Which statement best describes a criminal attempt charge?

• A. Complete the crime
• B. Dream or plan
• C. Attempt without intent
• D. A substantial step toward the commission of the crime

Answer: (D)

Criminal attempt charges rest on having both the intent to commit a crime and taking a substantial step toward actually committing it. The element that distinguishes an attempt is the substantial step: actions beyond mere planning or preparation that show you’re moving toward executing the crime.

That’s why the description “a substantial step toward the commission of the crime” is the best match. It captures the idea that someone has crossed from thought into action in a way that strongly indicates the crime will be completed if not stopped.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: finishing the crime is the actual completed offense, not an attempt; simply dreaming or planning isn’t enough because there’s no observable step toward carrying out the act; attempting without intent would fail because intent to commit the crime is a required ingredient of an attempt.