then it’s life imprisonment.”

“But if you opt to plead guilty, the sentence could be around 30 years.

A usual lawyer might get it reduced to 27-28 years, someone with some skills might negotiate it down to about 25 years, and if it’s a lawyer with even more expertise, maybe down to 20 years.”

“If you let me negotiate, try to persuade the victim’s family for forgiveness, and considering your mother’s health condition—that she’s an elderly in need of care—and if the prosecutor happens to have a bit of compassion, I might be able to get it down to 15 years.”

As he said this, Zhang Wei looked at Tang Chunfeng, “You’re in your thirties now; fifteen years later you’d only be around 50, and you’d still have a freedom spanning roughly 30 years!”

Upon hearing “15 years,” Tang Chunde was visibly moved, but Tang’s Mother shook her head.

Tang Chunfeng was initially somewhat tempted, but upon seeing his mother’s reaction, he immediately shook his head too, “Lawyer, I want to plead innocent.

I do not want to plead guilty to something I haven’t done.

Why should I admit to a crime I didn’t commit!”

As he spoke, he looked earnestly at Zhang Wei.

“I’m already in my thirties.

My mother gave birth to me at around 30.

Who can guarantee that when I’m 50, I will still be able to see her and be by her side every day?

I don’t want to live with such a regret!”

“Alright, I understand, and I also believe you are innocent!” Zhang Wei glanced at Tang’s Mother and nodded to indicate he understood.

His words also took Tang Chunfeng by slight surprise.

Because this was the first lawyer who had said he believed in him, whereas other lawyers only thought about making him confess, none had ever asked him if he actually committed the crime.

Tang Chunfeng was so moved that he was almost in tears.

Zhang Wei, however, wasn’t too sentimentally affected; he just began to think about how to handle this case.

Since Tang Chunfeng’s stance was so firm, he had no choice but to opt for a defense of innocence.

And he also had some suspicions in his heart—if Tang Chunfeng didn’t do it, then who did?

He wanted to find the real killer and clear the name of the innocent man before him.

“Lawyer Zhang, could you come out for a moment…”

But just as Zhang Wei prepared to continue his questioning, Tang Chunde suddenly called him.

Zhang Wei and Tang Chunde stepped out of the meeting room and into the corridor outside.

“Lawyer Zhang, were you serious about the 15 years?”

“What, you want your brother to confess?”

“I’m considering it…”

Tang Chunde didn’t deny it, seeming to be genuinely tempted by the prospect of 15 years.

Seeing this, Zhang Wei patted him on the shoulder, “Old Tang, are you possibly confused about one thing?”

“What thing?”

“My client isn’t you, but your brother, Tang Chunfeng.

Why should I take your opinion into consideration?”

With those words, Tang Chunde realized that Zhang Wei was fighting the lawsuit for his brother, not for him.

“But, I’m the one who called you here…”

“But I’m a public defender.

I don’t take lawyer’s fees, so why should I listen to you?”

Zhang Wei patted Tang Chunde’s shoulder again, with a heartfelt tone, “Old Tang, I don’t take money, so nobody can command me.

I only speak for the facts, do you understand?”

Then, he went back into the meeting room, leaving Tang Chunde alone with a face full of astonishment.

Inside the meeting room.

“Lawyer Zhang, what do we do next?”

“It’s simple.

First, let’s try to get you out on bail, you can’t help me much from the detention center.”

“Bail, does that require a lot of money?”

“Well I’ll ask, how much can you afford?”

“This…”

Tang Chunfeng and Tang’s Mother both looked toward the entrance at Tang Chunde; it was clear that he was the one with the money now.

…

At the same time.

Dongfang Capital Procuratorate Headquarters, Serious Crime Division.

Compared to the crowded Office of Minor Crimes, the Serious Crime Division office space was at least twice as big, and the number of people inside was roughly the same, so everyone’s personal space was very spacious.

Even when newbies were promoted to assistant prosecutors, each of them would have a separate office.

This was the target many prosecutors from the Office of Minor Crimes strived for; they dreamed of joining the Serious Crime Division to gain more comfortable office space.

“Sister Baihe, it’s not good, there’s big trouble!”

Tan Yingying rushed from the Office of Minor Crimes to the Serious Crime Division Office.

“What is it, you’re so panicked!” Xiao Baihe was originally buried in paperwork, but on hearing the noise, she raised her head like an ostrich.

“Sister Baihe, there’s big trouble, Zhang Wei has taken on another case!”

