Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 565 - 224 Are You Also Guilty of Abandonment?_2

"Your actions did indeed suggest an element of abandonment."

"However, this alone is not sufficient to constitute the crime of abandonment. Think again, is there anything else you’ve missed?"

He specialized in criminal law, particularly in sentence reductions. He had an in-depth understanding of various criminal laws. The crime of abandonment required severe circumstances to be constituted. Ordinary acts of abandonment that did not cause serious consequences or involve abuse, beating, or desertion were not considered too severe. At most, they would be subject to warnings and corrective orders from the relevant authorities. They would not escalate to a criminal level.

"Missed details?" Jiang Daping looked at Zhang Wei’s earnest expression and tilted his head to think.

Then he said with a bitter smile, "The year before last, during New Year, my mother visited my house. She brought some local specialties from the countryside, but my wife, saying she was dirty, drove her out. Mother ended up spending the night outside."

"The next day, she was gone."

"A neighbor said she fainted and was taken to the hospital by some kindhearted people. Does that count?"

After saying this, he looked nervously at Zhang Wei, his expression somewhat uneasy.

Zhang Wei’s expression darkened, and he asked in puzzlement, "Are you sure... this is your mother?"

Listening to Jiang Daping’s description, Zhang Wei felt his own blood pressure shoot up.

An elderly woman, over seventy years old, was kicked out of her home during the New Year. She wasn’t allowed to stay, and this was done by her own son and daughter-in-law.

It was the kind of thing that deserved divine retribution. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Even if his mother had been terribly unreasonable, it wouldn’t have justified driving her out of the house.

"I had no choice. My wife has quite a temper, and she and my mother have always had a difficult relationship. I actually wanted to take her in..." Jiang Daping, knowing he was in the wrong, defended himself in a low voice.

Zhang Wei’s lips twitched. Afterward, he inquired about some other details and roughly learned the whole story of the incident.

"Lawyer Zhang, I heard that you are particularly skilled in criminal cases, especially in defending the accused. What should I do with this case now?" Jiang Daping looked up eagerly at Zhang Wei. He hoped Zhang Wei could point him in the right direction from a professional standpoint.

Since receiving the subpoena, he hadn’t slept all night; every time he closed his eyes, the case would come to mind. It was a criminal litigation case. If things went wrong, he could really end up in prison!

"This is a private prosecution case. My personal suggestion is that you first try to find the plaintiff. See if you can admit your wrongdoing and communicate, in hopes they might withdraw the lawsuit," Zhang Wei paused and then suggested.

Private criminal cases are different from public prosecutions. Plaintiffs in private cases have the right to withdraw their lawsuits. Whereas in public prosecution cases, the procuratorate needs to actively withdraw the indictment, which is usually not possible.

But as soon as Zhang Wei finished speaking, Jiang Daping’s eyes widened. He raised an eyebrow incredulously, "Admit my wrongdoing to her?" His expression was full of reluctance.

"Yes, this is the most effective method. As long as the plaintiff withdraws the lawsuit voluntarily, there will be no need for a trial." Zhang Wei nodded and added, "Honestly, what overnight grudges can truly last between a mother and son? As long as you admit your mistakes, I believe your mother will forgive you."

Even if she doesn’t forgive... At least she won’t take it to court.

A key characteristic of private prosecution cases is that they involve the infringement of an individual’s rights. For example, crimes like defamation, libel, and misappropriation are typical private criminal cases, as they all infringe upon the rights of the individuals involved. However, if the party concerned believes their rights haven’t been violated and withdraws the lawsuit, the court no longer needs to proceed with a trial.

"But... she clearly just wants money from me..." Jiang Daping gritted his teeth, still somewhat reluctant.

Zhang Wei furrowed his brows. He said coldly, "Supporting your parents financially is what you should do, isn’t it?"

As the conversation with Jiang Daping continued, Zhang Wei increasingly felt that the man was not deserving of sympathy.

Setting aside his past actions towards his mother, even now, with disaster looming, he was still unwilling to pay support. He was truly unworthy of being a son.

"But it can’t be that I’m the only one paying, right?" Jiang Daping looked aggrieved and cried out, "There are four of us brothers; why should I be the only one to pay?"

Zhang Wei’s lips twitched. He said no more.

Seeing him go silent, Jiang Daping could not help but ask again, "Lawyer Zhang, besides this, is there any other good solution?"

Zhang Wei gave him a deep look and said flatly, "If the plaintiff doesn’t withdraw the lawsuit, then your only option is to go to court."

"This is a criminal case; you should understand the consequences of losing. If your defense lawyer cannot help you win, you might have to face criminal liability, go to jail."

Zhang Wei then detailed the stakes of the lawsuit for Jiang Daping. Losing meant jail time. Even if he won, he would still have to make the support payments. Considering this, it was far better to apologize early and seek forgiveness.

"I... I’ll consider it carefully." Jiang Daping’s face turned pale upon hearing this, his expression utterly dejected.

Clearly, he wasn’t satisfied with Zhang Wei’s proposed solution. He had come here hoping to find a solution where he wouldn’t have to pay support and wouldn’t face criminal charges. But this lawyer’s abilities seemed to have been overstated.

"You’d best consider your options carefully." Zhang Wei nodded and waved his hand, concluding Jiang Daping’s legal consultation.

「In the afternoon.」

Zhang Wei was back in his office at Legal Pioneer Law Firm. After finishing lunch, he resumed calling out case numbers. Since the firm’s expansion, his income had doubled.