Canon 1418

1. One who in order to commit an offense did something, or

failed to do something, but then nevertheless, despite his intention, did not complete the offense, is not held by the penalty

established for the consummated offense, unless the law or the

precept provides otherwise. 2. If, however, the actions or

omissions by their nature lead to the execution of the offense,

the perpetrator is to be punished by an appropriate penalty,

especially if it resulted in scandal or other serious harm.

Nevertheless, the penalty is to be more lenient than the one

prescribed for a completed offense. 3. One who spontaneously

has desisted from the execution of an initiated offense is free

of any penalty if no harm or scandal ensued from the attempt.