The culpable mental state for the offense of violation of promise to appear is willful conduct.

• A. Intentionally or knowingly
• B. Recklessly
• C. Negligently
• D. Willful conduct

Answer: (D)

Understanding the mental state: willful conduct means a conscious, purposeful decision to act—or in this case, to fail to act—despite knowing there is a duty to appear. For violation of a promise to appear, the offense targets someone who has promised to show up in court and then deliberately chooses not to. This isn’t about a mere forgetfulness or a reckless risk; it’s a deliberate disregard of a known obligation. That clear, intentional disregard is what the law labels as willful conduct, making it the correct standard. If someone merely forgets or acts without considering the duty, that would fit negligent or reckless behavior, not the required willful intent.