Elements of culpability — Exceptions to culpable mental state requirement

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-204 — under Principles of Criminal Liability.

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-204

(a) A person does not commit an offense unless his or her liability is based on conduct that includes a voluntary act or the omission to perform an act that he or she is physically capable of performing.

(b) A person does not commit an offense unless he or she acts with a culpable mental state with respect to each element of the offense that requires a culpable mental state.

(c) However, a culpable mental state is not required if:(1) The offense is a violation unless a culpable mental state is expressly included in the definition of the offense;(2) An offense defined by a statute not a part of the Arkansas Criminal Code clearly indicates a legislative intent to dispense with any culpable mental state requirement for the offense or for any element of the offense; or(3) The offense is defined as a strict liability offense.

(1) The offense is a violation unless a culpable mental state is expressly included in the definition of the offense;

(2) An offense defined by a statute not a part of the Arkansas Criminal Code clearly indicates a legislative intent to dispense with any culpable mental state requirement for the offense or for any element of the offense; or

(3) The offense is defined as a strict liability offense.