Withdrawal rule: which statement describes how a defendant can withdraw?

• A. Can withdraw by discouraging the crime.
• B. D can withdraw by actually neutralizing the assistance or preventing the crime from happening.
• C. Both A and B.
• D. Withdrawal is automatic once the crime begins.

Answer: (C)

Withdrawal from a criminal plan is possible as long as the defendant dissociates from the plan and takes concrete steps to prevent the crime from happening. There are two legitimate ways this can be done: first, by discouraging the crime—persuading or dissuading others in the group so the crime is less likely to occur; and second, by neutralizing the assistance or preventing the crime—actually undoing your role or removing the means you helped supply so the plan cannot be carried out. Both approaches show an active effort to stop the scheme before its completion, which is why they describe valid forms of withdrawal. It’s not automatic once the crime begins; withdrawal must be timely and effective, and in some contexts may require steps that are communicated to others or authorities to ensure the plan cannot proceed.