egyptlaw.ai

Criminal

What is an attempt (criminal attempt), and is it punishable?

Last updated 7/5/20260 viewsProvisional

Criminal attempt is beginning to execute a felony or misdemeanour with intent, stopped by external reasons. Attempting felonies is always punishable; misdemeanour attempts only when specified by law.

An attempt is the beginning of executing an act with the intent of committing a felony or misdemeanour, where it is stopped or fails for reasons beyond the actor's will (art. 45). Mere resolve to commit the crime, and the preparatory acts for it, do not constitute an attempt (art. 45).

The penalty for attempting a felony is as follows, unless the law provides otherwise (art. 46):

  • life imprisonment if the felony's penalty is death;
  • aggravated imprisonment if the felony's penalty is life imprisonment;
  • aggravated imprisonment not exceeding half the legal maximum, or imprisonment, if the felony's penalty is aggravated imprisonment;
  • imprisonment not exceeding half the legal maximum, or detention, if the felony's penalty is imprisonment.

As for attempting a misdemeanour, it is punishable only in the cases the law specifies, and the law also fixes the penalty for that attempt (art. 47). The rule, therefore, is that attempting a felony is punishable, while attempting a misdemeanour is punishable only by express text.

Was this helpful?

This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Egypt.

Related questions

What is an attempt (criminal attempt), and is… | egyptlaw.ai