Motive

Also known as: Reason for Crime

In one sentence

The reason or desire that prompts someone to commit a crime.

Plain English

Motive is why someone commits a crime—their underlying reason or goal. While prosecutors often try to establish motive to show guilt, it's not technically required to prove someone committed a crime; what matters legally is whether the person actually did the act. Common motives include money, revenge, jealousy, or self-preservation, and they help explain the "why" behind criminal behavior.

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Example

A woman is accused of poisoning her husband. The prosecutor argues her motive was to collect his life insurance money. Evidence shows she stood to gain financially from his death, which supports the theory of why she would commit the crime.

Used in a sentence

“The detective believed the motive for the robbery was the suspect's mounting gambling debts.”

Related terms

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

attempt

Trying to commit a crime but failing to complete it.

bribery of a witness

Offering money or benefits to a witness to influence their testimony or prevent them from testifying.

abettor

A person who helps, encourages, or supports someone else in committing a crime.

Self-Defense

The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.