Section 17-12a503 - Evidentiary burden(a)Civil. In a civil action or administrative proceeding under this act, a person claiming an exemption, exception, preemption, or exclusion has the burden to prove the applicability of the claim.(b)Criminal. In a criminal proceeding under this act, a person claiming an exemption, exception, preemption, or exclusion has the burden of going forward with evidence of the claim. L. 2004, ch. 154, § 32; 7/1/2005.