The mere agreement becomes criminal when what occurs?

• A. The plan is merely drafted
• B. The conspiracy moves to the planning stage
• C. An overt act in furtherance of the agreement is committed
• D. The parties publicly announce the plan

Answer: (C)

In conspiracy law, simply agreeing to commit a crime isn’t enough to punish the participants. The crime typically requires an overt act in furtherance of the agreement, showing that the parties moved from thought to action. That concrete step demonstrates they intended to and did take a real step toward carrying out the plan.

Why this choice fits best: after agreeing, taking a specific action that advances the plan—like purchasing materials, staking out a location, or meeting to plan steps—constitutes the overt act that turns mere agreement into a punishable conspiracy. Merely drafting a plan, moving into the planning stage, or even publicly announcing the plan don’t by themselves show real progression toward committing the crime, unless they are accompanied by an actionable step that furthers the plan.