Legal Classifications

Criminal Acts “Any crime, including an act, omission, or possession under the laws of the united states or a state or unit of general local government, which possesses a substantial threat of personal injury, notwithstanding that by reason of age, insanity, intoxication, or otherwise the person engaging in the act, omission, or possession was legally incapable of committing a crime.” (Legal Dictionary) “A crime or offense is an act harmful not only to some individual or individuals but also to a community, society, or the state. Such acts are forbidden and punishable by law.” (Legal Dictionary)

Sources of Law Criminal, Civil, Common Criminal Law: Civil Law: Body of rules and statutes that define conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety and welfare (RCW). Involves prosecution by the government of a person for a crime. Civil Law: Similar to common law but may review findings of fact as well as findings of law. Individuals and organizations seek to resolve legal issues at the civil case level. Common Law: Laws developed over time based on case precedent/court rulings

Types of Crime in Washington Felony A serious crime, characterized under federal law and many state statutes as any offense punishable by death or imprisonment in excess of 1 year. Some felonies include treason, arson, murder, rape, robbery, burglary kidnapping and manslaughter. In early English law a felony was any act punishable by forfeiture of land or goods and by possible loss of life or a bodily part. Misdemeanor Offenses lower than felonies and generally punishable by fine, penalty, forfeiture or imprisonment of up to one year in prison/up to $1000 fine Infraction Violation or infringement, breach of a statute, contract, or obligation. Usually punishable via fine. (ie. Parking ticket).

Classifications

Felony Class A felony, punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for a maximum term fixed by the court of no less than 20 years, or by a fine in a fixed amount by the court of no more than $50,000 or both fine and imprisonment. Class B felony, punishable by imprisonment for no more than 10 years or a fine of no more than $20,000 or both fine and imprisonment. Class C felony, punishable by imprisonment for no more than 5 years or a fine of no more than $10,000 or both fine and imprisonment.

Misdemeanor Simple Misdemeanor: Punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for no more than 90 days or a fine of no more than $1000 or both fine and imprisonment. Gross Misdemeanor: Punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to 364 days or a fine of no more than $5,000 or both fine and imprisonment.