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Matthew B. Wallin, Esq. earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of CA, Santa Barbara.  He earned his juris doctorate at Chapman University Law School.  He works as a criminal defense attorney for Wallin & Klarich in Tustin, CA, specializing in Criminal Defense, Juvenile Criminal Defense and DMV Matters.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

In a criminal case, the accused is presumed innocent until the government, through the Prosecution, proves a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in criminal cases is emotionally and practically difficult to apply because it forces a juror to go against the normal instinct of a logical mind. "Beyond a reasonable doubt" tells a juror that even if the Government is probably right, or most likely right, a vote must be cast against the Government and for the defense attorneys.

Proof Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is not clearly defined in the Jury Instructions or Penal Code provided at the conclusion of a criminal trial.  A common definition of proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves a juror with an abiding conviction that the charge is true; however, the evidence presented need not eliminate all possible doubt.  During jury deliberation, a juror must have the ability and willingness to impartially compare and consider all the evidence that was received throughout the entire trial.  Unless the evidence proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he is entitled to an acquittal and a juror has a duty to find him not guilty.

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Matthew B. Wallin, Attorney At Law
Matt.Wallin@wklaw.com
(888) 749-0034