There are two levels of crime:  Misdemeanors – Minor Crimes such as theft of low valued items (Under the value of $250.00) and traffic violations  Felonies – Serious crimes such as murder, manslaughter and theft of high valued items ( More then the value of $250.00) .

The seriousness of a crime can vary between states. New Jersey’s laws are completely different from laws throughout other states. Crime is also ranked by “Degree”. .

4 th Degree Crime Assault : Any physical altercation

3rd Degree Crime Aggravated Assault: (physical altercation involving a weapon of some sort)

In New Jersey all 4 th and 3 rd Degree crimes are considered “Misdemeanors” in the State of New Jersey These crimes generally involve payment of a fine or community service. Jail time will only be used in result of mal-payment of a fine or inadequate community service

2 nd Degree Crime Manslaughter : is a legal term for the killing of a human being, in a manner considered by law as less accountable than murder. Manslaughter is usually broken down into two distinct categories: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter

1 st Degree Crime Murder : is the legal term for the planned killing and execution of a person with absolute premeditation. In New Jersey 1 st Degree crimes generally hold a severe sentence.

MISDEMEANORSFELONIES 4 th and 3 rd degree crimes2 nd and 1 st degree crimes

Small everyday crimes are considered “Disorderly Persons” crimes. Disorderly Persons Crime: Crimes that involve verbal clashes, loud music, littering and other common complaints. *They are often penalized with fines or community service*

 Crime – Any act that breaks the law and for which a punishment has been established..

 Criminal – A person who commits any type of crime.

 Aggravated Assault – A physical injury done intentionally to another person.  Weapons are generally involved..

 Arson – The destruction of property by setting fire to it.

 Burglary – The forcible or illegal entry into a home or other property with the intent to steal.

 Fraud – Cheating someone out of their money or Property. (Deliberate Trickery)  intentional deception resulting in damage to a person. (Credit Card Fraud, Bank Fraud)

 Forcible Rape – The sexual violation of a person by force, or while a person is intoxicated.  Statutory Rape - Sexual contact with a person who is determined by law to be too young.  Age limits and circumstances vary by state.

 New Jersey statutory rape laws define a minor as someone who is between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. The law also states that if you are at least four years older than your underage partner, you can be charged with and convicted of sexual assault.  This means that if you are 17 years old, and you have sexual relations with a partner who is 13 years old, you are committing a crime.  There is a more serious offense, according to New Jersey statutory rape laws. If you have sexual relations with a partner who is under the age of 13 years old, you are taking the risk of being charged with aggravated sexual assault.

 Larceny – The theft of property without the use of violence.  Examples of larceny are…  The picking of another's pocket  The embezzlement of funds by a bank employee.

 Grand Larceny – The taking, with intent to keep, of property valued above a certain dollar amount ($250 in NJ) which varies from one jurisdiction to another.

 Petty larceny – Theft of goods worth less then a certain amount. (< $250 in NJ).

 Robbery – Theft accomplished by the use of force.

 Vandalism – The willful destruction of property.

 Victimless Crime – Is any crime which does not physically harm a person or property.  Examples…  Traffic citations  Public drunkenness  Illicit drug use  Vagrancy (Homeless People)  Public nudity  Prostitution

 White Collar Crime –Crimes committed by people in their work environments.  Examples…  Embezzlement  False advertising  Bribery  Tax evasion  Unfair labor practices.

 Embezzlement – The theft of money or property by a person who has been trusted to look after those assets.  Example: A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit.  In 2008 Bernie Madoff was arrested for committing the largest Ponzi Scheme ever…50 billion dollars .

 Homicide – The intentional killing of one person by another person. Seriousness is determined by INTENT.

Voluntary manslaughter : Occurs when the defendant may have an intent to cause death or serious injury, but the person is affected by circumstances and/ or state of mind (Drugs).  The common example is killing which occurred in passion, or heat of the moment killing.

Involuntary manslaughter : Occurs where there's no intention to kill or cause serious injury, but death is due to recklessness or criminal negligence.  Example : a person acts recklessly when he throws a small brick off a bridge into vehicular traffic below. No intent to kill may be found in the situation, and a resulting death would not be considered murder. However, the conduct is reckless, or criminally negligent, holding the principal guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The person is aware of the risk of injury to others, but willfully disregards.

Vehicular or intoxication manslaughter Vehicular manslaughter is a kind of misdemeanor manslaughter, which holds persons liable for any death which occurs because of violation of traffic safety laws. A common use of the vehicular manslaughter laws involves driving under the influence (determined by excessive blood alcohol content levels set by individual states)