But let's be honest rather than clever. The simple straightforward reading of the passage affirms the latter - the little horn is on trial, not the saints. Consider these points. Right from the beginning Daniel's attention is riveted on the four beasts and the little horn. He observes their oppressive and persecuting activities.
Nothing is said about the sins of the saints.
Daniel is never asked to consider the spiritual condition of God's people. He only sees how abused they are by these hostile kingdoms. In fact, over seventy percent of Daniel 7 deals with the fourth beast and the little horn. The first three beasts are just warm-ups leading to the main show. The little horn is crushed and the saints are delivered.