Opinion ID: 2251602
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Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence: Attempted Theft

Text: Appellant argues that the State failed to prove that he acted with the required culpability or engaged in conduct which constituted a substantial step toward the commission of theft. He therefore maintains that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his attempted theft conviction. We disagree. To constitute a criminal attempt, the appellant must have had the state of mind required for a particular substantive offense and have conducted himself so as to take a substantial step towards commission of that offense. Land v. State (1984), Ind., 470 N.E.2d 697. The evidence established that Trice broke the door and entered the premises for the purpose of committing a theft. For these acts he was properly convicted of burglary. The evidence also indicates that Trice did take an additional step towards exerting unauthorized control over the property of another person. Ind. Code § 35-43-4-2; Ind. Code § 35-41-5-1. The evidence showed that goods were strewn on the floor and that $20,000 worth of merchandise had already been removed from the store. From these facts the jury could infer that Trice followed through on his intent to commit theft by committing additional acts which constituted a substantial step toward the commission of theft. Deamus v. State (1985), Ind., 479 N.E.2d 1319.