How are crimes classified?
Felony crimes are classified into letter classes (from Offense Class A through Class J) depending on their seriousness. Crimes which involve victim injury or the risk of victim injury are assigned to the highest classes. Property crimes and other crimes which do not normally involve the risk of victim injury are assigned to lower classes. Misdemeanor crimes are classified into four classes (Class A1, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3). The most serious misdemeanor crimes are in Class A1 and the least serious are in Class 3. HOW ARE OFFENDERS CLASSIFIED? Felonies are classified into one of six prior record levels (from Prior Record Level I through Level VI) depending on the extent and gravity of their prior record. Felons with violent or extensive prior convictions are assigned to the highest level, while those with no prior convictions are assigned to the lowest level. Misdemeanor offenders are classified into one of three prior conviction levels depending on their number of prior convictio
Crimes are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one year in jail and are heard primarily by the district court nearest to where the crime took place. Vandalism, shop lifting, trespassing, prostitution, and drunk driving, if it is a first or second offense, are all examples of misdemeanor crimes. Felony crimes are first heard in the district court where the crime occurred. The district court will conduct a hearing called a preliminary examination. If the district judge determines there is enough evidence, the case will be transferred to circuit court for trial. If you are convicted of a felony you could be sentenced from one year to life in prison and/ or pay a fine of more than $500. Homicide, arson, rape, robbery and burglary are examples of felony crimes.
Crimes are classified into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are more serious offenses and include crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, and others. Felonies may be punishable by a sentence to the Department of Corrections (i.e. prison). Misdemeanors may be punishable by a citation up to and including a sentence to the county jail.
There are many different types of crimes, and many ways to classify them. Classifying Crimes: The Method Used by Criminals, Attorneys and Prosecutors Crimes are tried in different ways, and can be classified as such: • “Indictable Offences” – theses are tried on indictment at the Crown Court, and include serious crimes like murder and rape • “Triable Either Way” – theses are tried on indictment at the Crown Court or at the Magistrates Court, and include crimes such as burglary, theft and some forms of assault • “Summary Offences” – these are tried only at the Magistrates Court, and cover crimes that have less than GBP5,000 of damage in terms of cost, and offences such as common assault Classifying Crimes: The Method Used by Academics Another way to classify crimes is by their source, but such a classification is more the concern of law professors, than a practical one. The sources of crimes are: • “Common Law” – these are made by judges • “Statutory” – these are defined in an Act of Pa
