QUESTION
Can a person be arrested for intent to commit homicide?
Asked on Oct 30th, 2013 on Criminal Law - Illinois
More details to this question:
The local police are saying that the person who is planning the intended crime cannot be detained for he has not committed any crime. But isn't the intent to kill a person or group of people illegal?
1 ANSWER
Criminal Law Attorney serving Naperville, IL
at
Law Office of Ken Wang
Update Your Profile
No. You can not be punished on the basis of bad thoughts only. There must also be some criminal act. Under 720 ILCS 5/8-4, the Illinois Statute for attempt, the person who is planning must take a substantial step towards the commission of that offense. For example, its not enough to think and say you're going to blow people up with a bomb. You have to go out and buy bomb components or put them together into a bomb.
Answered on Nov 04th, 2013 at 3:09 PM