What Are the Different Types of Crimes?
Whether you watch live news, movies, or television shows, you’ve probably heard of different crimes. Even though some are more common than others, there are clear distinctions between each crime class requiring different systems and punishments.
Use this guide to help you better understand the seven types of crime so you know the best way to protect yourself.
Type 1: Crimes Against a Person
These violent crimes are directed toward another individual or group of people intending to harm. In most cases, crimes against a person separate into two categories: homicide and physical crimes.
Physical crimes include:
· Assault and battery
· Arson
· Child abuse
· Domestic abuse
· Kidnapping
· Rape and statutory rape
Type 2: Crimes Against Property
As its name states, this crime is against a person’s property. Property crimes include:
· Lawns
· Homes
· Vehicles
· And anything else a person owns.
When a person commits a crime against property, they’re trying to inflict pain on the individual who owns the property without physically hurting the person.
Type 3: Inchoate Crimes
When we hear about crimes of conspiracy or intent, officials are talking about inchoate crimes. These crimes never manifest themselves because law enforcement stopped them in time.
The punishment for these criminal offenses are on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes the punishment is as severe as if the person committed the crime, whereas other punishments are less severe.
Type 4: Statutory Crimes
A statute is a written law, so statutory crimes are those committed against the law. Most statutory laws are designed to prohibit the abuse of certain freedoms.
Although crimes listed above fit under this category, there are other crimes included, like:
· Alcohol crimes
· Drug crimes
· Trafficking
· White collar
The severity of punishment for these crimes often lies in the damage caused by the crime. For example, DUI resulting in vehicular homicide will bring more charges and a longer prison sentence than DUI, where an officer pulls you over.
Type 5: White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are also known as financial crimes, and those who commit these crimes are traditionally those of higher corporate positions.
Common white-collar crimes include:
· Fraud
· Blackmail
· Embezzlement
· Money laundering
· Tax evasion
· Cybercrime
Type 6: Organized Crime
Organized crime is one of the most common types on television and in movies. We often affiliate organized crimes with the Mafia, but there are other ways to commit an organized crime.
In short, organized crime is when a group of people unite and control illegal goods, services, and products that often generate a lot of money.
Type 7: Hate Crimes
Hate crimes have a long history when you look at recorded world history. Hate crimes require a person to take action against another person because of their religion, race, gender, beliefs, or disability.
What Should You Do if You’re Charged With a Crime?
If you’re ever charged with a crime, you must learn the type of crime officers have stated. Although you’ll want legal representation regardless of the type of crime, you should find a lawyer who can help you with your charges.
At Hickey and Hull Law Partners, we’re experienced in most of these crimes and are prepared to help you fight your case. Don’t trust any other lawyer in Northwest Arkansas. Contact Hickey and Hull today to start your defense process.