The standard of evidence used for criminal cases in Joliet and Will County Illinois is beyond a reasonable doubt. In order to validate a criminal conviction the state as prosecutor bears the burden of proving all material facts beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the proposition being presented by the prosecution must be proven to the extent that there could be no reasonable doubt in the mind of a reasonable person that the defendant is guilty.
The standard “beyond a reasonable doubt” means, there is no other logical explanation that can derived from the facts except that the defendant committed the crime. By proving a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt the prosecution has overcome the presumption of innocence that every citizen in Joliet and Will County, Illinois have.
Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof used in the courts of Will County, Illinois. The term requires that evidence establishes a particular point to a moral certainty and that it is beyond dispute that any reasonable alternative is possible. It does not mean that no doubt exists as to the accused’s guilt, but only that no reasonable doubt is possible from the evidence presented.
In Joliet and Will County, Illinois, juries must be instructed to apply the reasonable doubt standard when determining the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant. If you have any questions or concerns about the reasonable doubt standard in Illinois as it relates to your specific situation, contact an experienced attorney at Hamilton & Antonsen at 815.729.9220 to set up a free consultation.