Understanding Mens Rea in Criminal Law | CHM Law

Visit the full page: https://www.chmlaw.com/what-does-mens-rea-mean/ What is Mens Rea? When facing criminal charges, one of the most critical factors in determining guilt is mens rea, a Latin term meaning “guilty mind.” Mens rea refers to a person’s mental state when committing a crime. In other words, even if an individual commits an act that appears criminal, they may not be guilty under the law if they lack the required mental intent. In Arizona and across the United States, criminal law distinguishes between individuals who intentionally break the law and those who act mistakenly or negligently. Without mens rea, many crimes cannot be prosecuted successfully because intent is an essential element in proving guilt. Understanding this concept can help defendants build a strong defense against criminal charges. In this audio, we’ll break it down further. Colburn Hintze Maletta Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys [phone] www.chmlaw.com Address: 2150 E. Highland Ave, Suite 212, Phoenix, AZ 85016