{"id":352177,"date":"2023-12-08T08:06:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T13:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/view-all-criminal-charges.html"},"modified":"2023-12-08T08:06:27","modified_gmt":"2023-12-08T13:06:27","slug":"view-all-criminal-charges","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/view-all-criminal-charges.html","title":{"rendered":"List of Criminal Charges A to Z"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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List of Criminal Charges A to Z<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The specific elements of criminal charges depend on the state and federal laws defining a crime. Some jurisdictions have clearly defined crimes in modern penal codes, while others rely on less organized codifications of crimes derived from common law principles.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Criminal laws and codes began with the earliest human civilizations. Today, American criminal law appears in state and federal\u00a0criminal statutes<\/a>. These laws describe prohibited conduct, the\u00a0mental state<\/a>\u00a0or intent required for guilt, and the possible punishments for criminal offenses.<\/p>\n

Crimes and\u00a0criminal procedure<\/a>\u00a0don’t always easily align with their portrayal in movies and TV. Seeking justice can demand tough decisions with little “True Crime” glamour. For example, in juvenile delinquency cases, criminal justice professionals may struggle with when to bind a case to the adult system and when to keep it in the juvenile court.<\/p>\n

Below is a list of the most common criminal charges, including links to more detailed articles. An overview of criminal law and the criminal justice system follows the list.<\/p>\n

If you are facing any type of criminal charge, you can also contact a criminal law attorney<\/a> in your area. An experienced attorney can explain your charges and next steps and help you build an effective defense.<\/p>\n

List of Criminal Charges A to Z<\/h2>\n

An alphabetical list of common crimes is below:<\/p>\n

Aggravated assault<\/a><\/p>\n

Aiding and abetting\/accessory<\/a><\/p>\n

Arson<\/a><\/p>\n

Assault\/battery<\/a><\/p>\n

Attempt<\/a><\/p>\n

Bribery<\/a><\/p>\n

Burglary<\/a><\/p>\n

Child abandonment<\/a><\/p>\n

Child abuse<\/a><\/p>\n

Child neglect<\/a><\/p>\n

Child pornography<\/a><\/p>\n

Computer crime<\/a><\/p>\n

Conspiracy<\/a><\/p>\n

Counterfeiting<\/a><\/p>\n

Credit\/debit card fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

Criminal contempt of court<\/a><\/p>\n

Cyberbullying<\/a><\/p>\n

Disorderly conduct<\/a><\/p>\n

Disturbing the peace<\/a><\/p>\n

Domestic violence<\/a><\/p>\n

Drug manufacturing and cultivation<\/a><\/p>\n

Drug possession<\/a><\/p>\n

Drug trafficking\/distribution<\/a><\/p>\n

DUI\/DWI<\/a><\/p>\n

Embezzlement<\/a><\/p>\n

Extortion<\/a><\/p>\n

Forgery<\/a><\/p>\n

Fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

Harassment<\/a><\/p>\n

Hate crimes<\/a><\/p>\n

Homicide<\/a><\/p>\n

Identity theft<\/a><\/p>\n

Insurance fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

Identity theft<\/a><\/p>\n

Kidnapping<\/a><\/p>\n

Manslaughter: Involuntary<\/a><\/p>\n

Manslaughter: Voluntary<\/a><\/p>\n

Medical Marijuana<\/a><\/p>\n

MIP: A minor in possession<\/a><\/p>\n

Money laundering<\/a><\/p>\n

Murder: First-degree<\/a><\/p>\n

Murder: Second-degree<\/a><\/p>\n

Obstruction of justice<\/a><\/p>\n

Open container (of alcohol)<\/a><\/p>\n

Parole violation<\/a><\/p>\n

Perjury<\/a><\/p>\n

Probation violation<\/a><\/p>\n

Prostitution<\/a><\/p>\n

Public intoxication<\/a><\/p>\n

Pyramid schemes<\/a><\/p>\n

Racketeering\/RICO<\/a><\/p>\n

Rape<\/a><\/p>\n

Robbery<\/a><\/p>\n

Securities fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

Sexual assault<\/a><\/p>\n

Shoplifting<\/a><\/p>\n

Solicitation<\/a><\/p>\n

Stalking<\/a><\/p>\n

Statutory rape<\/a><\/p>\n

Tax evasion\/fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

Telemarketing fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

Theft<\/a><\/p>\n

Vandalism<\/a><\/p>\n

White collar crimes<\/a><\/p>\n

Wire fraud<\/a><\/p>\n

An Overview of Criminal Law<\/h2>\n

Federal, state, and local governments enact laws to criminalize conduct related to areas of particular concern. For example, a city council may deem it a misdemeanor to panhandle in certain public places. Congress may approve legislation that defines a federal crime for lying on an immigrant visa application.<\/p>\n

