Common law withdrawal defense to attempt

• A. Yes, if the actor withdraws before the harmful act is completed
• B. No withdrawal defense
• C. Yes, but only if the attempt was thwarted by another person
• D. Withdrawal must be communicated to authorities

Answer: (B)

In common law, there is no withdrawal defense to an attempted crime. Liability for an attempt attaches as soon as the defendant takes a substantial step toward the commission of the target offense with the intent to complete it. Once that step has occurred, the attempt has been made, even if the actor later changes their mind and prevents the crime from occurring. Therefore, voluntary renunciation or withdrawal does not excuse the liability for the attempt.

This is in contrast to modern statutory frameworks (like the Model Penal Code) where a voluntary and complete renunciation can sometimes serve as a defense to attempt, but that is not the common-law rule. The other options would introduce requirements or defenses that common law does not recognize.