United states tax collector

"All rise!"

While thinking, a shout from the court staff brought everyone back to their senses, and then some stood up and some returned to their seats.

In the passage, Nicola, who was wearing a judge's robe, came out, came to the stage and sat down, and then announced: "This trial has begun, bring the defendant!"

In the passage on the other side, Zhuli and other big names were taken out one by one by the inspectors from the Western Suburbs Branch.

Unlike most of the defendants that David had sanctioned before, the defendants in the past were either ashen-faced or panicked when they came here.

After these big names were brought out, they not only acted calmly, but even greeted some celebrities and friends present. From this, it can be seen that they are indeed top performers, and their expressions are really well managed. It's top notch.

Wait for the big shots to come to the dock one by one.

Nicola on the stage looked at Julie first and asked: "The defendant, Ms. Zhuli, is now suspected of being involved in a tax evasion case. Do you know or have any impressions?"

"Your Honor, I, Zhu Li, have been in the movie industry for so many years, and I have never been in arrears with the IRS for even one day, let alone such an illegal crime as tax evasion!"

Zhuli retorted immediately.

Her attorney, Kaili, also immediately added: "Your Honor, these are my client's tax records. They are all recorded in the book. Please take a look!"

The court personnel at the scene immediately presented the information book to the stage, and Nicola also looked at it carefully.

After about seven or eight minutes, she closed the information book and turned to look at David in the auditorium: "Now we invite the accuser, Director David of the Western Suburbs Bureau, to come up and make a statement!"

David stood up from his seat, adjusted his suit, came to the audience, and said, "Your Honor, I want to invite my first witness!"

"permit!"

In the passage, an old man in his 60s was brought out by the inspector from the Western Suburbs Bureau and came to the witness stand.

When Zhuli saw the old man in the dock, her expression showed a hint of surprise. She always felt that she had seen this man before, but for a while she couldn't remember where she had seen him.

"What's wrong, Ms. Zhuli?"

As a top lawyer, Carey must always control the details of the court. When he saw something strange about his client Zhuli, he had to ask vigilantly.

Zhuli murmured back: "I seem to have seen this person before, but I can't remember it for a while..."

"..."

As the two of them were whispering here.

The old man on the witness stand spoke up and said: "Your Honor, my name is Temple Morgan, and I used to work on a film crew!"

"The crew?"

She said that she seemed to have seen this person there. It wouldn't be surprising if he was a member of the crew.

But then again, why did Director David bring the crew here?

For a moment, Zhuli's expression became uncertain.

While thinking about it, Temple on the witness stand said: "Your Honor, what I want to say is something far away. It is about an incident in 1992."

Hearing what Temple said, most of the spectators at the scene were stunned. It was 20 years ago in 1992. Why is this witness talking so far?

In the dock, the calm look on Zhu Li's face gradually dissipated, as if she had recalled something.

"Although it's a long time ago, as long as what you say is true, you can tell it!"

Hearing Nicola's agreement, Temple nodded and continued: "In 1992, I was a director's assistant. At that time, transfers and remittances were not as convenient as they are today. Of course, there are also some reasons, so some Producers and investors prefer to use cash for transactions, and one of the producers of a crew called [The Shadowless Terminator] that I was on at the time used cash for transactions..."

After hearing this, Zhuli seemed to think of something, and an undetectable solemnity flashed across her pupils.

Carey, who was on the side, naturally felt that something was wrong. He immediately interrupted: "Your Honor, I protest that the witness spoke at such a long length about things that have nothing to do with this case, and it is so long ago. Even if it is true, there is no way to tell the truth. Research, so the reference significance is not great!”

"Lawyer Carey, didn't you hear the witness say that the transaction at that time was conducted in cash? You also know that when it comes to transactions involving cash, it is particularly important whether the taxes have been paid, and [The End of the Shadowless Ending] [Publisher] This movie was co-starred by your client, Ms. Zhuli, which is by no means irrelevant to this case!"

Of course David would not just watch him perform, but also stood up to refute.

"Since [Shadowless Terminator] involves Ms. Zhuli's participation, it cannot be considered irrelevant to this case. Witness, please continue talking!"

Nicola on the stage also dismissed Kaili's protest. Although Kaili was unwilling, he could only grit his teeth and shut his mouth.

"Yes, your honor!"

Temple collected his thoughts and continued: "Director David also said just now that [The Shadowless Terminator] involves Ms. Zhuli. This is indeed true. Ms. Zhuli not only served as the heroine in this movie, but also At the same time, this is also the first movie she has participated in in her career!"

"What happened at the time was that the producer brought a sum of money to the crew, about 1 million U.S. dollars, and he used this money to pay us wages and bonuses!"

