Chapter 4: Incomplete Crimes Flashcards
Crimes that involve the intent to commit a specific criminal offense; attempt crimes
Incomplete/inchoate crimes
Incomplete crimes offenses:
Attempt, solicitation, conspiracy
Attempt: Elements
- MR (specific intent)
- AR (steps toward completing the crime)
Attempt: No action
No steps have been taken to engage in crime
Attempt: Mere preparation
Minimal, preliminary steps are taken to engage in crime
Attempt: Overt act
A clear step taken toward commission of a crime
Attempt: Substantial step
Clear, definite actions toward the successful commission of a crime
Attempt: Dangerous proximity
Defendant gets very close to committing the intended crime
Attempt: Last act
Defendant has taken all steps he or she can to carry out the crime
On “attempt” continuum, an ___ is where an offender’s actions are criminal
Overt act
On “attempt” continuum, ___ is not yet deemed criminal
Mere preparation
Attempt: Defenses
- Failure of proof
- Abandonment
- Impossibility
Attempt: Abandonment
- Change of mind
2. Voluntary steps to ensure target crime does not take place
Attempt: Factual impossibility test
Would the crime have taken place if the facts were as the D believed?
Attempt: Legal impossibility test
Was the target offense actually a crime? (where a person has engaged in actions believed to be criminal when in fact they were not)