Can You Inadvertently Commit Crimes?

Nobody wants to be charged with a crime. Facing criminal charges can be a confusing and frightening experience because you don’t know what to expect. You could face hefty fines and many years in prison, depending on the crime.

However, you may be accused of a crime and not even know why. While some people intentionally commit crimes and know what they’re getting into, others are oblivious to what they did that is illegal. By contacting our experienced criminal defense lawyer in Tennessee, you can get the clarity you need to make decisions in the future.

Types of Unintentional Offenses

In most cases, whether a person can be convicted depends on intent. However, there are situations in which you did not intend to commit a crime, but it happened anyway, and you are now facing legal issues.

This means that it is possible to commit crimes inadvertently. These are typically referred to as unintentional offenses. This can happen due to ignorance of the law, misunderstanding legal requirements, or making mistakes that have unintended legal consequences. Here are some examples of how this might occur:

• Strict liability offenses. For certain crimes, intent does not matter; merely committing the act is sufficient. This falls under strict liability. Strict liability means a person is liable for committing an action, regardless of their intent or mental state at the time of the crime.
• Ignorance of the law. An example of this is traveling with restricted items or substances without realizing they’re illegal in a particular state or country. Ignorance of the law is usually not a valid defense.
• Violating complex regulations. An example of this is failing to report income from freelance work when filing taxes properly. Many areas of law, such as tax or business regulations, can be complex and unintentionally violated.
• Accidental trespassing. An example is entering private property without realizing it’s restricted. This often occurs in areas with unclear or poorly marked boundaries.
• Unintentional harm. An example is causing damage to someone’s property while performing an act you believed to be lawful, like trimming branches from a tree that crosses your yard. You may still be liable, even if you acted in good faith.

We Know the Law and Fight for You

It is wild that you can commit a crime without even knowing it. While it is not common, it can happen and significantly impact your life.

The good news is that you can protect yourself with help from a knowledgeable Murfreesboro criminal defense lawyer. We have over 25 years of experience representing clients facing various crimes. We have what it takes to pursue every possible defense strategy, even when the charges against you are serious, Call (615) 896-7656 to schedule a consultation or use the online form.