What is an 'anticipatory offense'?

An anticipatory offense refers to actions taken in preparation for another crime that is intended to be committed in the future. This concept recognizes that criminal intent and preparatory acts can be punished, even if the actual crime does not take place. For example, if an individual plans and takes steps to commit a robbery but does not ultimately carry it out, they can still be charged with an anticipatory offense because their conduct indicates a clear intent to commit a crime.

This understanding is critical in law enforcement and criminal justice, as it helps to prevent crimes before they occur by addressing the preparatory actions that signal criminal intent. Recognizing the importance of these preparatory steps allows law enforcement to intervene earlier in criminal activities.