What are inchoate crimes?

Inchoate crimes refer to offenses that have been initiated but not completed. This legal concept recognizes that individuals may be held accountable for attempting to commit a crime, even if the crime itself does not occur. For example, if a person makes plans to commit a robbery but is apprehended before they can carry it out, they may be charged with an inchoate crime such as attempted robbery. The law focuses on the intent and actions taken toward committing the crime, rather than the outcome itself.

Other options such as crimes motivated by financial gain or those involving planned acts of violence relate to the motivations or nature of certain activities rather than the stage of completion of the crime. Fully completed crimes do not fit the definition of inchoate crimes, as they have been entirely carried out rather than just begun. This distinction is crucial in legal contexts, particularly when it comes to the prosecution of criminal attempts and conspiracies.