For a criminal case in Texas, the State has the highest burden of proof meaning the State’s burden is to prove the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The lowest burden of proof in our justice system is reasonable suspicion. Police officers need reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed in order to detain a citizen. In order to arrest, a police officer needs probable cause.

The second highest burden of proof is used in family cases. This standard of proof is called clear and convincing evidence. Example; if the government wants to remove a child or terminate an individuals parental rights, the State of Texas must prove with clear and convincing evidence that the child is in danger.

Most juries would require a high degree of proof before they would be willing to declare that a parent was unfit to care for their child.

In either case it’s highly recommended to hire a defense lawyer or criminal defense lawyer to represent you in a court of law.