What is an inchoate crime?

An inchoate crime refers to an offense that has been initiated but not fully realized or completed. This means that the perpetrator has taken some steps towards committing a crime, but the final act has not been achieved. Inchoate crimes include attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations to commit a crime. The legal system recognizes these actions as significant because they demonstrate the intent to commit an offense, which is a critical element in criminal law.

For example, if someone plans a robbery and gathers tools for the act but does not successfully execute the robbery, they can still be charged with an inchoate crime. This is essential for preventing criminal behavior and holding individuals accountable even if the crime was not fully carried out.

The other choices describe different categories or situations surrounding crime but do not accurately define inchoate crime. A crime involving multiple offenders refers to conspiracy or joint criminal enterprise, a crime committed by a minor pertains to juvenile justice, and a legally dismissed crime indicates a lack of sufficient evidence or legal justification for prosecution, none of which capture the essence of inchoate offenses.