Define 'affirmative defenses' in probation hearings.

Affirmative defenses in probation hearings refer to legal arguments that provide justification or excuses for an offender's failure to comply with the terms of their probation. This means that the offender acknowledges the noncompliance but presents a valid reason or circumstance that may warrant leniency or a different outcome during the hearing. Such defenses could include factors like mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or other personal circumstances that influenced the offender's ability to adhere to probation requirements.

Understanding affirmative defenses is crucial in the context of probation hearings, as they give the offender an opportunity to explain their situation and potentially avoid harsher penalties, even though they accept responsibility for their actions. This differentiates them from the mere contesting of evidence, where the offender may dispute the validity of the claims against them without offering a context for their behavior.