Chapter 8
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The person who commits the crime.
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Someone who helps the principal commit a
crime. Can be charged with the same crime
and receive the same sentence as the
principal.
 Ex. Driver of a getaway car.
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A person is guilty of this when they order a
crime or helps the principal who is not
present during the crime. The accessory often
receives the same charge and punishment.
 Ex. Someone hires someone else to kill
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When a person who, knowing a crime has
been committed, helps the principal or
accomplice avoid capture or helps them
escape. The accessory receives a separate
charge and sentence.

Crimes that carry a penalty of less than one
year.

Crimes that carry a penalty of more than one
year.
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Behavior that takes place before and often in
preparation for the actual commission of the
crime.
 Solicitation – to ask, command, urge, or advise
another person to commit a crime.
 Attempt – When someone performs all the
elements of crime but fails to achieve the criminal
result.
 Conspiracy – an agreement between two or more
persons to commit a crime.

Every crime is defined by certain elements,
each of which must be proven at trial in order
to convict the offender.
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The taking or carrying away of goods or
money.
Taking from a person
A motive of greed

A guilty state of mind usually means that the
act was done intentionally, knowingly, or
willingly. This plus an act generally equals a
crime.

Different from state of mind. Motive is the
reason for committing the act.
 Ex. Someone steals food because they are hungry.
 Ex. A person kills someone for revenge or for
money

These crimes do not require a guilty state of
mind.
 Ex. A drugstore owner who unknowingly sells
alcohol to a minor and is caught.

When someone fails to perform an act
required by law and is physically able to
perform the act.
 Ex. Hit and run
 Not paying taxes

Requires the intent to commit a crime and
some substantial step toward committing the
crime.

An agreement between two or more people
to commit a crime. Allows police to arrest
conspirators before they come dangerously
close to committing other crimes. Some feel
it denies people their 1st amendment rights of
Freedom of Speech.

The act of requesting or strongly urging
someone to do something. If the request is to
do something illegal, solicitation is
considered a crime.
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Open; clear
More than mere preparation
At least the first step of actually attempting
the crime.