Classes of Crimes
A crime that results in jail time of less than 1 year
Misdemeanor
People who assist or play a part in the crime but are not the sole perpetrator
Parties to crime
Most crimes require that the actor have a guilty?
State of mind
John threatens to murder someone online
Yes. It’s harassment and could be charged as cyberbullying, intimidation, or threats, depending on the law.
John helps Jane bury the body of her victim
A crime that results in more than 1 year of jail time
Felony
A person who helps organize a crime before it is committed.
Accessory before the fact
The legal responsibility for damage or injury, even if you are not negligent
Strict Liability
John breaks into a home to steal valuables
Yes. This is burglary, a serious felony involving unlawful entry with intent to commit theft or another crime. It can carry long prison sentences.
John is a doctor. One of his patients has obvious signs of abuse, yet he fails to report it to authorities.
Guilty. This is a crime of omission, as John is a mandated reporter.
John gets caught speeding and can pay a fine rather than spend time in jail.
A misdemeanor
Someone who helps the perpetrator commit the crime they can can be charged with the same crime
Accomplice
The act of requesting or strongly urging someone to do something.
Solicitation
John accidentally breaks a neighbor's window while playing baseball
No. It’s an accident, not an intentional act. The person may be civilly liable for damages but not criminally responsible.
A purse goes missing from Jane's desk. John was seen on camera taking the purse and putting it into Jane's locker.
Innocent. There was no criminal intent.
John shoots someone for fun.
A felony
A person who helps the perpetrator exit a crime or hide from capture
Accessory after the fact
An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime along with a substantial act toward committing the crime
Conspiracy
John refuses to pay his debt
No. This is a civil matter, not a criminal matter.
John crashes into a car at an intersection. The maintenance crew in charge of the intersection claims that the light malfunctioned at the time of the collision.
Innocent. The collision was out of either car's jurisdiction.
John is attempting to lower his sentencing. His best course of action is a plea bargain with the court. What is most likely the class of the crime?
A felony
John helped orchestrate the assassination of a prestigious political figure, but he did not pull the trigger.
Accessory before the fact
The Latin term used by lawyers when they discuss the requirements for a guilty state of mind
Mens Rea
John physically attacks somebody after being called slurs and other bad things
Yes. Although John was being harassed, regardless of their prior actions, assault and battery are generally illegal and can lead to charges like simple assault, aggravated assault, or disturbing the peace.
John didn't pay his taxes.
Guilty. Not submitting required tax forms is a federal offense!