Fatal Offenses
Fatal Offenses
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Homicide: Murder and Manslaughter
The term "homicide" means the killing of another person—but it's not necessarily a crime. Certain homicides are justified, such as those done in self-defense or during wartime. Unlawful homicides include murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.
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Of all the crimes punished by society, none are more serious than the crime of murder, the intentional and unlawful taking of a human life. Apart from the federal crimes of espionage and treason, murder is the only crime for which the death penalty is a potential punishment, though only in some states.
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Felony murder is a legal rule that expands the definition of murder. It applies when someone commits a certain kind of felony and someone else dies in the course of it. It doesn’t matter whether the death was intentional or accidental—the defendant is liable for it.
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Vehicular Manslaughter: Sentencing, Laws and Penalties
Drivers who unintentionally cause accidents that result in the deaths of passengers, occupants of other cars, or pedestrians may find themselves charged with the crime of vehicular manslaughter.
Non-Fatal Offenses
Non-Fatal Offenses
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When someone else restrains you or prevents you from moving, this is punishable as a crime, known as false imprisonment or unlawful restraint.
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Kidnapping is one of the most serious criminal offenses with which a person can be charged. It can mean serious prison time, harsh fines, and a damaging criminal record.
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Harassment and Cyberbullying as Crimes
Harassment crimes include stalking, bullying, hate crimes and more. The penalties for a conviction can be severe.
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Holding someone against their will is an example of unlawful restraint. Learn how states define and penalize this criminal act.
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Defending Against an Accusation of Stalking
Stalking is a serious crime that can be a felony or misdemeanor. All 50 states have criminal laws against stalking.
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Criminal Threats: Laws and Penalties
Making criminal threats comes with serious consequences, even if you didn't plan to carry out the threat.
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Menacing can refer to a few different crimes, all of which share the following characteristics: the defendant has placed the victim in fear of imminent (immediate) bodily harm or unwanted physical contact, or has attempted or threatened to hurt the victim. Usually, no injury or physical contact is required.
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Extortion: Laws, Penalties, and Sentencing
Though states provide a wide range of penalties for extortion, the crime is most often punished as a felony offense.
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The everyday use of the word mayhem has evolved pretty far from its original, legal definition. In the legal context, “mayhem” doesn’t denote a kind of rowdy disorder, but rather force causing serious and gruesome injury. Leave My Subjects Whole Mayhem is an old version of the word maim. The crime
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What's the difference among aiding, abetting, and being an accessory to a crime?
One kind of accessory that never makes you look better is a criminal charge as an accessory to a crime. Aiding and abetting are similar and related charges to being an accessory. This article discusses the crimes of aiding, abetting, and acting as an accessory to a crime.
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Assault with a deadly weapon is a felony offense regardless of the actual injuries caused to the victim. A defendant convicted of assault with a deadly weapon faces a stiff prison sentence.
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Aggravated Assault Laws and Penalties
Aggravated assault is a felony crime of violence that offense involves serious bodily harm, a weapon, or a vulnerable victim. Learn how states penalize aggravated assault.
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The Human Body: A Deadly Weapon?
Use of a deadly or dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime is often an aggravating circumstance that can increase punishment.
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Falsely Accused of Assault: Steps to Protecting Yourself
Being accused of assault or any crime is a serious matter. Learn what you should do and not do if someone falsely accuses you.
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Differentiating Between Domestic Violence and Abuse
“Domestic violence” and “domestic abuse” are used in news stories to refer to incidents or allegations of physical violence committed between people who are married, who live together, or are who are dating.
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Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (DV) is a crime of violence, typically an assault, battery, stalking, or criminal harassment, perpetrated by someone against a family or household member. Some states have specific statutes that are separate from the general assault statutes.
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Can Spouses Be Forced to Testify Against One Another?
“Privilege” has a special meaning under the law: protection from being forced to testify about communications between yourself and a person with whom you have a special relationship, such as a spouse.
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Elder Abuse Crimes and Penalties
Elder abuse may always be charged under general criminal statutes, such as assault. Many states have also enacted special laws targeting elder abuse. These laws often provide for harsher punishment.
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What should I do if I think my elderly neighbor is being abused by caregivers?
Although it's a delicate situation, you can follow-up on your observations by speaking directly with your neighbor or contacting a state agency whose mission is to investigate and stop elder abuse.
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Hate Crimes: Laws and Penalties
Hate crimes, or bias-motivated crimes, are crimes committed because the victim is a member of a certain group, such as a racial or religious minority. Today, 45 states and the District of Columbia have laws against hate crimes.
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Do Hate Crime Laws Violate the First Amendment?
Hate crimes, sometimes called bias-motivated crimes, are crimes committed because of the victim’s race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
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How Do Prosecutors Prove Hate Crimes?
The defendant's actions, words, and affiliations often supply the best evidence of his state of mind when committing a crime—including a hate crime.
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Harassment and Cyberbullying as Crimes
Harassment crimes include stalking, bullying, hate crimes and more. The penalties for a conviction can be severe.
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Defending Against an Accusation of Stalking
Stalking is a serious crime that can be a felony or misdemeanor. All 50 states have criminal laws against stalking.
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Federal Stalking and Harassment Laws
When harassing or stalking behavior involves the Internet, U.S. mail, or activities that cross state lines, the crime may be charged as a federal offense.
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Teen Cyberbullying and Harassment
Teenage bullying is nothing new, but it's become even more prevalent and problematic through the use of technology.
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Can a Victim of Cyberbullying Sue for Future Damages?
Read more about what types of injuries and damages a cyberbullying civil suit can encompass.