13-117. Defendant as witness; no comment on
failure to testify


A. A defendant in a criminal action or proceeding shall not be compelled to be a
witness against himself, but may be a witness in his own behalf. If he offers himself as
a witness in his own behalf, he may be cross-examined to the same extent and subject to
the same rules as any other witness.


B. The defendant's neglect or refusal to be a witness in his own behalf shall not
in any manner prejudice him, or be used against him on the trial or proceedings.