Types of Criminal Charges
A criminal charge is a formal claim by the government that someone has committed a criminal act against the community. An individual can be charged with a felony, misdemeanor, or a summary offense. Each crime has its own set of elements which define how it should be charged.
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Criminal Fraud vs. Civil Fraud - What Are the Differences?The primary difference in these two types of fraud is that the individual affected files a lawsuit against the perpetrator in civil cases while law enforcement charges a person with criminal activity with criminal fraud. One proceeds through the civil courts for compensation with damages and the other proceeds through the criminal courts to enact justice.
Read more- Definition and Penalties of Various Internet Crimes
The internet is rife with crimes committed by groups and individuals every year. Hackers live on the internet to change things, cause harm, steal information and commit various other activities. It is important to know what crimes are being committed and how to avoid them as well as what penalties apply when a conviction occurs.
Read more - How Are People Charged as an Accomplice?
Accomplice liability arises when a person helps another commit a crime with the intent of providing such assistance.
Read more - What Are the Different Types of Criminal Homicide?
Homicide is the taking of a human life. Every state in the US has its own unique classifications of homicide, but these classifications generally fall into three general categories. Those general categories are murder, manslaughter, and justifiable homicide.
Read more - Helping Someone Who Has Committed a Crime: Are You Committing a Crime Yourself?
When a person helps or "gives assistance" to a friend or family member who's committing a crime, that person may be committing a crime known as aiding and abetting in Kansas City. Even though the idea to commit the offense may not have been yours and you may have only played a small role by helping, you could face criminal charges. If you helped someone who has committed a crime in any way, you'll want to seek the legal guidance of a seasoned Kansas City criminal defense attorney.
Read more - When Can I Sue for Verbal Assault?
There are instances that occur with frequency where someone is traumatized by the verbal actions of another. These could include name-calling, vicious rumors, descriptions of gruesome situations and many other similar issues.
Read more - After a Riot, Who Pays for The Damage?
Riots erupt in the United States often in the wake of racial tensions created by police activities. Often beginning as peaceful protests, these demonstrations sometimes degenerate into violent riots where people and property suffer harm, leaving innocent people to pick up the pieces. This has led many to ask who should pay for the damage after a riot?
Read more - Are There Any Foods That Are Illegal to Eat in the United States?
Over the last few years, the American palate has broadened considerably with flavors from every corner of the globe popping up everywhere. But some foods that are considered common fare or rare delicacies in other countries are actually banned in the United States. This could be because of safety concerns, issues over the treatment of animals, environmental impact, or a number of other considerations. Whatever the case, these foods are banned in the USA:
Read more - What Are the Laws Against Looting?
After a natural catastrophe, riots, terrorist attack, or other devastating event, it is not uncommon for some members of society to take to the streets and begin taking almost anything they want. Sometimes looters only take necessities, like food, water, and toilet paper, but more often than not, looters are taking items of value like televisions, computers, jewelery, etc. How does the law deal with this and what are a person's rights when trying to prevent looting?
Read more - What is RICO?
RICO stands for the “Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations” Act. It was a groundbreaking piece of legislation passed in the United States in 1970 with the goal of financially crippling the Mafia. However, it has evolved to have a variety of applications today against many organizations aside from the Mafia.
Read more - What is the Difference Between Abduction and Kidnapping?
Abduction and kidnapping cases often go hand in hand. In most cases, abduction is considered to be the illegal holding or transporting of a person without consent and against his or her will. Most instances of this crime include force, threats against the victim, intimidating the person usually through proposed violence or through words or some sort of deception.
Read more - Dropping Assault Charges
Charges for assault are a common theme in many cities. Though these actions do occur in other areas, law enforcement officers often find assault allegations arise more in areas of condensed populations. Typically, these accusations occur with those in relationships, but assault may occur with other crimes connected. Sexual assault, aggravated assault, assault of a minor and other related crimes all tend to occur in higher numbers in these areas.
Read more - What Are the Different Types of Assault?
The term assault is used with relation to any number of different crimes and civil offenses, often incorrectly. So, what is assault, actually? And what are the different types of assault?
Read more - Illegal Carrying of a Firearm
Firearms are associated with a right to carry in the United States with the belief that every person should be allowed one in his or her home. When the purchase process is legal, it usually requires an individual to complete an application, wait a period of time and then become permitted to own and use a firearm.
Read more - Degrees of Arson Charges
Arson is the crime of intentional, willful and actively burning a building or similar structure. When someone causes this to occur, he or she may also be involved in other crimes.
Read more - What Are the Consequences for Making Bomb Threats?
Some believe bomb threats to be an extravagant prank, others use them to avoid responsibilities like exams or bills, and still others use them to hide some other nefarious purpose. Whatever the reason, making bomb threats is a very serious crime with heavy criminal penalties. So what are the consequences for making bomb threats?
Read more - The Elements and Differences Between Assault and Battery
How often do we hear the compound term “assault and battery” thrown around in courtroom television dramas or the nightly news? Were you aware that assault and battery are actually two different things? That they can have both civil and criminal implications? So what exactly is the difference between them, and why is this distinction important?
Read more - What Are the Differences Between Felonies and Misdemeanors?
In most states, crimes are classified in one of two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Sometimes, there are also a third class of crimes called petty crimes or violations, and are usually punished by a fine with no jail time (these often include traffic infractions). Understanding the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor can be critical in understanding charges against a person, terms of plea agreements, and potential punishments.
Read more - What Are the Different Types of Fraud
Many different forms of fraud have been committed for countless years. These crimes may rob others of resources, money, information or other items that are considered valuable to someone. When the digital age bloomed, identity theft became a major concern.
Read more - Criminal or Civil Harassment - What Is The Difference?
Harassment covers a range of behaviors. It is important for a victim of harassment to understand when the actions against them may be considered criminal and subject to possible prosecution or civil and suitable for litigation.
Read more - Assault and Battery
While assault and battery are often charged together, these two terms have very different meanings. Additional a criminal charge of assault or battery carries with it a different definition and burden of proof than a civil complaint of either act. Knowing the difference between these terms can help you protect your legal interests.
Read more - Bike Accidents - When Can They Involve Charges of Manslaughter
There are special situations that involve the biker with the death of another person because of the collision or other elements included that may charge the biker with manslaughter. In these cases, the defending party is negligent or his or her actions are the reason the other person died without any intent to conclude with this outcome.
Read more - Choking as a Felony
Many states are taking proactive steps to make choking a more serious offense by elevating it to a felony charge. Choking is a criminal act that is often associated with domestic violence. Despite this association, many states do not currently consider this offense to be a felony. Like many aspects of domestic violence issues, this elevation of the crime is a highly debated topic.
Read more - Can I Get Arrested Just for Being Rude to the Police?
The First Amendment protects your right to be rude to police officers, but that right is not unlimited and it doesn't mean you won't get arrested for mouthing off to a cop. Read on to learn more.
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