Many people are unaware of the laws about crimes that never took place. You don't necessarily need to finish robbing someone, for example, to be charged with a crime. Read on to find out why doing things only halfway can still be very bad.

You Attempted to Commit a Crime

Even attempting to commit a crime is a crime because you undertook several steps toward that goal. Law enforcement must be able to show that you were preparing to commit a crime. For example, if a person is planning to enter a home and steal things, the following might be considered a criminal attempt:

• Notes about how to commit the crime.
• When you tell someone that you plan to steal from a home.
• The purchase of equipment needed to commit the crime, such as gloves, a disguise, a crowbar, etc.
• Watching the home to find out when the occupants are home and away.
• Walking around the home to ascertain entry points.
• Checking doors and windows by physically trying to open them.

It should be noted that taken singly, the above actions may seem innocent, and they are. It's the accumulation of evidence that a greater crime is in the planning stages that can be a crime itself.

How to Defend Against Criminal Attempt 

If you are facing criminal attempt charges, take them seriously. Speak to a criminal defense attorney to plan your defense. Your lawyer may use some of the below defensive ideas to fight the charges:

• Planning acts can be refuted – This strategy calls for providing a reasonable explanation as to why the evidence shows you were planning to commit a crime. For instance, you might need those supplies for a home project.
• No act committed – While you can still be charged just for the alleged planning of a crime, the state must also show that you would have followed through with it if not for being caught or other reasons. For instance, you must show that you had no motive to break into a home and steal something.
• Force – Some defendants may be able to show that they were coerced or tricked into planning a crime. For instance, they may think they are participating in a reality show, the filming of a movie, or an elaborate hoax on someone.

Your lawyer will show that you had no intention of committing a crime and that it only appears that way. As with all criminal issues, your record can affect your case. If you have no criminal record, however, you stand a good chance of beating the charges with a criminal defense attorney on your side.

Speak to a criminal defense attorney today.