AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
JUSTIFICATION
IGNORANCE OF FACT
VOLUNTARY INTOXICATION
IGNORANCE OF LAW
EXCUSE
INFANCY DEFENSE
DURESS
BURDEN OF PROOF
INVOLUNTARY INTOXICATION
Compelled to commit a crime. Has to show that reasonably believed there was a threat or harm, coercion or menace that caused significant fear and therefore caused them to act.
defendant has to produce evidence demonstrating their special circumstances or excuses and convince the fact finders (jury or judge) they should be forgiven or exonerated.
willingly taking drugs or alcohol and committing wrongdoing. Does not excuse criminal responsibility. Cannot negate recklessness or negligence.
A specific type of defense that argues the defendant committed the act but did so because it was necessary
rests completely on the prosecution to prove the act, intent and body of the crime
defendant mistakenly had a reasonable and honest belief about their action and it turned out to be a mistaken belief.
offenders under the age of 7 are not mentally and cognitively capable of forming the required criminal intent to commit a crime
Unknowingly consume drugs or alcohol and committing wrongdoing. Excused from criminal liability.
Unaware of a legal statute or law and violating it. Not excusable because the state assumes that citizens know the law.
A specific type of defense that forgives crime or reduces the degree of criminal responsibility
