501.020 Definition of mental states.

258 words·~1 min read·/ky/chapter-501/501-020

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

The following definitions apply in the Kentucky Penal Code:

(1)"Intentionally" -- A person acts intentionally with respect to a result or to conduct

described by a statute defining an offense when his conscious objective is to cause

that result or to engage in that conduct.

(2)"Knowingly" -- A person acts knowingly with respect to conduct or to a

circumstance described by a statute defining an offense when he is aware that his

conduct is of that nature or that the circumstance exists.

(3)"Wantonly" -- A person acts wantonly with respect to a result or to a circumstance

described by a statute defining an offense when he is aware of and consciously

disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the result will occur or that the

circumstance exists. The risk must be of such nature and degree that disregard

thereof constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable

person would observe in the situation. A person who creates such a risk but is

unaware thereof solely by reason of voluntary intoxication also acts wantonly with

respect thereto.

(4)"Recklessly" -- A person acts recklessly with respect to a result or to a circumstance

described by a statute defining an offense when he fails to perceive a substantial and

unjustifiable risk that the result will occur or that the circumstance exists. The risk

must be of such nature and degree that failure to perceive it constitutes a gross

deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the

situation.