Crime is classified into three main categories. In this article, these three classification of Crime is explained.
Classifications of Crime
The following are the classification of crime:
- Infraction
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies
1. Infractions
Infractions (sometimes called violations) are petty offences that are typically punishable by fines, but not jail time. Because infractions cannot result in a jail sentence or even probation, defendants charged with infractions do not have a right.
A defendant who has been charged with an infraction can hire an attorney, but the government doesn’t have a constitutional duty to appoint one. Often, prosecutors don’t appear on behalf of the government in cases involving infractions. Traffic offences are the most common form of infraction.
Some of the more common infractions include:
- Traffic violations (although sometimes these can rise to the level of misdemeanors and felonies)
- Fishing without a license
- Building permit violations
- Operating a business without a proper license
- Drinking in public
- Disturbing the peace
- Campsite violation
2. Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are criminal offences that carry up to a year in jail in most
states. Punishment for misdemeanors can also include payment of a fine, probation, community service, and restitution. Defendants charged with misdemeanors are often entitled to a jury trial.
Indigent defendants charged with misdemeanors are usually entitled to legal representation at government expense.
Common examples of misdemeanor charges include:
- Theft crimes
- Assault and battery
- Public drunkenness and other alcohol-related crimes
- Failure to appear in court and other court-related violations
- Unlawful possession of a weapon
- Assault resulting in bodily injury
3. Felonies
Felonies are the most serious type of criminal offence. Felonies often involve serious
physical harm (or threat of harm) to victims, but they also include offences like white collar crimes and fraud schemes.
Offences that otherwise are misdemeanors can be elevated to felonies for second-time offenders.
The following are the common examples of felonies:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated assault
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Sale or manufacturing of drugs
- Tax Evasion
- Treason
So, these are the classification of crime. In CSS examination you don’t need to dig in deep if you only attempt this question with above method it will be sufficient for good score.
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