(a) A defendant planning to offer evidence of the insanity defense must file with the court a notice of the defendant’s intention to offer that evidence.
(b) The notice must:
(1) contain a certification that a copy of the notice has been served on the attorney representing the state; and
(2) be filed at least 20 days before the date the case is set for trial, except as described by Subsection (c).

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Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 46C.051

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(c) If before the 20-day period the court sets a pretrial hearing, the defendant shall give notice at the hearing.