Under what circumstances can a person be found guilty of an attempt?

A person can be found guilty of an attempt when they exhibit the necessary intent and take significant preparatory steps toward committing an offense. This means that the individual had a clear intention to carry out the crime and engaged in actions that were designed to lead to its commission. The law differentiates between mere planning or intention and taking concrete actions that indicate the person is on the path to committing the crime. The requirement for both intent and preparatory steps ensures that individuals are only prosecuted for attempts when they have moved beyond mere thoughts or discussions into actions that demonstrate a commitment to executing the offense.

The other choices do not meet the legal criteria for an attempt. Simply planning an offense without taking any steps does not constitute an attempt, as intent alone is insufficient without accompanying actions. Acting under the influence of alcohol or impulsively without thought does not absolve one of responsibility; however, it does not align with the requisite elements of intent and preparatory actions necessary for an attempt charge. The law seeks to hold individuals accountable when they have taken demonstrable steps toward committing a crime, which the correct answer captures effectively.