Legal Definitions - immediate intent

Immediate intent refers to the direct, proximate purpose or goal an individual has at the very moment they perform an action. It focuses on what they intend to achieve right then and there as a direct consequence of their conduct, rather than a more distant or ultimate objective. It is the specific, immediate outcome desired from the act itself.

Here are some examples illustrating immediate intent:

• Example 1: Vandalism
  A person picks up a rock and throws it directly at a car's windshield. Their immediate intent is to shatter the windshield. The act of throwing the rock is directly aimed at causing that specific, immediate damage.

• Example 2: Shoplifting
  An individual walks into a store, takes a small electronic device from a shelf, places it into their bag, and attempts to leave without paying. Their immediate intent is to take possession of the device without purchasing it, thereby depriving the store of its property at that moment.

• Example 3: Self-Defense
  During an altercation, someone raises their arm to block an incoming punch. Their immediate intent is to prevent the punch from landing or to minimize its impact. The action of raising their arm is directly and immediately aimed at achieving that protective outcome.