Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Race-notice statute
An inchoate crime is when someone plans or attempts to commit a crime, but hasn't actually done it yet. It's like when you make a plan to steal a cookie from the cookie jar, but you haven't actually taken the cookie yet. It's still wrong and can get you in trouble with the law.
Definition: An inchoate crime is an offense that involves planning or attempting to commit a crime, but the crime itself has not yet been completed.
Examples of inchoate crimes include:
These examples illustrate the definition of inchoate crime because they all involve planning or attempting to commit a crime, but the actual crime has not yet been completed. In each case, the person involved may still be charged with a crime and face legal consequences, even if they were not successful in carrying out their plan.