What constitutes a Criminal Attempt in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a Criminal Attempt is established when an individual takes a substantial step toward committing a crime, demonstrating a clear intention to engage in criminal conduct. The focus here is on actions that indicate the person has moved beyond mere preparation or planning. This highlights the legal principle that it’s not only the intent to commit a crime that matters, but also the concrete actions taken in furtherance of that intent.

Taking a substantial step can involve a variety of actions, such as attempting to buy tools for committing the crime or undertaking significant preparations that are directly related to the criminal act itself. The legal standard is designed to allow for prosecution even when the crime itself is not completed, ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their intentions and actions preceding the crime.

The other options pertain to different concepts in criminal law. Merely planning a crime without any action does not meet the threshold for a criminal attempt. Talking about a crime may reflect intent but lacks the necessary action that qualifies as a substantial step. Finally, just acting out the crime without the consideration of intent or prior substantial steps doesn't encompass the full scope of a criminal attempt, as intent plays a crucial role in this legal definition.