Defense attorney Eric Nelson apologized in advance for being "long-winded" in his closing argument. He reminded the jury that Chauvin is "presumed innocent" and that presumption remains with him "until and unless the state has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt." "The defendant does not have to prove his innocence," Nelson emphasized. "The highest standard in this country is proof beyond a reasonable doubt." He told the jury that to convict, they would have to find that "any defense that has been advanced is unreasonable." Nelson urged the jury to carefully read the entire set of instructions given to them by the judge.