Under what conditions is a person guilty of criminal attempt?

A person is guilty of criminal attempt when they have taken substantial steps toward committing a crime, even if the crime itself is never completed. This principle is rooted in the idea that the law punishes not only the actual commission of a crime but also the intention and actions taken to commit it.

To be deemed a criminal attempt, the actions must go beyond mere preparation or planning; they should be indicative of a direct move toward the commission of the intended crime. This prevents individuals from escaping liability simply because they failed to finish what they started or because they were apprehended before completing their plan.

In contrast, simply intending to commit a crime without taking any actions, discussing potential crimes, or having someone witness the planning, does not meet the threshold for criminal attempt. These activities might suggest intent or conspiracy but do not fulfill the requirement of taking substantial steps toward realizing the crime.