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Common Crimes
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Common Crimes
Hey there! Let’s chat about some of the most common crimes people commit. I know, not the cheeriest topic, but understanding the law can help us be better citizens; am I right?
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes involve physical harm or force. No one wants to be a victim of these, so it’s good to be aware of them.
Murder. This is causing the death of another person intentionally and with malice aforethought. Premeditated murder is among the most serious criminal charges; in some states it can result in the death penalty
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. Voluntary manslaughter is also intentionally causing death but without planning; it arises from a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion.
Assault and Battery. Assault is threatening violence; battery is actual physical harm or violence. Aggravated assault causes severe injury – often with a deadly weapon. Simple assault is minor injury or just threatening harm. Domestic violence and abuse are common forms of assault.
Rape. This is forced sexual intercourse with someone against their will. It’s a devastating crime that can cause long-lasting trauma. Date rape is also extremely serious, despite myths that it’s less awful than “real” rape. No means no
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Kidnapping. Taking someone and holding them in a location against their will is kidnapping. It’s a felony in all states. Custodial interference, or taking a child against court-ordered custody agreements, is also kidnapping.
Robbery. Using violence or intimidation to steal money or property from a victim is robbery. Armed robbery involves using a deadly weapon, which increases the charges.
Property Crimes
Property crimes involve stealing money or objects – but without force against a victim. They include:
Burglary. Illegally entering a structure like a home, business, or vehicle to commit theft or another crime is burglary. It may be accomplished by breaking and entering or remaining unlawfully. Most burglaries happen at night
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Theft/Larceny. Taking property or money illegally without using force or illegally entering a structure is larceny or theft. Shoplifting, employee theft, and pickpocketing are common examples. Grand theft is taking property worth over a specified dollar amount.
Vandalism. Damaging, defacing, or destroying property is vandalism. It includes graffiti, slashing tires, smashing windows, and more. It’s often committed by rebellious teens and can be part of hate crimes.
Arson. Intentionally and illegally setting fire to a building or property is arson, a very dangerous crime. It may be committed to collect insurance or as revenge. Many arsonists are firefighters
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Motor Vehicle Theft. Stealing a car or other motor vehicle is usually a felony. Joyriding is taking a vehicle temporarily without intent to keep it. Carjacking is taking a vehicle by force.
White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes use deception and violate trust, rather than force or violence. They include:
Fraud. Obtaining money or property illegally through deliberate deception is fraud. Many types exist – tax fraud, credit card fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, and more. The costs add up to billions annually
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Embezzlement. When a person entrusted to manage or monitor someone else’s money or property steals all or part of it for personal gain, that’s embezzlement. Examples are accountants, bankers, or employees stealing funds.
Forgery. Forgery means falsifying a document, signature, artwork, cash, or other item in order to defraud someone. Common types are check forgery, prescription forgery, and using fake IDs.
Identity Theft. Stealing personal information and impersonating someone else is identity theft. It often involves credit card fraud or taking over existing accounts. Victims can spend years fixing the damage.
Cybercrime. Any crime committed with computers or the internet is a cybercrime. It includes hacking, online scams, malware, piracy, and more. As technology expands, so do clever new cybercrimes.
Organized Crime
Organized crime involves complex criminal enterprises with multiple people working together illegally over time. Groups like the mafia dominate major industries through extortion, bribery, and violence. Common activities include:
Drug trafficking
Money laundering
Prostitution and sex trafficking rings
Illegal gambling
Loan sharking
Counterfeiting
Theft and fencing of stolen goods
Taking down organized crime is challenging, but essential to reduce corruption and fear in communities
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Victimless Crimes
Victimless crimes are activities where both parties consent, but the acts are still illegal. They include:
Drug Use. Taking illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and others is widely criminalized. However, some advocate for decriminalization or legalization.
Prostitution. Exchanging sex for money is illegal in most of the U.S. Some consider it a moral crime; others argue it should be fully legalized and regulated to improve safety.
Gambling. Wagering and betting on games of chance is restricted but legal in some areas; illegal in others. Arguments for and against gambling continue.
Underage Drinking. For health and safety reasons, it’s illegal for those under 21 to buy or consume alcohol, though many admit doing it anyway.
So those are some of the main categories and examples of common crimes. I know it’s a lot of heavy information, but understanding criminal law helps us make better choices and improve society. Stay safe out there, friends!
References
List of Criminal Charges – FindLaw
Research Paper on Crime | HowToWrite by Customwritings.com
What the data says (and doesn’t say) about crime in the United States
INTERNATIONAL STATISTICS on CRIME AND JUSTICE – UNODC
Types of Criminal Offenses Under the Law – Justia
8.2 Types of Crime – Social Problems – Publishing Services – University of Minnesota