Plot Synopsis

ACCUSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT? is a one-hour documentary series that follows the dramatic inside stories -- as they unfold -- of people facing trial for serious crimes they are alleged to have committed. The series offers an intimate account of what happens when someone is formally charged with a crime and sent to trial -- all solely from the perspective of the accused, their legal team and family members. Each episode follows the accused person's journey through the planning of their legal defense, the trial and, ultimately, the verdict. As evidence mounts and the trial approaches, these emotional stories provide a first-hand look at what it is like when your freedom is on the line.

The sophomore season of ACCUSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT? premiered on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT on A&E. Season 2 offers an account of what happens when someone is formally charged with a crime and sent to trial -- all solely from the perspective of the accused, their legal team and family members. Each episode follows the accused person's journey through the planning of their legal defense, the trial and, ultimately, awaiting the verdict. As evidence mounts and the trial approaches, these riveting and emotional stories provide an unprecedented look at what happens when your freedom is on the line. In the season opener, "Best Friend Killing or Self-Defense?," a retired coal miner shoots his best friend to death after a Christmas outing takes a terrible turn. Accused of manslaughter and facing 35 years in prison, this case sees the defense take on not just the prosecution -- but the failing memory of the accused. Reckless homicide or self-defense?

Season 3 of ACCUSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT? premiered on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E. Among the cases this season are: a veteran finds a wanted fugitive on his land and shoots him in the back. Was it murder or self-defense? A woman wakes to find her son dead; days later her boyfriend is found hanged with his final message claiming the mother wasn't to blame. Did she fail her child or was she an innocent mother? A bloody fight breaks out between friends during neighborhood drinks. Did he stab his neighbor or did he protect himself? A community is shocked when a man kills his partner of decades. Did he murder his wife or was he medically insane? In the season opener, "Deadly Veteran or Self-Protection?," a US veteran shoots a wanted fugitive in the back on his land -- murder or self-defense?

The fourth season of ACCUSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT? premiered on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E. Among the cases featured in the upcoming season are: a young man stabs another man who assaulted his brother and attempted to steal from their family-run gas station. Was it attempted murder or self-defense? Police reopen the cold case murder of a young Marine who was killed in a hotel room and charge the woman who was with him at the time. Is she the mastermind behind his death or an innocent victim? A man falls asleep while driving and kills a construction worker in the road. Was he a reckless driver or an innocent man with an undiagnosed medical condition? A traveling nurse is pulled over for a traffic violation in New Mexico and is arrested for felony burglary carried out in her home state of Ohio. Is she a thug for hire or innocent with a rock-solid alibi? In the season opener, "Screwdriver Stabbing or Defending My Family?," a young man stabs another man who assaulted his brother and attempted to steal from their family-run gas station.

Season 5 of ACCUSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT? premiered on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 10pm ET/PT on A&E. Each episode continues to follow the accused person's journey through the planning of their legal defense, their appearances in court, and, ultimately, awaiting justice. As evidence mounts and the trial approaches, these riveting and emotional stories provide an unprecedented look at what happens when your freedom is on the line. In the season opener, "Protective Mother or Vigilante Murderer?," when a mother learns her daughter has been abused by the teenager's estranged father, the police are called. But, before the investigation can gather speed, the father visits unexpectedly. A row ensues and the father is shot dead. Is she a mother protecting her children -- or an angry killer?
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On Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT, A&E premiered the sixth season of ACCUSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT? In the season opener, "Murdered My Boss or Innocent Employee?," after a construction company boss is found shot dead in his office in 2005, no arrests are made. An employee helps police with their investigations. He says he'd been bound and gagged by a gang just before the shooting. But 14 years later police charge him with murder. Is he a cold-blooded murderer or an innocent employee?