The presumption of innocence is an important constitutional right guaranteed to everyone accused of a crime. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a jury or judge determines whether someone is guilty of a crime. All people, including those on this website, who are charged with crimes must be presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court. In our country, all persons must receive a fair trial regardless of how heinous the alleged crime. It is unfair for a prosecutor to attempt to convince you that someone is guilty of a crime before a trial or a case has been completed. Some people are charged with crimes but ultimately found not guilty.