If the defendant in a criminal case relies upon a true affirmative defense that his or her acts come within one of the exceptions in the statute creating the offense:

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When the defendant relies on an affirmative defense, such as the exception in the statute creating the offense, the burden of proof shifts to the defendant to show that their conduct and mental state were appropriate to meet the elements of that defense. This is different from the prosecution's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which still applies to all elements of the crime.

If the Defendant in a Criminal Case Relies Upon a True