§ 135.125 Examination of defendant’s witnesses

If a defendant decides not to make a statement, or after they finish making one, the court moves on to hear from the defendant's own witnesses. Any witnesses the defendant brings forward must first take an oath to tell the truth. Once sworn in, they can be questioned as part of the case.

This step gives the defendant a chance to present their side of the story through other people who can speak on their behalf. It happens after the defendant has had their own opportunity to speak or to stay silent. The process helps make sure the defendant's evidence and witnesses get a fair hearing in court, just like the evidence brought by the other side.