General Intent Vs. Specific Intent Crimes – Understanding the Difference

You may not have considered this until you or someone you know have been arrested, but there is a difference between what the judicial system refers to as “general” and “specific intent” crimes. When you or a loved one is facing arrest, it’s important to understand the charges and work within the legal system to resolve the matter.

General Intent Crimes

Convictions for general intent crimes do not require proof of motivation, and are therefore easier to prosecute. In fact, you can be found guilty of something that you didn’t know was an illegal activity and be sentenced to punishment based on “general intent” if you indeed committed the illegal act.

General intent crimes differ from specific intent crimes because even though one may still be accused of harming someone, the harmful intent cannot be proven. For example, arson can be a general intent crime. Someone may commit arson and be charged with penalties even if they did not intend for their actions, or neglect, to cause such disaster. Negligence or recklessness can be sufficient for a general intent criminal conviction.

Another example of general intent crime is theft in the midst of a prank. If someone steals something from someone else and is charged with theft, but it can be proven that the item was intended to be returned as part of a more elaborate prank, then while they still may be charged with theft it may classify as a general intent crime because the intent was not to permanently rob the person of the item therefore benefiting themselves.

Specific Intent Crimes

Specific intent crimes are generally defined as crimes that are committed with the specific motive or intent to do harm. Premeditated murder, embezzlement, theft, and forgery are all common types of specific intent crimes for which people are often arrested. These charges are serious and in order to be convicted, the court must prove that there was both damage done and intent to cause harm.

For example, if someone is accused of stealing, the court would have to prove that they premeditated the action of theft, stole the item, and did not intend to return it to the original owner thereby benefiting themselves and harming the owner.

Other types of common specific intent crimes are conspiracy, burglary, embezzlement, and forgery. 

Posting a Bail Bond

Both specific intent and general intent crimes can carry heavy charges. People arrested for each type of offense often find themselves in need of a bail bond in Roseville and the surrounding areas. Quality bail bond companies like Bail House do not discriminate based upon whether the accused is thought to have committed a general or specific crime, and a bail bond can be obtained regardless as long as certain requirements are met throughout the process.

What is a bail bond exactly? A bail bond, in essence, is a surety that the full bail amount will be paid if the defendant does not appear in court on their appointed date. Usually people work with bail bond agents, who put up the full bond amount in exchange for a small fee and written agreement to cooperate with the court schedule.

How Can Bail House Help?

When you’re searching for “bail bonds near me,” and find Bail House in Roseville, California, remember that we have many decades of experience working with the community to provide professional, confidential, friendly, and efficient service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience, and because we know life is unpredictable, this even includes all holidays!

Whether you have been accused of committing a general intent crime or specific intent crime, we can assist you with posting a bail bond so that you can get out of jail while you await your court date. If you don’t need a bail bond service for yourself, but are looking to help a friend or family member post a bail bond, we can assist you with that as well. We have a great deal of experience helping families and friends navigate the criminal justice system so they can become helpful to their loved ones in need.