The law does no work like that. You only broke the law after the conviction, up until that point it's in an undecided psudo quantum state. Due to things like mens reahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mens_rea
So, for example if you buy a trunk at an estate sale that contains cocaine, open it realize it's cocaine, then call the cops. You did not break the law even though you where in possession of cocaine which is illegal. Work though some variations of this and you could literally be walking down the street with a suitcase full of cocaine and not actually be breaking the law while doing so.
PS: There are a relatively small number of strict liability crimes where intent is considered irrelevant. But, extenuating circumstances still come into play.
Technically, you may be right, but in many parts of the world the government and everyone else behave as if you're guilty until proven innocent. Good luck staying out of jail if you're caught carrying a suitcase full of cocaine!
So, for example if you buy a trunk at an estate sale that contains cocaine, open it realize it's cocaine, then call the cops. You did not break the law even though you where in possession of cocaine which is illegal. Work though some variations of this and you could literally be walking down the street with a suitcase full of cocaine and not actually be breaking the law while doing so.
PS: There are a relatively small number of strict liability crimes where intent is considered irrelevant. But, extenuating circumstances still come into play.