This Directive lays down common minimum rules concerning:
certain aspects of the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings;
the right to be present at the trial in criminal proceedings.
This Directive applies to natural persons who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings. It applies at all stages of the criminal proceedings, from the moment when a person is suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence, or an alleged criminal offence, until the decision on the final determination of whether that person has committed the criminal offence concerned has become definitive.