If you attempt to commit a crime in Larimer County, you will still be charged. It doesn’t matter if you actually committed the offense or not – think of a shoplifter caught with merchandise in her purse (criminal attempt at Theft), or the man with a crowbar in his hand, about to smash his ex-girlfriend’s car window in Loveland (criminal attempt at Criminal Mischief). In circumstances like these, prosecutors reference Criminal Attempt law (C.R.S. 18-2-101).
Larimer County Criminal Attempt Lawyer: What is the Definition of Criminal Attempt?
Let’s take a closer look at this law. The criminal attempt statute provides:
A person commits criminal attempt if, acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for commission of an offense, he engages in conduct constituting a substantial step toward the commission of the offense.” (Emphasis added).
Criminal Attempt is often up to the translation of the judge or prosecution in your case. Do they believe you engaged in conduct which “took a substantial step” towards the commission of a crime? The definition of “substantial step” is the key point of our defense in an Attempt case. The easiest way to define this law is to give you an example:
A Fort Collins Example of Criminal Attempt:
Let’s say two women go into a department store in Fort Collins to shoplift. One goes in and scopes out the scene, finds where the employees aren’t watching, notes the priciest items, and leaves, planning on coming back the next day. The other woman goes into the store, grabs a stack of clothing and stuffs it into her purse. She has her hand on the door, about ready to leave, when an employee stops her. The second woman would be charged with Criminal Attempt at theft (not Theft, because she hasn’t left the store yet). She took a substantial step toward theft, because she had the items hidden in her purse, and was exiting the store.
“Attempt” Can be Added to Any Crime in Larimer County
The police and District Attorneys can add “attempt” to any crime, whether it be Attempted Burglary, Attempted Criminal Mischief, Attempted Sexual Assault, etc. If our society only punished people for crimes which were completed, our cities would be lawless. This is why the Criminal Attempt law was created.
Boulder County Sentence for Criminal Attempt
If you are convicted of Criminal Attempt, you will be sentenced a step less harshly than if you had completed the crime. Take a look at this chart to see how you would be charged:
| Level of Crime You Attempted to Commit | You’ll Be Charged With |
|---|---|
| Class 1 Felony | Class 2 Felony |
| Class 2 Felony | Class 3 Felony |
| Class 3 Felony | Class 4 Felony |
| Class 4 Felony | Class 5 Felony |
| Class 5 or 6 Felony | Class 6 Felony |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 2 Misdemeanor |
| Class 2 Misdemeanar | Class 3 Misdemeanor |
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Attempt Lawyer
A conviction of Criminal Attempt can still result in a prison or jail sentence, which will have a negative impact on your future. Don’t let a criminal record hurt your ability to get a job or find housing. If you have been charged with Criminal Attempt, don’t accept a plea deal to avoid jail or prison time and end up with a permanent record. Instead, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight on your behalf.