Which situation represents "attempt" under Michigan law?

The situation that represents "attempt" under Michigan law involves taking significant action toward completing the crime. In legal terms, an attempt occurs when a person has the intent to commit a crime and performs a substantial step in furtherance of that crime, even if the crime itself is never completed. This means that mere thoughts or planning do not constitute an attempt; there needs to be an action that demonstrates the intent and effort to commit the offense.

For example, if an individual gathers materials needed for a burglary or begins to break into a building, these actions clearly indicate a move beyond mere contemplation into an actionable stage. The law acknowledges the danger posed by individuals who take such steps, even if they do not ultimately complete the crime, which is why this definition of "attempt" is both specific and consequential within Michigan's legal framework.

Other options like thinking about a crime or merely planning it do not meet the threshold of attempt, as there are no actions taken that indicate a genuine commitment to follow through with the criminal act. Hiring someone else to commit a crime may involve an agreement or complicity but does not reflect the individual’s direct attempt to commit the act themselves.