562.021. Culpable mental state, application.
This law explains how “state of mind” applies to crimes.
It clarifies when someone’s intent or awareness matters, and how it connects to different parts of a crime.
1. If a crime requires a certain mental state but doesn’t say which part it applies to, that mental state applies to every important part of the crime.
2. If a crime requires a mental state for only specific parts, then it only applies to those parts—not the whole crime.
3. If a crime doesn’t say anything about mental state, the person must have acted purposely or knowingly. Just being reckless or careless isn’t enough.
4. If a crime says a person must act with criminal negligence, that requirement is also met if the person acted recklessly, knowingly, or purposely. Each higher level of intent covers the lower ones.
5. Knowing that something is illegal—or knowing the law—isn’t part of the crime unless the law specifically says it is.
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