Opinion ID: 2262863
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Statutory Test

Text: As a preliminary manner, we must determine whether attempted second degree murder is a lesser included offense of attempted first degree murder. In so doing, we apply the statutory test, which mandates that the greater offense must establish every essential element of the lesser included offense. People v. Rivera, 186 Colo. 24, 27, 525 P.2d 431, 433 (1974) (citing Daniels v. People, 159 Colo. 190, 193, 411 P.2d 316, 317 (1966)). To secure a conviction for the crime of attempt, the People must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant possessed the culpable mental state required for the underlying offense and that the defendant took a substantial step toward completing the underlying offense. See § 18-2-101, C.R.S. (2009). Here, the underlying offensesfirst degree murder and second degree murdervary only in the culpable mental state required. Compare § 18-3-102(1)(a), C.R.S. (2009) (first degree murder requires causing death of another [a]fter deliberation and with ... intent) with § 18-3-103(1), C.R.S. (2009) (second degree murder requires knowingly causing death of another). Under Colorado law, the requirement that a defendant act knowingly is also satisfied where a defendant satisfies the more-exacting intentional standard. § 18-1-503(3), C.R.S. (2009) (If acting knowingly suffices to establish an element, that element also is established if a person acts intentionally.). As proof of attempted first degree murder necessarily establishes every element of attempted second degree murder, the latter is a lesser included offense of the former.