Legal Definitions - continuous crime

Definition: Continuous crime is a type of crime that involves ongoing elements or continues over an extended period. It can refer to a crime that continues after an initial illegal act has been consummated, such as illegal drug importation, or a crime that involves an extended period, such as driving a stolen vehicle.

Examples:

• Illegal drug importation: The criminal act is completed not when the drugs enter the country, but when the drugs reach their final destination.
• Driving a stolen vehicle: This is an example of a crime that continues over an extended period.

These examples illustrate how continuous crime involves ongoing elements or an extended period of criminal activity. In the case of illegal drug importation, the crime continues until the drugs reach their final destination, even though the initial illegal act has already been completed. Similarly, driving a stolen vehicle is a crime that continues over an extended period, as long as the vehicle remains in the possession of the thief.