Which statement about solicitation is correct?

• A. Mere knowledge alone constitutes solicitation
• B. Asking or urging someone to commit a crime with specific intent
• C. Mere presence at the scene suffices
• D. The crime must be completed for solicitation

Answer: (B)

Solicitation is inviting, urging, or requesting another person to commit a crime, and it is complete when the request is made with the intent that the crime be carried out. The crucial elements are a specific request or encouragement and the defendant’s intent that the crime occur. Merely knowing that a crime might happen or simply being present at the scene does not satisfy solicitation. And the crime does not require that the underlying offense be completed; the solicitation is the separate crime even if the other person refuses or is unable to commit it. So the statement that best captures solicitation is that it involves asking or urging someone to commit a crime with specific intent.