When you are accused of a crime, it can seem like you have no control over your situation. The criminal justice system and the process can be confusing, and it can sometimes feel like a waiting game when you are in the middle of criminal proceedings. While you might have limited control over your situation when you are accused of a crime, there are certain rights that you do have. The United States Constitution guarantees specific rights to each and every U.S. citizen if they are ever accused of a crime. These rights were granted to citizens to ensure that each person has the same chance of a fair trial. It is important to understand your rights if you are facing any type of criminal charge in California.
The Presumption of Innocence
When you are accused of a crime, you are presumed to be innocent. In California, the burden is on the state to prove that you are guilty of the crime for which you have been charged. This is where the widely known phrase “innocent until proven guilty” comes from. Going along with your right to presumed innocence, the prosecution must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which was put into place to try to prevent people from being incriminated on insufficient evidence.
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