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Example of a Strict Liability Offense

2 October, 2015 - 17:20

A vehicle code provision makes it a crime to “travel in a vehicle over the posted speed limit.” This is a strictliability offense. So if a law enforcement officer captures radar information that indicates Susie was traveling in a vehicle five miles per hour over the posted speed limit, Susie can probably be convicted of speeding under the statute. Susie’s protests that she “didn’t know she was traveling at that speed,” are nota valid defense. Susie’s knowledgof the nature of the act is irrelevant. The prosecution only needs to prove the criminal act to convict Susie because this statute is strict liability and does not require proof of criminal intent.