Some criminal charges, such as robbery and perjury, have existed for centuries. Others, like DUI<\/a> and domestic violence<\/a>, came about more recently and reflect changing societal concerns.<\/p>\n

Changes in technology have led to new crimes. Before the widespread use of the internet, no one talked about\u00a0cyberbullying<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0revenge porn<\/a>. Once lawmakers adopt criminal statutes, police officers and prosecutors must enforce them.<\/p>\n

Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses<\/h2>\n

More serious crimes, including violent crimes like first-degree murder, are felony offenses. A felon may face severe consequences upon conviction, such as serving time in state prison.\u00a0Grand theft<\/a>, sexual abuse,\u00a0drug crimes<\/a>\u00a0(such as unlawful sale\/distribution of controlled substances), and possession of child pornography often result in felony charges.<\/p>\n

Upon conviction, criminal offenses will appear on the offender’s criminal record and may lead to a year or more in prison. Certain crimes like sexual assault may require an offender to register as a sex offender, sometimes for life. In drug trafficking cases, the state may also seek forfeiture of illegal proceeds like cash and other contraband.<\/p>\n

Misdemeanor offenses, such as having an open container in a motor vehicle and solicitation for sex, may carry lesser penalties like fines and jail time.\u00a0Traffic tickets<\/a>\u00a0are often violations and carry only a fine and costs.<\/p>\n

Criminal Charges and Sentencing<\/h2>\n

Law enforcement and prosecutors have some leeway in deciding what criminal charges to bring or whether to pursue a particular case. In large-scale organized crime cases, they may bring charges like money laundering, making false statements, or tampering with a witness against lower-level criminals first. They may later seek cooperation from these lesser players to go after the significant criminal offenders at the organization’s top.<\/p>\n

A prosecution formally begins with finding probable cause via a grand jury indictment or filing a criminal complaint. From that point, the state and the defense may engage in plea negotiations or pretrial motions. This may be to avoid court or to improve their chances once they are there. Judges and juries hear the evidence in the trial and decide guilt or innocence.<\/p>\n

When cases that proceed to trial end in convictions, judges often follow\u00a0sentencing guidelines<\/a>\u00a0that tell them how much weight to give relevant factors. These might include factors such as the defendant’s past criminal convictions or the age or relationship to the victim. In cases like aggravated assault or stalking, the court may request a victim impact statement to understand better the effect and cost of the crime on the victim.<\/p>\n

Criminal Rights Under the U.S. Constitution<\/h2>\n

The U.S. Constitution provides people facing criminal charges with certain procedural rights. This includes\u00a0Miranda<\/a>\u00a0warnings, the\u00a0right to a speedy trial<\/a>, the\u00a0right to be free from unlawful searches<\/a>, and the\u00a0right to confront their accusers<\/a>. All people also have civil rights that permit them to question or protest the government’s actions legally.<\/p>\n

A convicted defendant who wishes to challenge a conviction or sentence can file for review by an appellate court. Depending on the law and circumstances, defendants can pursue appeals to their state supreme court or the U.S. Supreme Court. There is also a separate method of challenging the legality of punishment with a petition for a\u00a0writ of habeas corpus<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Crime victims may also pursue civil remedies against an offender. This may include court orders that protect the victim and restrain the offender from future contact. Victims may also file a\u00a0civil lawsuit<\/a>\u00a0for damages and seek to recover costs related to their injuries, including restitution for health care bills and lost wages.<\/p>\n

If You are Facing Criminal Charges, You Need an Attorney<\/h2>\n

Whether you’re dealing with an offense on the list of criminal charges above or any other crime, it is essential to know your legal rights. Any encounter with the criminal justice system is serious. Getting legal advice will help you weigh evidence and choose the best defense. No matter the charge \u2014\u00a0larceny<\/a>, shoplifting, voluntary manslaughter, obstructing justice, or restraining order violation \u2014 you will want to speak to an experienced defense lawyer.<\/p>\n

Lawyers can challenge the admission of key evidence. They can negotiate a fair plea bargain that opens the possibility of expungement. They might help their clients get community service in place of jail time. Whatever the offense, you should consider speaking to a lawyer well-versed in criminal law to help you navigate a criminal case.<\/p>\n

Contact an\u00a0experienced criminal defense attorney<\/a>\u00a0near you to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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