The article is devoted to the study of the characteristics of the motivational sphere and self-regulation of the accused persons with personality disorders. The material of the empirical study of 47 men (mean age — 33.2) with an established diagnosis of personality and behavior disorders (F60, F61). The methodical complex included tests aimed at assessing the motivational, emotional-volitional sphere, ability for emotional regulation, cognitive personality characteristics, structure and features of the organization of activity. It was revealed that for individuals with personality disorders, domination of motives associated with the current judicial-investigative situation and the satisfaction of actual needs is characteristic. It was found that regulatory violations are reflected in the structure of the motivational sphere of the individual, namely in its diversity, degree of hierarchical organization and representation of social motives. Also, the ability for self-regulation of defendants with personality disorders is influenced by the variables “intolerance to uncertainty in situations of interpersonal interaction”, “rigidity”, “difficulties of perception and analysis of the choice situation”, “difficulties of independent analysis of alternatives”, “difficulties in finding information”, “features of response situations of frustration.