The Top 5 Most Common Crimes
As a crime victim, it’s important to be aware of which crimes occur most frequently. The more you know, the easier it will be to protect yourself from becoming a victim. The criminal justice system prosecutes a wide variety of offenses, from violent to white-collar crimes. If you ever find yourself committing a crime or being a victim of a crime be sure to call Cain & Herren attorneys.
In fact, there are over ten million arrests every year. Despite the seemingly overwhelming number of criminal acts, the majority of crimes committed are not highly publicized. This is due in part to the wide variation in penalties for each type of offense and in how they are classified by the courts. Each crime has a legal definition and distinct elements that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order for someone to be found guilty.
Many people are familiar with violent crimes, such as murder, rape and assault with a deadly weapon. However, a greater percentage of people are affected by property crimes, such as burglary and larceny. Larceny is the most common crime, with over seven million reports of theft each year according to BJS (Bureau of Justice Statistics). Motor vehicle thefts are also high on the list of property crimes with a reported one-in-ten vehicles stolen each year. In addition to larceny, robbery is another category of property crime that includes the taking of personal items from a person’s possession or immediate presence and against their will. Robbery is less common than burglary, but it generally leads to more severe punishments.
Other property crimes include arson, which involves setting a fire with intent to destroy or endanger life. Another common crime is trespassing, which is the act of entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. This category of crime is often a precursor to other more serious offenses, such as disorderly conduct or DUI (driving while intoxicated).
Crimes against persons typically result in physical harm to an individual. Violent crimes are a subset of crimes against property and include aggravated assault, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter. Those who commit violent crimes often face hefty prison sentences and a lifetime of difficulty upon release.
A smaller but still significant portion of crime is white-collar crime, which includes fraud by physicians, attorneys and other professionals and corporate financial crime that often results in massive losses to investors. The Enron scandal in 2001 was a notable example of a corporate financial crime.
Drug crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, including possession, cultivation, trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs. The legality of certain substances is currently in flux, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the laws in your state and region.
Alcohol-related crimes are also widespread, with over two-thirds of fatal crashes in the United States involving drunk drivers. Alcohol-related crimes include driving under the influence, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Regardless of whether the substance in question is legally sanctioned or not, the consumption of alcohol can cause serious damage to an individual’s mental and physical health. As a result, the penalties for DUI and public intoxication are quite steep.
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