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 always a crime. Some homicides are justified, such as those done in self-defense or during war. Unlawful homicides include murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.
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The crime of attempted murder can be charged when a person intends to commit murder and tries to carry out the killing but, for whatever reason, is unable to accomplish it.
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Felony murder doesn’t require the intent to kill, only the intent to commit the underlying felony and that someone died as a result of the felony.
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Vehicular Manslaughter: Sentencing, Laws and Penalties
Drivers who unintentionally cause collisions 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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Learn how state criminal codes define menacing, what penalties a menacing charge could mean, and what defenses are available in menacing cases.
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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 Crime of Mayhem: Definition, Penalties, and Defenses
Mayhem in the criminal context means a brutal assault and battery resulting in serious injuries that permanently maim, disfigure, or disable a victim.
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What's the Difference Between Aiding, Abetting, and Being an Accessory to a Crime?
Learn more about accomplice liability, including what it means to be an aider and abettor or 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?
The use of a deadly or lethal weapon during the commission of a crime is often an aggravating circumstance that can increase punishment. Can your bare hands, feet, or teeth be considered deadly or lethal weapons?
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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
From protection orders to criminal penalties, unpack how the courts and the legal system treat domestic abuse and domestic violence cases.
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Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence allegations are serious. It's important to know what to do and what not to do when facing domestic violence charges, real or fabricated.
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Spousal and Marital Privileges: Can Spouses Be Forced to Testify Against One Another?
Learn how spousal immunity and marital privileges work, whether your spouse can testify against you, who holds the privilege, and when exceptions allow testimony to come in.
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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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Hate Crimes: Laws and Penalties
Hate crimes, or bias-motivated crimes, are offenses committed because the victim is a member of a certain group, such as a racial or religious minority.
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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
A person who engages in harassing or stalking behavior in violation of federal law can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines.
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Teen Cyberbullying and Harassment Laws
Teenage bullying is nothing new, but it's become even more prevalent and problematic through the use of technology.