At this point, the context has gradually become clear.

That was the movie "Terminator". The producer at that time used cash to make transactions with the crew.

And in that era when supervision and laws were not perfect, and it was still in the film and television industry, you could basically say that you understood everything, and it was very likely that it was involved in money laundering and tax evasion!

It's just something that makes everyone feel a little incredible.

That was 1992, 20 years ago. How dare David find out about something so far back?

Even if the matter is true, it is so long ago. Is it really possible to find the evidence to convict?

And relying solely on the testimony of this witness is definitely not enough!

"In other words, the wages and bonuses paid to you by this fund have not gone through the IRS tax system?"

This testimony alone was not enough to convict Zhuli of tax evasion, so Nicola on the stage continued to ask questions.

"No sir, [Terminator] is a movie that is going to theaters after all. How could it escape supervision? As far as I know, the money was indeed taxed, but it is somewhat inconsistent with the taxes we reported. , seems to be missing a bit!”

As soon as Temple said this, the scene immediately caused an uproar.

If what Charles said is true, Zhuli may really be suspected of tax evasion.

"Your Honor, I object!"

Carey couldn't sit still. He stood up and retorted: "In our tax records, you can see that the tax for the movie [Terminator] is very detailed. I don't understand this Mr. Temple." Where does the basis for paying less come from? Is it just based on your words?"

"And it's been a long time, can you guarantee that there are no discrepancies in what you remember? Maybe you just want to gain fame or for some reason, you just want to label my client randomly!"

Carey's words are indeed reasonable. The tax records of the movie "Terminator" are indeed recorded.

As long as it is recorded, it proves that Zhuli has indeed paid taxes.

As for what Temple said about underpayment, where does the basis come from?

Or do you think you should pay less if you say you pay less?

"Your Honor, I didn't blame you randomly. You can see my tax records. For the movie "Terminator," I personally received a salary bonus of 6,000 US dollars. According to the tax rate, I had to pay about 600 US dollars. But you will know if you check it, there is only 300 US dollars in my record, where did the other 300 US dollars go?"

Temple again stood up in defense.

Carey seemed to have grasped the key point at this time, and suddenly asked: "Wait a minute, Mr. Temple, you mean that you received a salary and bonus of 6,000 US dollars, of which you only paid 300 US dollars in taxes. Do you admit that you Evaded $300 in taxes?"

"This...is indeed an escape, but this matter has nothing to do with me..."

Before Temple could continue, Carey interrupted directly. “Your Honor, you see that Mr. Temple has voluntarily admitted to tax evasion, which proves that he is a tax evader. I think you should try him first. And do you think the testimony of a tax evader can be accepted? "

have to say.

Carey's ability to become America's top lawyer depends on his skills, and his ability to change topics is even more remarkable.

Temple, who was originally a witness, was instantly labeled as a prisoner.

In this case, there is a legal reason why the testimony of the other party cannot be accepted.

Carey's words shocked Temple. After all, he was just an ordinary person. In such a high-profile court, how could he withstand the offensive pressure of such a top lawyer.

The same was true for Nicola on the stage, because Kaili's question was legally justified. Of course, she couldn't forcefully reject it in front of so many people. In the end, she could only turn her attention to David.

However, David did not panic. He was well prepared and said calmly: "Your Honor, even if Mr. Temple evaded taxes, his testimony may not be inadmissible. Just like in some criminal cases, could the prisoner become a stain?" After becoming a witness, can’t what he said be accepted?”

At this time, Nicola on the stage was awakened. Seeing that David's answer was also legally sound, she immediately turned to look at Kaili and said: "Lawyer Kaili, what Director David said It makes sense. Even if Mr. Temple is involved in tax evasion, that is a matter between him and our IRS, and has nothing to do with Ms. Zhuli's case. And his testimony this time can be regarded as a tainted witness. A manifestation of!”

Kaili's face darkened slightly, and then defended: "Your Honor, I still said the same thing. Twenty years have passed since then. It is too long ago. The testimony of the witness alone is not convincing enough. Unless he has substantial evidence!"

What Kaili said was not a quibble.

If a tax evasion case that occurred nearly twenty years ago could be convicted based on just one witness at the time, it would indeed be unconvincing.

Who knows if the witness remembered it correctly?

Who can prove that the witness remembers correctly?

Carey's defense was also supported by many celebrities present. It is ridiculous to convict an international superstar based on the testimony of just one witness!

Of course Nicola at the scene knew very well that the witness testimony at this stage still could not convict Zhuli of tax evasion, so she could only look at David again.

"Your Honor, Lawyer Carey's rebuttal does make some sense..."

David's words made everyone at the scene a little confused.

