Once an act gets identified as a crime, the law then attempts to define crime in a way that can distinguish which crimes are worse than others. A crime is a serious offense that is often categorized based on its severity. Crimes can range from misdemeanors, which are less severe, to felonies, which are more serious and may involve prison. A violation typically refers to a breach of rules or regulations that is less severe than a crime. Violations are often considered minor offenses and may not carry the same level of stigma or legal consequences. Legal consequences for violations are usually less severe and may involve fines, warnings, or other non-criminal penalties. In some cases, violations are handled through civil proceedings rather than criminal courts. A common example of a violation is running a red light or speeding.

Crimes Against the Person

Crimes against the person are often considered the most serious and may include homicide, rape, assault, kidnapping, and intimate partner violence. Each of these crimes can carry a different penalty based on the seriousness of the crime. For example, murder would have a more serious punishment than assault or kidnapping, as it is the most severe of all crimes.

Crimes Against Property

Property crimes are widespread and seen as less severe than crimes against a person. Property crimes may include larceny, burglary, arson, and trespassing. There are varying degrees of liability depending on the circumstances of the case but overall these crimes are seen as less serious.

Crimes Against Public Order

Public order crimes may not harm other people or property but impact social order. We have laws against actions like disorderly conduct, loitering, and public urination. The goal of these laws is to make the behavior of others organized and predictable. When these laws are broken the victim is society.

Drug Offenses

Most often drug offenses can be seen as a crime against public order. Some examples of drug offenses can be possession of illegal drugs, being under the influence, and selling or distributing illegal substances. Punishment will vary based on the drug, how much of the drug is in possession or sold, and where it gets sold.

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is considered a minor criminal offense that is punishable by a fine and or jail time for up to one year.

Felony

A felony is a serious offense that is punishable by a sentence of more than one year in prison and sometimes by death. Many different types of crimes and punishments can be handed out by the criminal justice system. Each state determines punishment when one is found guilty of a state-level crime. Other crimes are defined in federal statutes and can be punished at the federal level such as treason. Some crimes are seen as more severe, especially if they are violent in nature or harm people. In general, crimes that harm people are seen as more severe than crimes that harm property or violate social order.

Licenses and Attributions for Different Types of Crimes and Offenses

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“Different Types of Crimes and Offenses” is adapted from “1.13. Different Types of Crimes and Offenses” by Shanell Sanchez in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Modified by Sam Arungwa and revised by Roxie Supplee, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, for clarity and new examples.