What is an Attempted Crime?
Definition and Overview
In the criminal justice system, an attempted crime refers to an act that is intentionally committed with the aim of committing a specific crime, but fails to achieve the intended outcome. It is a type of criminal offense that is separate from the actual commission of the crime. An attempted crime is often considered a serious offense, as it demonstrates a clear intention to commit a crime, but the perpetrator was unable to complete the act.
Key Elements of an Attempted Crime
For an act to be considered an attempted crime, the following elements must be present:
• Specific intent: The perpetrator must have a clear intention to commit the specific crime.
• Attempt: The perpetrator must take a substantial step towards committing the crime.
• Failure: The crime is not completed due to circumstances beyond the perpetrator’s control or their own failure to complete the act.
Types of Attempted Crimes
Attempted crimes can be categorized into two main types:
• Completed attempt: The perpetrator makes a substantial step towards committing the crime, but fails to complete it due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., being interrupted or caught by law enforcement).
• Incomplete attempt: The perpetrator begins to commit the crime, but ultimately fails to complete it (e.g., they decide to abandon the attempt or are unable to complete the act due to lack of resources).
Examples of Attempted Crimes
Some examples of attempted crimes include:
• Assault: A person tries to physically harm another, but is stopped by a bystander or law enforcement before they can inflict harm.
• Theft: A person tries to steal an item, but is caught by the store security or law enforcement before they can remove the item from the premises.
• Murder: A person tries to kill someone, but is unsuccessful due to circumstances beyond their control or their own failure to complete the act.
Punishment for Attempted Crimes
The punishment for attempted crimes varies depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the crime. In general, attempted crimes are considered less severe than the actual commission of the crime, but more serious than mere preparation or conspiracy to commit a crime.
Table: Punishment for Attempted Crimes in Different Jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction | Punishment for Attempted Murder | Punishment for Attempted Theft |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Typically 5-15 years imprisonment | Typically 2-5 years imprisonment |
| United Kingdom | Typically 10-20 years imprisonment | Typically 1-5 years imprisonment |
| Canada | Typically 5-10 years imprisonment | Typically 2-5 years imprisonment |
Benefits of Prosecuting Attempted Crimes
Prosecuting attempted crimes has several benefits:
• Deters further criminal activity: Prosecuting attempted crimes sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated, deterring others from attempting similar crimes.
• Provides justice for victims: Victims of attempted crimes can experience a sense of justice when the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions.
• Helps to solve and prevent future crimes: Investigating and prosecuting attempted crimes can provide valuable information that helps to solve and prevent future crimes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an attempted crime is a type of criminal offense that is intentionally committed with the aim of committing a specific crime, but fails to achieve the intended outcome. It is a serious offense that demonstrates a clear intention to commit a crime, but the perpetrator was unable to complete the act. Understanding the key elements, types, and punishment for attempted crimes is essential for the effective prosecution and prevention of crime.
