At the trial, the judge or a jury of citizens will decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. First, the State will present its evidence, which may include your testimony. Then the defense will present its evidence. Attorneys for each side will have a chance to ask questions of every witness.
The burden of proof is on the State to prove the defendant’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden is designed to be difficult so that innocent people will not be found guilty. The State cannot carry the burden of proof without the effective cooperation of victims/witnesses.
