A crime or criminal offense is described as an unlawful act that is punishable by a state or authority. If you’re a fan of watching Law and Order or other popular crime shows, you’ve probably learned a little about the types of cases that can occur.
However, despite what you see on TV, what happens in real life can be pretty different. Below, we will talk about five of the most common criminal law cases in the US.
Drug Abuse Violations
You should already be aware that it is illegal to possess, use, and sell narcotic drugs. However, despite the strict laws, it’s estimated around 31.9 million Americans over the age of 12 are current users (according to drugabusestatisitics.org).
Since 2000, there have been over 700K drug overdose-related deaths, and the numbers keep climbing. With these stats, it’s easy to understand why it has become one of the most common criminal law cases.
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Violent Crimes
As unpleasant as they may be, violent crimes do hold a spot on this list. The most common are robbery, sexual assault, manslaughter, and homicide.
Because of their seriousness, other offenses can also cross over into this category. Some of which include:
– Gun violence
– Domestic violence
– Elder/child abuse
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct involves a public disturbance. In many cases, it does not prove to be dangerous but can be shocking or disrupting to others.
It ranges from offenses such as abusive language to threatening another, being reckless, and simply “disturbing the peace.” While many of these crimes are only considered minor and expungement can help clear their slate, they can still lead to fines.
Property Crimes
Crimes don’t always involve the harm of another person. Instead, many are to do with physical property (an individual’s possessions). For instance, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny (pickpocketing/shoplifting), and arson all fall under this. If any property is destroyed, it may incur an additional vandalism charge and you could be booked for arson in California.
For instance, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny (pickpocketing/shoplifting), and arson all fall under this. If any property is destroyed, it may incur an additional vandalism charge.
Fraud
Finally, fraud is described as the misrepresentation of facts to obtain a benefit. This can either be intentional or as a result of not telling the whole truth. One example would be to lie about your age, name, or criminal history to obtain a job or money payment.
Like most crimes on this list, there are many different types. From online scams to identity theft and even BEC (business email compromise).
Final Words
And that’s it. These were five common criminal law cases. While many others can be added to this list, most cross over into at least one of the above categories. For instance, alcohol abuse can lead to disorderly conduct or a vehicle accident resulting in manslaughter. Are you concerned about your wellbeing? Remember to stay vigilant and follow the correct protocols to protect yourself and your family. While crimes can’t always be helped, you can do your part to keep safe.