Ralph is suffering from significant financial problems.To try and obtain cash,Ralph decides to burglarize the local fast food restaurant where he previously worked.Ralph knows that the owner only takes the restaurant's receipts to the bank every few days,often leaving several hundred dollars overnight in the cash register.So,late one night Ralph dresses in dark clothing and drives to the closed restaurant.He exits his car carrying a flashlight and prybar.Upon approaching the back door of the restaurant Ralph says to himself,"What am I doing? I'm no thief." He abandons his plan and returns to his car and drives back home.However,the next morning the restaurant owner views the previous night's video surveillance tape and observes Ralph's conduct.The owner reports the incident to the police.Ralph is subsequently arrested and charged with criminal attempt (burglary).Which of the following legal defenses might Ralph reasonably raise at his trial?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Renunciation is a legal defense that can be raised when a defendant voluntarily abandons their criminal intent or activity before it is carried out. In this case, Ralph abandoned his plan to burglarize the restaurant before he actually attempted to break in. Therefore, he may be able to argue that he should not be held responsible for attempted burglary because he voluntarily renounced his criminal intent.

Ralph Is Suffering from Significant Financial Problems