Criminal Law, University of Minnesota Libraries

Full Answer Section

     

1. Failure: Ellen must have failed to complete the crime. In this case, the clerk turned around and stopped her before she could take the watch off the counter.
2. Subject: The watch must have been something that could be stolen. In this case, the watch was personal property that belonged to Macy's.

Since Ellen met all four elements of attempted larceny, she has committed the crime. Attempted larceny is a misdemeanor in most states, but it can be elevated to a felony if the value of the property is high enough. In this case, the value of the watch is ten thousand dollars, so Ellen could be charged with a felony. Even if Ellen is not charged with a felony, she could still face serious consequences for attempting to steal the watch. She could be banned from Macy's, she could be arrested and charged with a crime, and she could have a criminal record. It is important to note that the law varies from state to state, so it is always best to consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation.  

Sample Solution

   

Yes, Ellen has committed the crime of attempted larceny in this scenario. Attempted larceny is the act of trying to steal something without actually taking it. In this case, Ellen tried to take the Rolex watch from Macy's without paying for it.

The four elements of attempted larceny are:

1. Intent: Ellen must have intended to steal the watch. In this case, her actions clearly indicate that she intended to steal the watch. She asked to see the watch, placed her hand over it on the counter, and began to slide it into her purse.
2. Act: Ellen must have taken some action towards stealing the watch. In this case, she picked up the watch and began to slide it into her purse.