The criminal state of mind refers to a person's mental state or intent when they commit a crime. In criminal law, this concept is often broken down into different levels of intent, such as purpose, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence.
For the defendant to be found guilty of a crime, it must be proven that they had the mental capacity to commit the offense knowingly and willfully. This mental element, combined with the physical act of committing the crime, forms the basis of criminal liability.