Tan Yingying called out, but upon noticing sharp glances from around the room, she quickly crouched down and moved closer to Xiao Baihe, “I’ve been keeping watch on Zhang as you instructed, and I found out he’s taken another case.”

“Ying Ying, isn’t it normal for him to take cases now that he’s a public defense attorney?”

Xiao Baihe felt she had misspoken before, she merely told Tan Yingying to keep a close eye on Zhang Wei, not to relentlessly pursue him for every big and small matter, right?

“No, this case isn’t an ordinary one.” Tan Yingying quickly shook her head, lifted her gaze, and pointed to the neighboring table, saying, “This time, Zhang Wei took on that case, the home invasion murder case investigated by Prosecutor Wang from your office!”

“That case?!” Hearing Tan Yingying’s hint, Xiao Baihe also realized what she meant.

“Isn’t Zhang Wei asking for trouble by taking this case, dare he even think of reducing the sentence?”

“No, I heard he wants to make a not guilty plea, and they are applying for bail for the suspect right now!”

“Bail, are they stupid with too much money?”

Xiao Baihe was astonished, thinking of a not guilty defense for this case—Zhang Wei must have lost his mind.

If this case gets overturned, I, Xiao Baihe, will eat the computer screen in front of me on the spot!

“Sister Ying Ying, what should we do?” Tan Yingying looked at Xiao Baihe, unaware that someone had just made a flagrant vow.

“Let’s go and give Wang Can a heads-up, remind him to be careful!”

Wang Can and Xiao Baihe worked in the same office, and their desks were just a few meters apart.

Wang Can was a prosecutor in his late twenties, wearing gold-framed glasses, his eyes long and narrow like a fox’s, giving off a somewhat cunning vibe.

“Yo, isn’t this our ace prosecutor?

What brings you to my desk?

Here to guide my work?”

Although Wang Can and Xiao Baihe were neighbors, Xiao Baihe wasn’t very popular in the office, which made Wang Can’s greeting sound somewhat sarcastic.

No wonder, since Xiao Baihe had joined the Procuratorate Headquarters just a year ago, she had handled over a dozen major cases, with both performance and conviction rates that were the best in the office, setting a new record for newcomers.

Her prominence made it difficult for her office mates to hold their heads high, and as a result, she was isolated by others.

This was also why Xiao Baihe got along with Tan Yingying, as the two were from the same hometown and worked in different offices.

Facing Wang Can’s snide greeting, Xiao Baihe kept her cool, her face icy, but she managed to refrain from retaliating.

She merely gave a cold reminder, “Your case’s suspect has hired a public defense attorney.

You should be careful, no?”

“A public defense attorney?” But Wang Can was dismissive, chuckling, “My case is rock solid, it doesn’t matter who comes, especially not a public defense attorney.

They don’t charge attorney fees, so they just want the suspect to plead guilty as soon as possible!”

“The lawyer’s name is Zhang Wei!”

“So what if it’s Zhang Wei, I don’t know him… Wait, you said Zhang Wei?”

Wang Can’s expression changed several times, from initial indifference, to somewhat catching on, and finally becoming excited.

He suddenly stood up, glanced at Tan Yingying, and then laughed loudly, “Hahaha, are you sure, that Zhang Wei took on the case I’m handling?”

His voice was so loud that the entire Serious Crime Division Office could hear him.

The name “Zhang Wei” had been looming over the Procuratorate Headquarters like a shadow these days.

Many prosecutors wanted to face off with Zhang Wei to redeem the shame that the Procuratorate had suffered.

And now, Zhang Wei was taking action again, picking a case that seemed unwinnable.

“Zhang Wei, is it really him?”

“Wang Can’s case, is it the home invasion murder case?”

“This is serious, even choosing a losing case, he isn’t trying to save our face, is he?”

The other prosecutors of the Serious Crime Division couldn’t help but discuss it among themselves, whispering and murmuring.

After his outburst, Wang Can said to Xiao Baihe, “Xiao Baihe, no need for your reminder, I know what to do.

If that Zhang Wei really took this case, watch how I beat him till he’s down and out!”

After speaking, he, still not satisfied, looked at Tan Yingying with an insinuating tone, “Newcomers can’t represent our Procuratorate Headquarters.

If you want to talk about our headquarters, you have to look at our Serious Crime Division!”

“Wang Can, there’s an application for bail in the court!”

“Hmph, so they really made a move!”

Upon hearing his colleague’s notification, Wang Can sneered, picked up the documents from his desk, and left.

