What is the legal assumption about a person after they are charged with a crime?

The correct response is that a person charged with a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. This legal principle, known as the presumption of innocence, is a fundamental aspect of criminal law and ensures that individuals are treated as though they have not committed a crime until the prosecution presents sufficient evidence to prove otherwise. This principle protects the rights of defendants and is central to the justice system, reinforcing the idea that the burden of proof lies with the state.

While having the right to a fair trial is also essential, it is a procedural right that supports the presumption of innocence but does not explicitly address the legal status of the accused. The presumption of guilt would contradict the established legal norms and rights afforded to individuals in a democratic society. Detaining someone indefinitely does not align with the principles of justice and due process, as individuals can only be held for a limited time under specific legal conditions. Thus, the accurate understanding of the legal assumption regarding someone charged with a crime is that they are innocent until proven guilty.