The provisions of this code shall be construed in accordance with the general purposes hereof to:
(A) Forbid and prevent the commission of offenses;
(B) Define adequately the act and mental state which constitute each offense and limit the condemnation of conduct as criminal when it is without fault;
(C) Prescribe penalties which are proportionate to the seriousness of offenses and which permit recognition of differences in rehabilitation possibilities among individual offenders; and
(D) Prevent arbitrary or oppressive treatment of persons accused or convicted of offenses.
(1981 Code, § 42.01, 1-2)