What is the legal treatment of "attempted crimes" in Texas?

The legal treatment of "attempted crimes" in Texas is established under the Texas Penal Code, specifically in Section 15.01, which states that a person commits an attempt when, with specific intent to commit an offense, they perform an act that is more than mere preparation. This definition implies that the act of attempting a crime is considered a criminal offense in itself, regardless of whether the underlying crime is completed or not.

Texas treats attempted crimes seriously, as they reflect a person's intent to engage in criminal conduct. Thus, an individual can be prosecuted for attempting to commit a crime even if the intended crime never actually occurs. This focus on the intent and actions toward committing a crime underscores the legal system's approach to preventing crime before it happens, illustrating an effort to deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal framework. There are no limits that restrict punishability to only completed crimes, nor is there any provision in Texas law that suggests an attempt is not punishable under any circumstances or that it applies solely to violent crimes. The law equally applies to attempts at non-violent offenses as well.