Intent in DUI and Possession Cases

People use the word “intent” in criminal cases all the time, but many do not realize that not all crimes require a showing of intent. For example, Oklahoma DUI laws have no intent requirements. As a result, it does not matter whether you intended to drive drunk. You can still be convicted of DUI. However, possession in Oklahoma does have an intent element – you must knowingly have possession. The intent requirement is known in criminal law as the mens rea. If a crime requires no mens rea – no general and specific intent – it is called a strict liability...

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