What must a defendant do to raise an affirmative defense under the Texas CCP?

To successfully raise an affirmative defense under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a defendant must formally plead that affirmative defense in their written answer. This step is essential because it not only notifies the prosecution of the defense being asserted but also establishes the defense's presence as part of the legal proceedings.

By including the affirmative defense in the written answer, the defendant is ensuring that the court acknowledges this defense and allows for the opportunity to argue it during the trial. This formal pleading establishes the groundwork for why the defendant believes they should not be found liable for the charges, based on legal justifications or circumstances that could exonerate them.

While presenting evidence during the trial, requesting a hearing, or filing a motion to appeal may be related legal processes, none of these inherently establish or raise an affirmative defense in the critical first stage of the legal proceedings. Instead, they serve different functions in the legal process, which makes pleading the affirmative defense in the written answer the correct and necessary step.