What does it mean if the defendant is found not guilty?

A jury or judge must decide the case based upon legally admissible evidence. You may think that a “not guilty” verdict is wrong. Remember that the defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A “not guilty” verdict does not mean that the defendant is “innocent.”

In Texas jury trials, the determination that the defendant is “guilty” or “not guilty” must be unanimous. If the verdict is not unanimous, the jury is "hung" and the defendant may be tried again.