Legal Definitions - attempt to attempt

An attempt to attempt is a first step towards a criminal attempt, such as a failed effort to incite someone to engage in criminal conduct. Some jurisdictions recognize this offense, especially when the attempted crime is defined as an independentsubstantive crime. For example, attempted assault can be recognized if assault is defined as placing a person in apprehension of bodily injury. In this situation, conduct that falls short of the attempted crime but constitutes more than mere preparation to commit it can be punished.

For instance, if someone tries to scare another person by threatening to harm them physically, it can be considered an attempt to commit assault. However, if someone only talks about harming someone else but does not take any action towards it, it cannot be considered an attempt to attempt.