Types of Criminal Offenses
A less serious criminal offense that is typically punishable by fines, probation, or short jail sentences rather than prison time.
What is a misdemeanor?
Possessing marijuana or cocaine for personal use falls under this category of drug crime.
What is drug possession?
Taking someone else’s property without permission with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
What is theft?
Knowingly causing physical harm or attempting to cause harm to another person.
What is assault?
Using someone else’s credit card or personal information without permission to make purchases.
What is identity theft?
This type of crime involves violations against the state or federal government rather than individual victims.
What is a public order offense?
Selling or distributing illegal drugs to others is commonly referred to as this offense.
What is drug trafficking?
Entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside.
What is burglary?
Causing serious physical harm or using a deadly weapon during an assault.
What is aggravated assault?
Using deception or false pretenses to obtain money or property.
What is fraud?
Crimes such as burglary and arson fall under this broad category because they involve interference with ownership or use of property.
What are crimes against property?
A person under the legal age who is caught possessing alcohol or illegal drugs can be charged with this offense.
What is underage possession?
Taking property directly from a person using force or threat of force.
What is robbery?
Unlawfully causing the death of another person without prior planning.
What is manslaughter?
Offering money or favors to influence an official decision.
What is bribery?
These offenses involve direct harm or threat of harm to individuals, such as assault or homicide.
What are offenses against persons?
Driving while impaired due to drugs (legal or illegal) is an example of this offense.
What is operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI/DUI)?
Damaging or destroying another person’s property on purpose.
What is vandalism or criminal mischief?
Unlawfully restraining or holding someone against their will.
What is kidnapping or unlawful restraint?
Failure to report income or deliberately falsifying tax information.
What is tax evasion?
This type of crime is typically committed by individuals in the course of their occupation and often involves deception or financial gain.
What is white-collar crime?
Providing prescription medication to someone it was not prescribed for is considered this type of drug offense.
What is illegal distribution of prescription drugs?
Taking a vehicle without the owner’s permission, even if there was no intent to permanently keep it.
What is motor vehicle theft?
Causing the death of another person during the commission of a dangerous felony, even if there was no intent to kill.
What is felony murder?
Interfering with a police investigation or court process by lying, destroying evidence, or influencing witnesses.
What is obstruction of justice?