Co-author: Didn't your Western Suburbs Branch want to accuse Zhuli of tax evasion, and now you actually say that her lawyer's words are reasonable?

Are you rebelling in court?

But before everyone could figure it out.

What David said next made them suddenly realize, but they were also surprised. .

David said: "But your honor, since Attorney Carey has denied Mr. Temple's testimony, it doesn't matter. We can just ask another witness from the time to come forward and tell the story!"

"There are witnesses..."

These words caused shock in the auditorium again.

Kaili here frowned and cast doubtful and slightly dissatisfied eyes on Zhuli aside.

At this time, Zhuli's face was not much better than Kaili's. She seemed to have completely remembered what happened at that time, but she still remained silent.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, another witness in the passage was brought to the witness stand by the inspector from the Western Suburbs Branch.

"Your Honor, my name is Parker Mitchell. In 1992, I served as the acting assistant director of [Terminator]!"

After arriving at the witness stand, the witness introduced himself.

Nicola on the stage immediately replied: "Okay Mr. Parker, is there anything you want to say?"

"some."

Parker glanced at David first, then turned to look at Zhuli, and asked: "Ms. Zhuli, do you still remember me?"

Zhuli's eyes flickered and she replied: "[Shadowless Terminator] happened 20 years ago. Sorry, I don't quite recognize it."

No one thought there was a problem with what she said. After all, it happened 20 years ago, and the so-called witness was just an actor and assistant director. How could a big shot like Zhuli still remember it.

"It doesn't matter if you don't remember, but as long as I still remember you, Ms. Zhuli."

Parker withdrew his gaze, turned to look at Nicola on the stage and said, "Your Honor, what I want to say is that the 1992 film [The Shadowless Terminator] was actually used to launder money from top to bottom!"

Parker's words were groundbreaking and made many people in the auditorium feel numb.

If, as Parker said, this film is used to launder money, it will not only involve tax evasion cases, but also judicial cases.

As the heroine who participated in the film, Zhu Li, let’s not say whether this incident has anything to do with her, but an internationally renowned debut film has turned into a money laundering film, and the scandal is inevitable.

"Your Honor, I seriously object to the testimony of the witness. The witness is just an actor and assistant director. How could he know that this movie was involved in money laundering? This kind of illogical slander is really ridiculous!"

Of course, Kaili couldn't let the situation continue to develop, and stood up to defend himself indignantly.

And Parker was not to be outdone, and said loudly: "What slander, don't talk about this matter to me. Many people on the crew knew it at that time. After all, no producer would come to the crew with large sums of cash all day long, for fear that the money would There’s so much you can’t use up…”

"etc……"

Before Parker could finish speaking, Carey interrupted and asked: "If this movie is involved in money laundering, then why did Temple also say before that you underreported your taxes by half, why didn't you declare more?" Can’t we wash more?”

"Let me answer this question for you, Lawyer Carey."

This time it was David's turn to speak out, and he continued: "Because based on the price comparison in 1992, their salary at that time was actually twice the market price, so they must underreport half of the tax amount, otherwise it will trigger an investigation." Yes, but these expenses can be declared together with the total cost of the film after the filming is completed, which is why many criminals like to use movies to launder money!"

After David's explanation, Kaili was silent for a while.

The people watching at the scene were suddenly enlightened and fell into a thoughtful state.

"Okay, even if this movie involves money laundering, my client, who was just a fledgling actor at the time, didn't know this. Isn't this normal?"

Kaili decided not to be entangled in the issue of money laundering or not. As long as Zhuli didn't know about it, the IRS still couldn't convict her according to the fact that those who don't know are not guilty.

"No, Ms. Zhuli is not only aware of it, I even have reason to think that he is also involved!"

"Protest Your Honor! The witness is slandering!"

"Whether it's slander or not, doesn't Ms. Zhuli know best? After all, the producer at that time was quite willing to spend money on Ms. Zhuli..."

"Ahem!"

David interrupted the slightly agitated Parker with a cough. According to his original intention, he wanted to take Zhu Li and others to court, get some fines, and then implicate the eight major Hollywood film companies. I don’t really mean to have a bitter feud with these big names.

But now Parker is getting more and more angry as he talks, which obviously conflicts with the results he wants.

At this time, Parker also realized that he had made a mistake under the pressure of the other party's lawyer, and quickly cast an apologetic look at David.

But no matter what, Parker's words still made many people in the auditorium feel dumbfounded.

Are the producers willing to spend money on Zhu Li?

This sentence contains too much information.

Doesn't that mean that when Zhuli first debuted, she was involved in some unspoken transactions?

Although in the film and television industry, this is a completely normal thing.

But now Zhuli is an international first-line movie star, and she is still in court with countless people watching. How can she get off the stage?