Arizona statute
A.R.S. § 13-117 — Defendant as witness; no comment on failure to testify
Current through 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)
Part of Chapter 1: General Provisions, Arizona Revised Statutes.
Full text of A.R.S. § 13-117
Statutory text current through the 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025). This publication reproduces the official statutory text published by the Arizona Legislature (Arizona Legislative Council compilation, azleg.gov); it is not the official statutes of the State of Arizona.
A. A defendant in a criminal action or proceeding shall not be compelled to be a witness against himself, but may be a witness in his own behalf. If he offers himself as a witness in his own behalf, he may be cross-examined to the same extent and subject to the same rules as any other witness.
B. The defendant's neglect or refusal to be a witness in his own behalf shall not in any manner prejudice him, or be used against him on the trial or proceedings.
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This reference is informational and is not legal advice.