Crimes In Depth

Learn about the possible sentences for assault, assault and battery, and aggravated assault crimes.

Manslaughter is an unlawful killing that doesn’t involve malice aforethought—intent to seriously harm or kill, or extreme, reckless disregard for life. The absence of malice aforethought means that manslaughter involves less moral blame than either first- or second-degree murder.

The crime of murder explained and its relation to homicides, along with examples, penalties, and defenses.

Domestic violence can include threatening, pushing, or more serious assaults, and can land the abuser behind bars.

Theft crimes involve a wide range of unlawful conduct, including petty and grand larceny, receiving stolen property, shoplifting, and theft of lost property.

Some use the term “robbery” when a “burglary” has happened, and vice versa. The words actually refer to different crimes, with their own legal definitions and penalties.

Burglary charges often carry stiff felony penalties. Learn what a prosecutor must prove to secure a burglary conviction and what defenses may be available.

Learn about arson crimes and some of the possible penalties.

Criminal trespass involves being on someone else’s property without permission. But the crime isn’t as simple as just being where you’re not supposed to.

Counterfeiting is the act of making or selling lookalike goods or services bearing fake trademarks.

Postdating a check refers to writing a check but putting a future date on the check instead of the date that the person writes the check.

State animal cruelty laws punish a wide range of behavior, from torturing animals to not providing proper shelter or veterinary care.

Dog owners could face fines or jail time for violating legal restrictions on keeping dangerous dogs. They may also be charged with serious crimes if their animals attack and severely injure people.

State and local laws target dogs that have shown themselves to be dangerous or vicious, by placing restrictions on their owners—and sometimes by killing the animals.

There are legal justifications for killing someone else’s dog in some situations—especially when it’s necessary to protect people or property.

Learn about the crimes of disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace, and the possible punishment that goes with them.

From drug possession to drug trafficking, a look at laws regulating controlled substances.

Learn the basics about the crime of hit and run, as well as potential penalties.

Open alcohol containers in cars can mean trouble with the law.

Underage-drinking laws and other criminal statutes punish minors who are illegally in possession of alcohol.