KUALA LUMPUR: A lawyer claimed trial at the magistrate's court today to providing his client with a fraudulent protection order in August last year.
Adly Zulfadhly Zulkefly, 29, entered his plea after the charge was read out to him before magistrate M. S. Arunjothy.
The charge read that he had dishonestly committed the act by handing over to his client, 36, the forged document dated Aug 3, 2023.
He committed the offence at the compound of the Federal Territory Syariah Court in August last year.
The offence under Section 471 of the Penal Code is punishable under Section 465 of the same code.
Adly faces a maximum two-year jail term and a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Vivi'Asnita Zaina'Larifin offered an RM10,000 bail to secure Adly's attendance in court.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Azlina Abdul Aziz asked for a minimum bail.
"He gave his cooperation during investigations. His father is a trader with unstable income and he has two younger siblings who are still studying," he said.
Adly had also mitigated for himself by asking for a bail less than RM5,000, taking into consideration that he is a lawyer and had cooperated with the investigating officer.
"Please consider my economic situation and poor money flow. That is all my family can afford," he said.
However, Vivi'Asnita objected to the low bail sum, stating that Adly was no longer a lawyer.
"I have a confirmation from the Bar Council that the accused's practising certificate was only valid in 2023 and he last practised as a lawyer in February the same year."
She objected to Adly's contention that there has been an update on his status as a lawyer.
Arunjothy set bail at RM3,500 with one surety and set Feb 5 for mention.