Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 541 - 218 Training before Going to Prison!_2

"I think these general principles of criminal law are unreasonable. So, for prison terms over ten years, the maximum sentence is only fifteen years?"

"And for sentences not exceeding thirty-five years, the maximum is twenty years? But wouldn’t an ordinary person’s cumulative sentence rarely exceed thirty-five years anyway?"

"That’s not always the case. The middle-aged couple Old Zhang’s son dealt with almost exceeded that. What a pity."

"..."

The onlookers looked regretful, unanimously feeling that a twenty-year prison sentence was far too lenient.

Meanwhile, at the defendant’s bench.

Liu Qiao was so furious his face turned ashen.

Zhang Qingyuan and the others made no attempt to be discreet during their discussion, speaking quite loudly. He heard every word.

By now, he was gradually understanding why these old men were attending the trial.

They... were all here to see him sentenced! 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Where exactly did I offend these old men?

He frowned heavily but simply couldn’t figure out the reason. During the last court session, these same old men had filled the public gallery. Other than running his pharmacy, he hadn’t, to his knowledge, offended any elderly people. Yet, their "level of concern" for him was unusually intense.

「One hour later.」

「First Criminal Trial Court.」

"All rise!"

The Judgment Chief, along with all members of the collegial panel, entered the courtroom. Everyone at the public prosecutor’s table, the defendant’s bench, the defense counsel’s table, and in the public gallery stood up, their expressions solemn. Zhang Qingyuan and the others, however, looked visibly excited.

"Today, regarding Liu Qiao’s appeal in the second instance, this court has conducted a detailed hearing and has now ascertained all facts of the case."

"Over the past six years, Liu Qiao engaged in illegal business activities in several locations within Jin City. He opened pharmacies and colluded with doctors from Sanhe Hospital and three other hospitals, using their positions to promote health products sold in his pharmacies."

"The pharmacies achieved astounding monthly sales, accumulating profits totaling 160 million yuan over six years—an exceptionally large sum."

"Furthermore, 130 million yuan of this amount was laundered in an attempt to conceal and disguise the illicit origin of the funds."

"The facts of this case are clear, the chain of evidence is complete, and there are no ambiguities. In accordance with Articles 191 and 389 of the Criminal Law, Liu Qiao is found guilty of money laundering and bribery."

"The verdict is as follows:

Liu Qiao is sentenced to ten years of fixed-term imprisonment for money laundering, with confiscation of the proceeds from the crime.

Liu Qiao is sentenced to fifteen years of fixed-term imprisonment for bribery, with confiscation of all his property.

Cumulatively, for both offenses, Liu Qiao is sentenced to twenty years of fixed-term imprisonment and confiscation of all his property."

"This judgment is final."

The solemn declaration of the sentence echoed throughout the courtroom. After it was finished, the court suddenly fell silent for a few seconds.

In the public gallery, Zhang Qingyuan and the others exchanged glances. Clearly, they were dissatisfied with this predictable verdict.

Meanwhile, at the defendant’s bench, Liu Qiao’s expression crumbled; he slumped into his chair, looking dejected. The twenty-year fixed-term imprisonment, just as he had dreaded, was now a reality!

Throughout the trial, he had foreseen this outcome. But as the sentence was handed down, hearing his sentence read and looking at the written judgment, his vision seemed to blacken. His future was bleak. No, to be precise, he had no future left.

He was forty years old this year. This meant that after serving twenty years in prison, he would only be released at sixty! The wealth he had toiled for years to accumulate was also to be entirely confiscated. By the time he got out, he wouldn’t even know how to live.

His lawyer, who had failed in the defense, consoled him from the side, "Actually, you don’t need to worry. Being sentenced to twenty years doesn’t mean you have to serve the full twenty years. After you enter prison, there are still many opportunities for sentence reduction. If you seize these opportunities, you could even be out in ten years."

Liu Qiao’s expression brightened at this, and he quickly asked, "Can it be reduced by that much?"

Twenty years, reduced by half! If he only had to serve ten years, that wouldn’t be entirely unbearable.

"Of course, you can," the lawyer nodded. He felt rather guilty for failing to secure a lighter sentence in this defense, so he continued, "According to sentence administration regulations, there are six opportunities for sentence reduction while serving time."

Quickly, before the judicial police could escort Liu Qiao away, the lawyer detailed the six opportunities for sentence reduction.

"First, if you prevent other individuals from committing major crimes. If you stop other criminal activities within the prison, your sentence should be reduced. Opportunities like this are rare, unless you uncover fellow inmates plotting escape, murder, intentional injury, or similar serious offenses. Generally speaking, though, everyone in prison wants to reform; it’s rare for inmates to be desperate enough to commit further crimes while incarcerated."

"Second, reporting major criminal activities—either inside or outside the prison—that are subsequently verified. This mainly pertains to reporting criminal activities that haven’t yet come to light. If your report is investigated, proven true, and leads to a conviction, you should be granted a sentence reduction."

Isn’t this... like a recruitment drive for the prison? Liu Qiao couldn’t help but swallow hard upon hearing this. He, a self-proclaimed marketing genius, couldn’t help but feel this rule was essentially a prison recruitment drive. It was remarkably similar to business strategies for acquiring new customers and boosting activity, all to prevent the prison from being filled with only ’old users.’

"Third, making significant inventions or technological innovations."

The lawyer glanced at Liu Qiao and said offhandedly, "You probably don’t stand much chance with this one." Based on his understanding of the client, while Liu Qiao might have a knack for business, he was completely clueless about inventions or technological innovations. It was unlikely he could get a sentence reduction on this ground.

"Fourth, if you risk your own life to save others during daily production activities or in everyday situations, and this is verified, your sentence should be reduced."