Very frequently someone understands that what he is doing is very wrong, but has little will to change. Most of those who break secular laws do not want to change their behavior until there is a threat of penalty.
Earlier I wrote about the fact that very many Jews including myself believe in G-d yet do not observe the Law completely:
Many Jews know that G-d had commanded the Law but find observance very difficult and thus find excuses not to be observant. Unfortunately, I am also partially observant.
In the past Sadducees believed that there is no afterlife and did not observe Torah. Then early Christians claimed to be free from the Law. Now Reform and Conservative Jews understand that G-d gave the Law but do not follow it. Even many people such as myself who understand that Orthodox Judaism is right do not follow all the laws.
According to Pew report, 84% of Jews in USA believe in G-d. Moreover, 41% are absolutely certain G-d exists. Unfortunately that is less than 50 years ago.
31% of Jews consider G-d and Judaism very important in their lives. Yet only 16% are Shomer Shabbes and 25% keep kosher. Only 4% of Jews who grew up in nonobservant households are completely observant.