Degrees of dangerous crimes against children are defined as which of the following?

• A. First Degree: Completed offense
• B. Second Degree: Completed offense
• C. First Degree: Preparatory offense
• D. Second Degree: Preparatory offense

Answer: (A)

Degrees differentiate how far the act progressed in dangerous crimes against children. A first-degree DCAC refers to a completed offense—the harmful act actually occurred. If only preparatory steps were taken, such as planning or attempting to commit the offense, that would be a second-degree DCAC. So the best answer matches the rule that degree one corresponds to a completed offense, while degree two covers preparatory acts. For example, finishing a prohibited act against a child is first-degree; merely planning or attempting it without completion would be second-degree.