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As in
all criminal trials, the State will present its case first by
calling witnesses to testify against you.
After prosecution witnesses have finished testifying, you have the
right to cross-examine. In other words, you may ask the witnesses
questions about their testimony or any other facts relevant to the
case. You may not, however, argue with the witness. Your
cross-examination of the witness must be in the form of questions
only. You may not tell your version of the incident at this time—you
will have an opportunity to do so later in the trial.
After the prosecution has presented its case, you may present your
case. You have the right to call any witness who knows anything
about the incident. The State has the right to cross-examine any
witness that you call.
If you so desire, you may testify in your own behalf, but as a
defendant, you may not be compelled to testify. It is your choice,
and your silence cannot be used against you. If you do testify, the
State has the right to cross-examine you.
After all testimony is concluded, both sides can make a closing
argument. This is your opportunity to tell the court why you think
that you are not guilty of the offense charged. The State has the
right to present the first and last arguments. The closing argument
may be based only on the testimony presented during the trial.
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