What is the penalty for a criminal attempt offense if the original crime is classified as a state jail felony?

The correct answer is a state jail felony because when an original crime is classified as a state jail felony, the penalty for a criminal attempt to commit that felony is also categorized as a state jail felony. In many jurisdictions, the law provides that the punishment for an attempt reflects the severity of the underlying crime. Hence, a criminal attempt to commit a state jail felony is sentenced similarly to the actual commission of that offense.

In contrast, the other options represent penalties for different classifications of crimes that do not align with the implications of a state jail felony. A Class B misdemeanor, for example, is less severe and not applicable in this context, as it pertains to lesser offenses. A Class A misdemeanor represents more serious offenses than a Class B, but still does not reach the felony level. A felony of the second degree is also a more severe classification than what is applicable here. Therefore, recognizing these distinctions clarifies why a criminal attempt associated with a state jail felony remains categorized at that felony level.