At a criminal defense trial, the accused person does not have to prove anything; the entire burden of proof is on the prosecutor. The prosecution must show that, based on all the evidence, the defendant’s guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt.

If there is any reasonable doubt that a criminal defendant did not commit the crime with which he or she has been charged, then the verdict must be “not guilty.” Note that giving a verdict of “not guilty” is not the same as stating that the defendant is innocent; it merely means that not enough evidence was properly presented to the court to prove guilt beyond all reasonable doubt.

Courts have complex rules about what types of evidence may be presented and how the evidence may be brought out in criminal cases, especially in jury trials. These rules are designed to ensure that evidence presented at trials is relevant, reliable and not prejudicial against the defendant. If you are a defendant in a criminal case, you need a Denver Attorney to interpret these rules, and to ensure that they are enforced.

(Source: “West’s Legal Environment of Business,” Fourth Edition)

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Bill Peters has practiced law in the State of Colorado for over twenty five years.  He has practiced in all municipal, county and district courts throughout the State. Bill started his legal career as a clerk to the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court where he was very involved in the State’s most complicated and significant legal cases. During his career as a private criminal, immigration and DUI defense lawyer, he has handled and tried a wide range of state and federal criminal cases in Colorado.  His trial experience, along with a personal commitment to his clients, combine to offer the prospective client competent representation in a supportive, hands-on environment.  As a defense attorney, his philosophy is grounded in the strong belief that his clients should be fully informed about every aspect of their case as it progresses.