Many people have heard the word “motive” in the context of murder cases from movies and TV shows like Law and Order. In these productions, motive is often portrayed as a critical element in a murder investigation. “Establishing motive” is seen as a make-or-break requisite for achieving a murder conviction.
But does this portrayal accurately affect reality? What is motive and what role does it actually play in a homicide case?
In this article, we will discuss what motive is and how it can affect a murder conviction. If you or a loved one have been accused of murder, contact an Illinois homicide defense attorney to start building your defense.
What Is Motive?
Motive is best described as the reason for a crime. It is usually based on an event or string of events leading up to the crime that explains why the defendant would have wanted to harm the victim. It provides a reason for why the crime happened.