Which statement correctly describes the presumption of innocence in municipal courts?

Which statement correctly describes the presumption of innocence in municipal courts?

• A. In municipal courts all persons are presumed guilty until proven innocent.
• B. In municipal courts all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
• C. Defendants are presumed innocent only after arrest.
• D. The presumption of innocence applies only in felonies.

Answer: (B)

Presumption of innocence means a person is treated as not guilty until the government proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In municipal courts this protection applies to every criminal case they handle, including Class C misdemeanors. The state's burden is to present sufficient evidence to overcome reasonable doubt; the defendant bears no obligation to prove innocence. This presumption applies from the moment charges are filed and continues through the trial, regardless of arrest, and it covers both felonies and misdemeanors.

Presumption of innocence means a person is treated as not guilty until the government proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In municipal courts this protection applies to every criminal case they handle, including Class C misdemeanors. The state's burden is to present sufficient evidence to overcome reasonable doubt; the defendant bears no obligation to prove innocence. This presumption applies from the moment charges are filed and continues through the trial, regardless of arrest, and it covers both felonies and misdemeanors.