Permanent Record
The goals of a person accused of a crime are fairly predictable. Stay out of jail, get help for whatever condition may have led to the situation, and minimize the long-term consequences.
Reasonable Doubt
A “reasonable doubt” is a real doubt, based on your reason and common sense after you’ve carefully and impartially considered all the evidence in the case. “Proof beyond a reasonable doubt” is proof so convincing that you would be willing to rely and act on it without hesitation in the most important of your own affairs.