Do you have to show intent to be charged with a crime?

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Do you have to show intent to be charged with a crime?
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I was reading up on intent in law, and it says that "In criminal law, for a given actus reus ("guilty act"), the required element to prove intent consists of showing mens rea (mental state, "guilty mind")."

So you have to have intent to be charged with breaking any law? What if my foot slips and I hit the accelerator and accidentally speed, then get a ticket, I would be innocent then? Or what if I accidentally put something in my shopping cart and forgot to go through the checkout with it? I could not be charged with shoplifting? What if I receive money from an ATM and it is counterfeit and I spend it without that knowledge?

beverly

You misread the statement.

It does not say you MUST prove intent; it only describes what is necessary to *prove* intent.

s_jane23

well you would be guilty either way, you'd be prosecuted and found guilty, or found guilty on psychiatric grounds and be institutionalised. my advice? i'd plead guilty! :-) IKWYM

BigD

It depends on the crime and how it is defined in each state.

More serious crimes require intent (murder, assault, burglary).

Traffic tickets are summary offenses, intent is NOT an element of the crime.

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