What constitutes a criminal episode according to the penal code?

A criminal episode, as defined by the penal code, involves the commission of two or more offenses that are connected in some manner. This means that the offenses can either be part of a single scheme or plan, or they may occur in a series of related incidents over a period of time. The key aspect is that these offenses must be "related" and not just random, isolated acts. This definition allows for a comprehensive understanding of criminal conduct where multiple actions can be seen as part of a larger pattern of behavior, which is critical for legal proceedings, penalties, and understanding the context of criminal actions.

Engaging in a single crime does not meet the criteria of a criminal episode, as the definition specifically necessitates multiple offenses linked together. Similarly, acting without any intention of causing harm typically pertains to specific defenses or conditions of liability and does not relate to the organization of offenses into a criminal episode. Lastly, prior offenses are not a determining factor for defining a criminal episode; thus, engaging in a crime without prior offenses does not fulfill the legal definition required for such an episode.