He evidently didn’t take Xiao Baihe’s warning to heart.

“Sister Baihe, what should we…”

“Let’s go, let’s follow them and see what Zhang Wei is planning to do!”

Tan Yingying wanted to say something, but Xiao Baihe pulled her along, and together with Wang Can, they left the office.

…

Bail hearing.

By the time Wang Can, representing the prosecution, arrived at the bail hearing, Zhang Wei had already been waiting for some time.

Yet, when they saw each other, neither greeted the other.

“Hmm?” At the same time, Zhang Wei also noticed Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying, who had come along with Wang Can.

Zhang Wei smiled at the two of them.

However, his smile seemed like a demon from hell in Tan Yingying’s eyes, causing her to shudder with fear.

Clearly, the previous court confrontation had left an indelible psychological mark on the rookie.

Xiao Baihe, noticing Tan Yingying’s fear, quickly comforted her and shot Zhang Wei a fierce look in return.

But at this moment, Zhang Wei was already preparing for the bail hearing and paid her no attention.

The bail court was busy, with a long line of people ahead; it wasn’t until 30 minutes later that it was Zhang Wei’s turn.

“Your Honor, the prosecution believes that the defendant Tang Chunfeng should not be granted bail.

He has committed premeditated murder, which is extremely serious.

If granted bail, there is a substantial risk of flight!”

Prosecutor Wang, pointing at Tang Chunfeng, made a stringent argument.

“Your Honor, I think the prosecution’s assessment is utterly absurd!” Zhang Wei disagreed and, looking at Wang Can, said slowly:

“My client, Mr.

Tang Chunfeng, is merely a suspect.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.

Although he is subject to criminal prosecution, the court has yet to bring charges and make a judgment.

Suspects and convicted criminals known to the public are different; based on the principle of presumption of innocence, unless proven guilty by trial, all suspects theoretically are innocent.

Why would the prosecution rashly insist that my client is guilty?

This is clearly an unethical accusation.”

The judge looked meaningfully at Wang Can and subconsciously nodded at Zhang Wei’s words.

“Well said.

Therefore, this court decides that Tang Chunfeng is permitted bail.”

From the back, Xiao Baihe muttered to herself, “As expected.”

Wang Can showed weakness in the first exchange, which Zhang Wei pointed out directly.

“Prosecution, what do you think the bail amount should be?” the judge asked again.

Having been bested by Zhang Wei the first time, Wang Can thought for a moment before responding, “The defendant, Tang Chunfeng, is facing a murder charge and poses potential risks.

We believe the bail should be set at 5 million!”

The figure of 5 million startled everyone, including Tang Chunfeng, Tang Chunde, and Tang’s mother.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t produce that amount of money, but it would require selling their house.

“Your Honor, I disagree with the prosecution!”

Zhang Wei also knew the bail amount was preposterous and immediately spoke up: “Your Honor, my client, Mr.

Tang Chunfeng, is a dentist who received a good education from a young age.

He hasn’t even received a traffic ticket, let alone committed any crimes.

His moral character is undoubtedly good.”

“Besides, bail is a way to prevent suspects from evading the investigation and to ensure they cooperate with the court’s summons in the upcoming trials.

My client has lived in Dongfang Capital all his life, with family and social ties all in this city.

He has no risk of flight.”

As Zhang Wei spoke, he asked Tang Chunfeng, “Tell me, would you flee?”

“I would not!” Tang Chunfeng immediately responded.

Zhang Wei nodded and then handed a document to the judge.

“Your Honor, my client has always lived with his mother, and Tang’s mother’s health has always been poor.

This is her latest medical diagnosis, indicating she had undergone a surgery just three months ago.

As you can see, my client needs to take care of his elderly mother at home.

Therefore, please allow my client to be released on bail at a reasonable amount.”

The judge looked up, glanced at Tang’s mother, who was being supported by Tang Chunde, and looked back down at the document.

“The court approves, bail is set at 500,000.”

With the judge’s gavel, the bail amount was reduced from 5 million to 500,000.

Wang Can looked displeased; he had been outmaneuvered by Zhang Wei twice in a row at this minor bail hearing.

He didn’t even bother to watch how Zhang Wei, the defendant, and his party left the bail court.

As he walked down, Xiao Baihe approached him.

“Wang Can, I warned you, don’t underestimate him.

Zhang Wei is no simple character!”

After saying this, Xiao Baihe also left with Tan Yingying.