Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

If a crime is labeled as an "attempt," what does this usually indicate about the potential penalty?

1. The penalty is higher

2. The penalty is the same

3. The penalty is lower than the actual offense

4. The penalty is waived

The correct answer is: The penalty is lower than the actual offense

When a crime is categorized as an "attempt," it typically suggests that the individual intended to commit a crime but did not complete it. In many legal systems, the rationale behind this classification often leads to a reduced penalty compared to that of the completed offense. This reflects the idea that while the individual showed intent to commit the crime, they were not successful in bringing it to fruition, warranting a lesser punishment. For example, if someone attempts robbery but is apprehended before they can actually carry it out, the legal system may impose a penalty that is less severe than what would be imposed for an actual robbery. This approach encourages the judicial system to differentiate between actual harm done and the mere intention or effort to inflict harm, thus recognizing the attempts' generally less severe impact on victims and society.