---
title: "Attempt"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/attempt
---

# Attempt

Attempt is an inchoate crime requiring the specific intent to commit the target offense and a substantial step toward its completion that strongly corroborates criminal purpose. Mere preparation is insufficient — the defendant must go beyond planning and take action that demonstrates a firm resolution to commit the crime. Under the Model Penal Code, any act constituting a substantial step that is strongly corroborative of criminal purpose suffices. Factual impossibility is generally not a defense, while legal impossibility may be.

## Related Terms

- conspiracy
- solicitation
- mens-rea

## Related Cases

- people-v-rizzo
- people-v-jaffe

## Example

A person purchases a gun, surveils a bank, and creates an escape plan, then drives to the bank but is arrested in the parking lot. This may constitute attempt if it is a substantial step beyond mere preparation.

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Source: [Attempt — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/attempt)