In general, a criminal conviction requires that the defendant act with a "guilty mind." The law typically requires that a defendant act intentionally in order to be guilty. It generally excuses unintentional conduct, but it often punishes reckless behavior. Look below for more about state-of-mind requirements in criminal law.
How Defendants' Mental States Affect Their Responsibility for a Crime
What makes a crime a crime?
General Intent Crimes vs. Specific Intent Crimes
With the overwhelming majority of crimes, defendants must act intentionally—or at least recklessly—in order to be guilty.
Can I Be Convicted of a Crime If I Didn't Know What I Did Was Illegal?
There are exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of crimes don’t require that the defendant know that his or her conduct is illegal.
Understand when criminal negligence or recklessness can mean time behind bars.
What is premeditated and deliberate conduct?
Most states require premeditation, and many also require deliberation, for a conviction of first-degree murder.
Is motive required for a criminal offense?
Motive is the term used to explain why a person committed a crime. Motive is not the same as intent, which relates to whether the defendant purposely committed the act deemed criminal.
Each crime has its own set of elements—components that the prosecution must prove in order to establish the defendant’s guilt. Almost all crimes have a mental-state element.
What Are Some Common "Strict Liability" Crimes?
Usually, prosecutors must show that the defendant acted intentionally or knowingly. But, with strict liability crimes, the prosecution doesn’t need to prove that a defendant intended to do something that's illegal.
Is "Mistake of Fact" a Defense to Criminal Charges?
“Mistake of fact” generally refers to a mistaken understanding by someone as to the facts of a situation—the mistake results in the person committing an illegal act.