Carlos decides to steal an expensive Italian sports car.He breaks into the vehicle but is unable to start the vehicle due to its high tech ignition disabling system.In fact,once the system initiates,the true owner cannot even start the vehicle with the key.Despite Carlos's efforts he is unable to steal the car.Carlos can NOT be convicted of attempted theft because it was physically impossible for him or anyone else to actually steal the automobile.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carlos can be convicted of attempted theft because his intent and actions to commit the crime were present, even though the theft was not completed due to an external circumstance (the high tech ignition disabling system). The legal principle of attempt does not require the crime to be successful or even possible, just that the individual took a substantial step towards committing the crime with the intent to complete it.

Carlos Decides to Steal an Expensive Italian Sports Car