Crimes are set forth in criminal statutes, which describe the prohibited conduct, the mental state or intent required for guilt, and the range of possible punishments. The specific acts that qualify as criminal conduct will depend on a particular jurisdiction's laws, as will what the actual crime is called.
Read on for links to common criminal charges as well as a broad overview of criminal law.
Below you can find an alphabetical list of common crimes:
Aggravated Assault
Insurance Fraud
Aiding and Abetting / Accessory
Kidnapping
Arson
Manslaughter: Involuntary
Assault / Battery
Manslaughter: Voluntary
Attempt
Medical Marijuana
Bribery
MIP: A Minor in Possession
Burglary
Money Laundering
Child Abandonment
Murder: First-degree
Child Abuse
Murder: Second-degree
Child Pornography
Open Container (of alcohol)
Computer Crime
Perjury
Conspiracy
Probation Violation
Credit / Debit Card Fraud
Prostitution
Criminal Contempt of Court
Public Intoxication
Cyberbullying
Pyramid Schemes
Disorderly Conduct
Racketeering / RICO
Disturbing the Peace
Rape
Domestic Violence
Robbery
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
Securities Fraud
Drug Possession
Sexual Assault
Drug Trafficking / Distribution
Shoplifting
DUI / DWI
Solicitation
Embezzlement
Stalking
Extortion
Statutory Rape
Forgery
Tax Evasion / Fraud
Fraud
Telemarketing Fraud
Harassment
Theft
Hate Crimes
Vandalism
Homicide
White Collar Crimes
Identity Theft
Wire Fraud
Indecent Exposure
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Federal, state and local governments enact statutes to criminalize the conduct of particular concern to them. For example, a city may determine that it is a misdemeanor to panhandle, while the federal government decides that it is a federal crime to lie on an immigrant visa application. Some criminal charges have been around for centuries, such as robbery and perjury, while others are added over time. An example is the recent creation of the crime of cyberbullying. Once lawmakers adopt a statute, police officers and prosecutors are responsible for enforcing it.
Prosecutors have some leeway in deciding what criminal charges to bring, or whether to pursue the case at all. A prosecution formally begins with either a grand jury indictment or the filing of a criminal complaint. If the jury convicts, judges often follow sentencing guidelines that tell them how much weight to give to factors such as a defendant's past criminal convictions (if any) in fashioning an appropriate sentence.
The U.S. Constitution entitles people charged with crimes to numerous procedural rights, including Miranda warnings, a speedy trial, a right to be free from unlawful searches, and a right to confront accusers. A defendant who wishes to challenge a conviction or sentence can file an appeal with a higher court. There is also a separate method of appealing called petitioning for a writ of habeas corpus, which is a way of disputing the legal basis for one's imprisonment.
If you've been accused of something in the list of criminal charges above, or any other crime, it's important to know your legal rights. Because an encounter with the criminal justice system can have devastating consequences, be sure that you have a strong legal defense team in your corner. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney near you to learn more.
