The accusation came first; then the speech in defence; after that the evidence, which was offered only on the side of the accuser, and which was subject to cross-examination.

Cicero would have no opportunity of producing evidence.

He was thus exempted from the necessity of proving his statements, but was subject to have them all disproved.

I think we may take it for granted that the property of the murdered man was divided as he tells us.
If that was so, why should any accusation have been made?
Our Sextus seems to have been too much crushed by the dangers of his position to have attempted to get back any part of his father's wealth.

He had betaken himself to the protection of a certain noble lady, one Metella, whose family had been his father's friends, and by her and her friends the defence was no doubt managed.