His father also said that those who lost their parcels had been compensated; only a few hadn't requested it, and all those entitled to compensation had received it. He simply couldn't understand why he still had to face twelve years of fixed-term imprisonment!

"Don't panic just yet. The problem probably lies with those documents," Zhang Wei said, taking a deep breath.

He had mentally prepared himself for this point before the trial. The nature of the currently unknown documents would affect the trial and the sentencing outcome.

"During the plea stage later, you must first proactively admit your guilt and accept the punishment to show your attitude. Remember, do not cause an uproar, shout, or show contempt for the court during the trial. Leave the rest to me."

Afterward, Zhang Wei added, "If the charges they propose are unreasonable, I will refute them on your behalf."

Hearing this, Xu Leshan's expression gradually improved, and he let out a sigh of relief.

Zhang Wei was indeed well-known in Jin City as a defense lawyer skilled at reducing sentences. If he refuted the charges... one less charge would mean a lighter punishment.

Following this, in the courtroom, Zhou Quanmin looked at Xu Leshan and asked, "Defendant, do you have any objections to the charges brought by the public prosecutor?"

Xu Leshan gulped and quickly followed Zhang Wei's instructions. He recited flawlessly, "I... I indeed stole multiple parcels. For this behavior, I feel deep shame and regret. I'm willing to accept the punishment of the law and plead with the court to give me another chance...

"My family has also provided corresponding compensation to these victims and obtained their forgiveness..."

In his statement, he only admitted to the act of stealing the parcels. He didn't mention a word about selling the stolen goods afterward. This, too, was as Zhang Wei had instructed: first show the right attitude, and Zhang Wei would handle the responsibilities related to the alleged subsequent criminal behavior.

"Alright, let's summarize the main points of contention in this case."

Zhou Quanmin and the collegiate bench, having patiently listened to both sides' statements, summarized, "The defendant only admits to the act of stealing parcels on multiple occasions, but there is doubt regarding the criminal actions committed after the theft of said parcels."

"We now move to the next stage: the public prosecutor presents evidence, and the defense cross-examines."

Disputes in criminal cases generally revolved around two points. One concerned doubts about the evidence and witness testimonies provided by the prosecution. The other related to the logic used to determine the charges. The law demanded logic; logical deductions were made based on current statutes to assign guilt, convict, and sentence.

"Here we have undestroyed parcel packaging and other documentary evidence found in Xu Leshan's home..."

Afterward, the public prosecutor presented photographic evidence and submitted it.

In the courtroom, there was no need to present physical evidence. All items related to the case could be demonstrated through photos, scans, and other methods as evidentiary materials, provided the procedure was compliant and lawful. Even stolen goods could be presented as evidence in this manner.

"This is the mailing information for official government agency documents, provided by the victims."

"This is the mailing information for identity documents, provided by the victims."

"This is the feedback letter certification provided by the Financial Regulatory Authority."

"These are materials related to a company's business proposal, containing trade secrets, provided by one of the victims."

"This is..."

As each piece of evidence was submitted, Xu Leshan, in the defendant's seat, became increasingly panicked. Anxiously looking at Zhang Wei, he urged, "Lawyer Zhang, weren't you going to refute their claims? Go on, refute them..."

Zhang Wei glanced at him, the corner of his mouth twitching.

Refute my ass. This evidence... was all collected by the police. How could he refute it? On what grounds?

"Respected Judgment Chief, the aforementioned evidence, in addition to proving the defendant committed theft, also implicates him in the crimes of infringing upon freedom of communication, willfully damaging property, infringing upon trade secrets, and the theft, robbery, or destruction of documents, identification, or seals of state organs."

Finally, the public prosecutor summarized the evidence and the associated criminal activities. Including theft, there were a total of five criminal offenses.

"I... I... I just stole some parcels. How did I end up committing so many crimes..." Xu Leshan looked around in bewilderment, on the verge of tears.

It wasn't his first time committing petty theft. He had never been caught before. This time, he had inexplicably been scared unconscious. When he woke up, before he could even process what had happened, he was in court. During the accusation phase, the prosecution charged him with five crimes, demanding a sentence of twelve years of fixed-term imprisonment.

To be honest, he was still completely bewildered.

And Zhang Wei, who was beside him, had clearly promised to refute the charges. Yet, after hearing the prosecution's evidence and the proposed crimes, he had become mute, not saying a single word.

「In the public gallery.」

Onlookers like Zhang Qingyuan and others were also somewhat confused. Speaking in low voices, they quietly began to discuss the situation.

"What's going on? Wasn't it just about stealing parcels? How did such a long list of charges suddenly appear?"

"This young man is quite something! Indeed, you can't judge a book by its cover. I thought he was just an ordinary thief."

"Of all the trials I've attended, he definitely ranks in the top three!"

"I agree. The only ones who might surpass him are probably that couple who illegally occupied the Old Zhang Family's house..."

Before the trial, they had all thought it was a minor case, even finding it a bit uninteresting. But unexpectedly, the trial had hardly begun when the public prosecutor revealed a total of five charges! The five crimes, compounded, were leading straight to a twelve-year sentence. Indeed, judging by appearances was unreliable. Everyone instinctively looked at Xu Leshan, a strange sense of almost respectful awe in their eyes.

Meanwhile, on the witness stand, Qin Mu and the other victims sat side by side, equally surprised.

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