There are many different types of crimes, though criminal acts can be broadly placed into five categories. Understanding more about what they entail can help you choose a defense attorney with the experience needed to defend you from criminal allegations.
Crimes Against a Person
Crimes against a person result in physical or mental harm to another person. There are forms of homicide and other violent crimes that fit into this category.
If you inflict physical harm to the extent that it leads to death, you may be charged with first-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or vehicular homicide when the case involves a car crash.
Violent crimes include assault and battery, arson, kidnapping, and rape. All crimes against a person have the steepest penalties.
Crimes Against Property
A crime against property involves the destruction of someone’s property. This can include burglary, robbery, larceny, shoplifting, and auto theft.
Statutory Crimes
Statutory crimes usually include drug crimes, alcohol-related crimes, traffic offenses, and white-collar crimes. These types of crimes may overlap with other kinds of crimes, like DUI, public intoxication, and open container violations.
It’s common for traffic offenses to overlap, especially when DUI is involved. This is because it is both an alcohol-related crime and a traffic offense. Should a traffic offense result in the death of another driver, passenger, or pedestrian, you could be charged with homicide.
Inchoate Crimes
Crimes that are labeled as inchoate were initiated but not completed. For a crime to be considered inchoate, it takes more than the intention to commit it. You must take an active step towards committing the crime to be deemed guilty. Crimes in this category include conspiracy, abetting, and attempt. They can be punished to the same extent as the attempted crime.
Financial Crimes
Often termed white-collar crimes, financial crimes typically involve fraud or deception for financial gain. Embezzlement, money laundering, cybercrime, blackmail, and tax evasion fall into this category of crimes.
How Innocent People May Be at Risk for Criminal Charges
If you haven’t committed any of these crimes, you should be careful who you associate with. Innocent people can be implicated simply by their interactions with the wrong crowd. In other cases, the police may mistake you for someone else.
As an example, you may resemble someone who was caught on camera shoplifting merchandise. Common mistakes like these can lead to criminal charges brought against someone who is innocent.
What to Know If You’re Charged with a Crime in Virginia
One of the most important things you should know is that if you are charged with a crime in Virginia, it is a very serious matter. The penalties in this state are often much more severe than in neighboring states.
Even if you were mistaken for someone else, you should never attempt to defend yourself. You will be going up against some of the toughest judges in the nation. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney will be the best course of action, as they will be able to develop an effective defense strategy.
Above all, remember that you have the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. Even if your case seems like a simple mistaken identity issue, call a defense attorney immediately to help preserve your rights.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do to Help You?
With a defense attorney, you will have someone who will explain your charges and the available defenses you can take. The best criminal defense lawyers will help protect your rights and work to get you the most favorable outcome in your case.
Since every case is unique, even when comparing them to similar criminal charges, there may be many different strategies that could work. Only an experienced attorney will know the right course to take. Whether you are guilty of committing a crime or not, it is imperative you get the proper legal counsel to stand by you. If you are facing criminal charges, contact a Manassas criminal defense attorney to get the legal guidance you need.
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