In Texas, what must the state generally prove regarding a traffic offense?

In Texas, for the state to successfully prosecute a traffic offense, it must generally prove that the offense was committed by the defendant. This requirement is fundamental to the legal principle of personal responsibility, where the burden of proof rests on the state to establish that the individual in question engaged in the conduct that constitutes the violation. This determination ensures that the legal process is just and that individuals are only held accountable for their actions.

The other options, while they may relate to aspects of traffic offenses, do not encapsulate the core principle needed for prosecution. For instance, proving that the offense was reported by a witness does not inherently establish that the defendant committed the offense; the state must still link the defendant to the act. Similarly, proving that an offense occurred on public property does not absolve the necessity of demonstrating the defendant's involvement. Finally, the classification of the violation as minor or major is secondary to establishing personal responsibility for the offense in question. Thus, the focus on the defendant's actions is essential for the state in securing a successful prosecution.