(A) A person is not guilty of an offense, other than an offense which involves absolute liability, unless, with respect to each element described by the statute defining the offense, he or she acts while having one of the mental states described herein.
(B) (1) If the statute defining an offense prescribed a particular mental state with respect to the offense as a whole without distinguishing among the elements thereof, the prescribed mental state applies to each such element.
(2) If the statute does not prescribe a particular mental state applicable to an element of an offense, other than an offense which involves absolute liability, any mental state, defined herein, is applicable.
(C) Knowledge that certain conduct constitutes an offense or knowledge of the existence, meaning or application of the statute defining an offense is not an offense unless the statute defines it as such.
(ILCS Chapter 720, Act 5, § 4-3) (1981 Code, § 42.04, 4-3)