Carlos A. Arias v. State

OPINION

Martha Hill Jamison, Justice

We must decide whether the State, in its burden to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, must negate every exception to the requirement for a driver to establish financial responsibility. Concluding applicability of the exceptions to such requirement is a defense and the inapplicability thereof is not an element of the offense, we affirm appellant Carlos A. Arias’ conviction for failure to establish financial responsibility.

Background

An officer observed appellant speeding in his car and pulled him over. The officer asked appellant for proof of financial…