Crimes can vary greatly in nature. You can be criminally charged for victimless crimes to those causing loss of human life. Although there are many different types of crimes, criminal acts can generally be divided into four categories: personal crimes, property crimes, inchoate crimes, and statutory crimes.
Regardless of what type of crime you are charged with, it is important to understand that just because you are charged with a crime it does not necessarily mean you are guilty of it. This is why it is important to immediately consult with and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your legal rights.
Personal Crimes
Personal crimes are those that result in some type of mental or physical harm to another individual. These types of crimes are divided into two categories: homicide and other violent crimes. An individual may be charged with a homicide if the physical harm done is so severe that it results in death. The different types of homicide include:
- Murder, consisting of first-degree and second degree murder
- Manslaughter, consisting of voluntary and involuntary manslaughter
Vehicular homicide
Conversely, violent crimes are defined as those that include crimes of harm against another person that are serious, but do not result in death. Common types of violent crimes include:
- Assault
- Battery
- Rape
- Serious property crimes, such as arson
Property Crimes
Property crimes generally involve the interference with the property of another. These types of crimes may involve some type of physical or mental harm to another individual. But property crimes primarily result in the deprivation of the use or enjoyment of property. Examples of property crimes include theft crimes, such as burglary, larceny, robbery, auto theft, and shoplifting.
Inchoate Crimes
Inchoate crimes refer to those crimes that were initiated but not completed, and acts that assist in the commission of another crime. These types of crimes require more than a person simply intending or wanting to commit a crime. Instead, in order to be found guilty, the person must have taken a “substantial step” towards actually completing the crime. Examples of inchoate crimes include:
- Aiding and abetting
- Attempt
- Conspiracy
Statutory Crimes
Statutory crimes are defined as those that, in addition to the ones discussed above are proscribed by a specific statute. Four significant types of statutory crimes are:
- Alcohol related crimes
- Drug crimes
- Traffic offenses
- Financial/white collar crimes
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone that you care about has been arrested or charged with a crime that you did not commit, it is important that you immediately hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help protect your legal rights and ensure that you have the best defense possible to avoid a criminal conviction.