Chapter 754 - 348: Lawyer Takes Over, Mike’s Unique Skill

Chapter 754: Chapter 348: Lawyer Takes Over, Mike’s Unique Skill

"What method?"

"The Coast Guard is also a government department, buddy. Their budget is tight, and their equipment is outdated. There’s always something that needs funds."

"I’ve heard that the Fort Lauderdale unit is currently looking to purchase several new thermal imaging drones for their sea rescue project, but they’ve been short on budget."

"So, if you or one of your anonymous friends are willing to donate fifty thousand US Dollars to the ’Coast Guard Search and Rescue Foundation’ as a concerned citizen..."

"Do you believe that by tomorrow morning, they’ll consider tracking down a boat that poses a threat to public safety as their top priority, requiring them to allocate all resources immediately?"

Marcus laughed, "Not only will they handle the case, but they’ll do it swiftly and efficiently, showing all taxpayers just how much their money is worth."

"They might even invite the local TV stations to interview and showcase how they use the latest equipment to enforce the law efficiently."

Lin Yu’an couldn’t help but laugh too; he understood that this wasn’t bribery but an investment in justice.

"I understand, Marcus. Thank you very much for your information and advice."

"You’re welcome, buddy. Remember, in Florida, money can’t solve all problems, but it can solve most."

"The remaining small portion is usually because you haven’t spent enough." Marcus finished with a cheerful laugh and hung up the phone.

Lin Yu’an didn’t take immediate action. He sat quietly on the sofa, going over the information and suggestions Marcus provided in his mind.

Mobilizing the Coast Guard to enforce the law efficiently is just the first step; the goal is to subject the perpetrator to legal punishment.

The second step involves civil accountability and compensation. This requires a true professional to handle.

He found a name in an encrypted group on his phone’s contact list — David Chen.

David Chen is a Chinese-American lawyer currently responsible for handling legal and financial matters for his farm.

Lin Yu’an dialed his number; despite it being late at night, the call was almost instantly answered.

"Boss? What happened?" David’s voice was as calm and capable as always.

"David, I need to consult on some legal issues about Florida."

Lin Yu’an concisely narrated the maritime incident that happened that afternoon and the information he just acquired.

David listened quietly, occasionally interrupting to ask about critical details.

Such as "the specific value of the damaged equipment," "whether there’s a medical record for your hand injury," "whether the live broadcast clearly captured the other party’s facial features," etc.

After hearing the full narration, David was silent for about half a minute, clearly constructing a legal model and litigation strategy in his head rapidly.

When he spoke again, his voice carried a hint of a lawyer’s characteristic excitement upon smelling blood!

"Boss, we can play this very big."

"First, criminally," David spoke rapidly, his logic crystal clear.

"Their actions under Florida law already constitute reckless or negligent operation of a vessel, which resulted in bodily injury and property damage, a first-degree misdemeanor."

"If convicted, the driver could face up to a year in jail and a one thousand dollar fine, especially if they have similar prior offenses, the judge won’t be lenient in sentencing."

"Secondly, and most importantly, civilly." David’s voice became even more powerful.

"We have a perfect evidence chain: video evidence, testimonies from professional captains, and the personal injury and emotional trauma of you as a public figure."

"You can simultaneously sue the driver and the renter Kevin Parker."

He paused, seemingly calculating a number, "Regarding compensation, we can claim actual damages, including repair costs for the vessel, lost wages, and medical expenses."

"And punitive damages, given the malicious nature of their actions, we can ask the court to impose punitive damages far exceeding the actual losses, reaching at least six figures."

"Hold on," Lin Yu’an interrupted him, his voice colder than before, "David, the malice you mentioned might be even more serious than you think."

"Oh?"

"In the video, it’s very clear; when their boat cut across in front of us, at least four or five men and women on the deck were laughing and giving us the finger."

"A group of people?" David’s voice sounded again with an unavoidable excitement, like a shark smelling blood.

"Boss, this is enough to nab them all!"

"A group of people simultaneously making insulting gestures legally constitutes ’collective malice’ as perfect self-proving!"

"It completely crushes any possibility of the opposing lawyer proposing defenses of ’youth being playful,’ ’unintentional mistake’!"

"This is no longer merely a driving error; it’s a deliberate, insulting maritime attack involving a group!"

"With this evidence, criminally, the prosecutor can use it as an aggravating circumstance demanding heavier punishment on the principal offenders."

"Civilly, I’ll have an irrefutable reason to list all identifiable participants in the video as co-defendants! Sue them for joint infringement and intentional emotional damage!"

David asked finally, "Ultimately, it’s about what your goal is, whether to put them in jail, make them pay, or... openly apologize?"

Lin Yu’an looked at the deep blue sea outside the window, a flash of cold light in his eyes.