Chapter 281: Chapter 124 Translation translation, what is the right to an independent defense!

In criminal cases, during the investigation stage, there isn't much for a lawyer to do: one is to meet with the client, another is to see the case-handling police officer, and the last thing is to apply for bail pending trial.

All three are equally important. Seeing the case-handling police officer, although one cannot examine the case files, allows one to understand the case status and present one's opinions.

If one could persuade the public security organ to withdraw the case during the investigation stage, it would be even better, although Old Tang did not feel that it would be achievable.

The time came to the next day, and Old Tang went first to Baishan District Detention Center to submit the meeting application.

Now this part is simple, but in the past, arranging a meeting was one of the three big challenges for criminal defense lawyers.

Don't talk to me about what the Code of Criminal Procedure states, if you can't arrange a meeting then it's as good as not being allowed to meet.

In fact, in the past, criminal defense lawyers were even regarded with hostility, which was determined by the nature of their work.

While one party is collecting evidence and another is reviewing and prosecuting based on the evidence, with a third party adjudicating, the lawyer steps in—of course, they are not going to be welcomed, but now the situation has improved quite a bit.

At the Baishan District Public Security Sub-bureau, Old Tang waited for quite some time before finally someone appeared.

"You are Li Huaiqing's agent, right?" Baishan District Criminal Police Team's Jin Wenshan looked at the person in front of him, Tang Fangjing.

He was in the middle of something when he received a call saying Li Huaiqing's agent had arrived, wanting to ask about the situation and to submit a bail application.

Old Tang nodded, "Yes, I am Tang Fangjing from Jingzhou Tengda Law Firm. Here's my ID."

As he spoke, Old Tang handed over the relevant documents. Even though these procedures had been completed before, they still needed to be presented now.

Jin Wenshan shook his head, "Lawyer Tang, speaking of these things is useless right now, our side's investigation is progressing rapidly..."

"I understand. Let's discuss another matter—bail pending trial. I've already submitted the application," Old Tang said.

The attitude of the public security organ was clear, with the previous offenses, this case was bound to be transferred to the procuratorate.

Not to mention, now that someone had been seriously injured while riding in the taxi, by some traditions, someone must bear the responsibility.

At the very least, the driver certainly couldn't escape liability—regardless of anything else, an incident happening with the person in your car means you definitely bear responsibility.

So Old Tang didn't say much else. With the case reaching this stage in the investigation, it was certain to be transferred.

The remaining issue was bail pending trial.

"Comrade, Li Huaiqing is over fifty years old, has no criminal record, and is that kind of honest and respectable person. He has been driving a taxi for many years without any incidents, and is unlikely to commit any crime if granted bail.

"Moreover, his family situation is unusual; if he continues to be detained, it would greatly affect his household. So, I was hoping to see if he could be granted bail," Old Tang said, looking at Jin Wenshan again.

Jin Wenshan nodded, "Lawyer Tang, we're also clear about the situation here. As for whether bail is granted, you see I cannot decide that. But I will report to the leadership."

Having this assurance was sufficient; Old Tang expressed his thanks and left, leaving Jin Wenshan behind, puzzled why Lawyer Tang would come all the way from Jingzhou again.

Back at the hotel, Old Tang found that there was not much he could do at the moment, so he could only wait patiently and, in the meantime, organize the information he had to see where he might begin.

The next day, the detention center sent news, arranging for him to meet in the afternoon.