The FBI reports that a crime is committed every 26.3 seconds. These are some of the most common crimes in the United States:
Property Crime
Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. It may also include arson, trespassing, vandalism, or criminal mischief. The FBI estimates that a property crime is committed, on average, every 3.9 seconds. This consists of a crime when a person’s property is destroyed or stolen. It usually includes crimes that don’t involve the use or threat of the use of force.
Theft or larceny is the most common type of property crime. It’s estimated that someone is a victim of theft every 5.5 seconds. The next most common crime is burglary, which involves breaking and entering.
Violent Crime
Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. It’s estimated that a violent crime occurs every 26.3 seconds. Violent crimes are typically charged as a felony, and will almost always include a permanent criminal record and jail time. Aggravated assault is the most common type of violent crime. It includes criminal behavior that involves an attack on someone with the intent to cause injury. It may or may not include the use of a weapon.
Robbery is considered a violent crime, because it often involves theft directly on a victim, rather than stealing items from a person. This may include mugging someone or stealing from a shop with a weapon. Robbery is less common than burglary but leads to more severe legal consequences.
Potential Consequences in New Jersey
The New Jersey criminal justice system tends to be strict when it comes to the most common types of crimes. The consequences that you can expect vary, depending on the crime. New Jersey divides charges and consequences into a few categories:
- Disorderly persons offense: In New Jersey, a disorderly persons offense is equivalent to a misdemeanor charge. This may also include petty disorderly persons offenses. It typically leads to up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Fourth degree: Fourth-degree charges in New Jersey may include drug charges and shoplifting charges. This may lead to up to 18 months in prison.
- Third degree: Third-degree charges in New Jersey may include burglary, assault, theft, and some shoplifting. It may lead to between three-five years in prison.
- Second degree: Second-degree charges in New Jersey may include aggravated assault, drug trafficking, or unarmed robbery. It may lead to between five-10 years in prison.
- First Degree: First-degree charges in New Jersey include murder, rape, or armed robbery. It typically leads to up to 20 years in prison. However, some charges may lead to life in prison.
Your Options Following a Criminal Charge in New Jersey
If you’re dealing with criminal charges in New Jersey, it’s important that you consider your options as soon as possible. You may be subject to not only expensive fines but also jail time. Reach out to a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer to evaluate your legal options and for help navigating your criminal case.
Contact an Experienced Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with criminal charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-861-4236or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
