crimes against the person
A man punches another during an argument at a bar, leaving a small bruise on his face.
Crime: Assault
Punishment: Short imprisonment or community service
A 24-year-old shoplifts a pair of jeans from a clothing store.
Crime: Theft
Punishment: Fine or community service
A man lies under oath during a court trial.
Crime: Perjury
Punishment: Short to long imprisonment
A man sets fire to an abandoned building for fun.
Crime: Arson
Punishment: Long imprisonment and restitution
A teenager spray-paints graffiti on the side of a public building in the middle of the night.
Crime: Vandalism
Punishment: Community service, fines, and sometimes short imprisonment, especially if the damage is extensive.
A woman slaps her partner repeatedly, causing minor injuries.
Crime: Actual Bodily Harm
Punishment: Probation or short imprisonment
An employee transfers company funds into their own account over several months.
Crime: Embezzlement
Punishment: Long imprisonment and restitution
A government official accepts a gift in exchange for a license.
Crime: Bribery
Punishment: Long imprisonment and a fine
A woman drives the getaway car after a robbery.
Crime: Aiding and Abetting
Punishment: Same as the principal offender, typically long imprisonment
A person follows someone around town, showing up at their workplace and home uninvited, sending repeated unwanted messages.
Crime: Stalking
Punishment: Probation, restraining orders, fines, or short imprisonment depending on the severity of the stalking.
A man breaks someone’s jaw with a baseball bat during a fight.
Crime: Grievous Bodily Harm
Punishment: Long imprisonment
A person breaks into a home and steals electronics.
Crime: Burglary
Punishment: Long imprisonment
A political leader attempts to overthrow the government.
Crime: Treason
Punishment: Life imprisonment or capital punishment
Two people plan to kidnap someone for ransom but are caught beforehand.
Crime: Conspiracy
Punishment: Long imprisonment
Texting driver runs a red light and causes a fatal crash.
Crime: Reckless Driving
Punishment: Fines, short imprisonment, or community service. Higher penalties if the driving causes harm.
A father kidnaps his daughter and takes her out of state without consent.
Crime: Abduction
Punishment: Long imprisonment or life imprisonment (if child endangerment is proven)
A man forges documents to sell a car he doesn’t own.
Crime: Forgery
Punishment: Short to long imprisonment, depending on the value involved
A civil servant sells state secrets to a foreign government.
Crime: Espionage
Punishment: Life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, capital punishment
A man sends threatening letters demanding money from a celebrity.
Crime: Blackmail
Punishment: Long imprisonment
A driver is found drunk behind the wheel during a traffic stop.
Crime: DUI
Punishment: Fine, mandatory rehab, license suspension, or short imprisonment for repeat offenders
A man fatally stabs his wife during a heated argument but without premeditation.
Crime: Manslaughter
Punishment: Long imprisonment or life imprisonment
A group hacks into a company’s system and steals credit card info.
Crime: Fraud
Punishment: Long imprisonment and restitution
A person hides evidence to protect a suspect.
Crime: Obstruction of Justice
Punishment: Short imprisonment or house arrest
A woman tries to influence a juror before a trial.
Crime: Obstruction of Justice
Punishment: Long imprisonment
The husband physically assaults his wife in an argument, leading to injury.
Crime: Domestic Violence
Punishment: Probation, mandatory rehabilitation programs, community service, and possibly imprisonment for repeat offenses.