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Simple English definitions for legal terms
inchoate offense
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A quick definition of inchoate offense:
An inchoate offense is a type of crime where someone takes a step towards committing another crime. There are three types of inchoate offenses: attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy. The crime that the person intended to commit is called the target offense. If the person is charged with the target offense, they cannot also be charged with attempt or solicitation, but they can be charged with conspiracy.
A more thorough explanation:
inchoate offense
An inchoate offense is a type of crime that is committed by taking a punishable step towards the commission of another crime. The three basic inchoate offenses are attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy. The crime that is intended to be committed is called the target offense. Inchoate offenses, except for conspiracy, merge into the target crime. This means that if the defendant is prosecuted for the target crime, attempt and solicitation cannot be charged as well. However, both conspiracy to commit a crime and the crime itself may be charged.
- Attempt: A person tries to break into a house but is caught by the police before they can enter.
- Solicitation: A person asks someone else to commit a crime for them, such as asking someone to rob a store.
- Conspiracy: A group of people plan to rob a bank together.
These examples illustrate how inchoate offenses involve taking a step towards committing a crime, even if the crime is not completed. Attempt involves trying to commit the crime but failing, while solicitation involves asking someone else to commit the crime. Conspiracy involves planning the crime with others. In all cases, the person is still held accountable for their actions, even if the crime was not completed.