What is Wire Fraud? Wire fraud is the crime of using the telephone, television, or computer to perpetrate a fraud. These cases are typically prosecuted as fraud. However, the fact that wire fraud occurred makes the penalty for this more … Continue reading →

What are White Collar Crimes? White collar crime refers to crimes that are not physical in nature and do not generally cause any type of physical or material harm. White collar crimes focus on dishonest business dealings and financial profit … Continue reading →

What is Welfare Fraud? Welfare fraud occurs when an individual misrepresents himself to obtain welfare benefits to which he is not legally entitled. Welfare fraud may also occur at an internal level where an employee misrepresents an individual for the … Continue reading →

What is Vandalism? Vandalism is the intentional destruction of property that belongs to another person. In a case of vandalism, the prosecution must prove both that the individual committed the vandalism, and that there was a malicious intent. Not all … Continue reading →

What is Utilities Fraud? Utilities fraud is a crime that occurs when a criminal steals a victim’s personal information and uses this to open utility accounts. The criminal has no intention of paying for these accounts. Rather, the bills and … Continue reading →

What is Trafficking? Trafficking is a legal term which refers to distributing or receiving illegal or stolen goods. This term along is very broad and can be used in many different ways. There are two major forms of trafficking that … Continue reading →

What is Telemarketing Fraud? Telemarketing fraud is a crime which involves fraudulent scams which are sold to victims over the phone. In a telemarketing scam, the criminal poses as a legitimate telemarketing firm and presents the victim with an offer … Continue reading →

What is Tax Evasion? Tax evasion is the purposeful act of failing to file taxes or of filing taxes incorrectly for the purpose of paying less to the government than is actually owed. Tax evasion becomes more serious the longer … Continue reading →

What is Statutory Rape? Statutory rape is a crime which occurs when someone engages in a sexual act with a partner who is not of legal age or appropriate mental capacity to consent. While other forms of rape must involve … Continue reading →

What is Shoplifting? Shoplifting is the act of stealing goods from a store. Any act of taking items out of a retail establishment without the intent to pay for them is considered shoplifting. Specific shoplifting charges do not exist in … Continue reading →

What is a School Zone Drug Violation? A school zone drug violation is any type of drug violation that occurs within a school zone or near other areas intended for children such as playgrounds or parks. The specific requirements for … Continue reading →

What are Schedule V Narcotics? Schedule V narcotics have the lowest risk of all illegal narcotics. These medications may be available both with and without a prescription. Use for the appropriate purpose is not illegal. It is only when these … Continue reading →

What are Schedule IV Narcotics? Schedule IV narcotics are the second lowest class of narcotics that may be used illegally. Unlike schedule I and II narcotics, these drugs have a low risk of abuse. They are prescription medications that are … Continue reading →

What is a Schedule I Narcotic? Narcotics are divided into classes depending on the severity of the abuse risk. Narcotics are also known as controlled, or scheduled, substances. Those that are considered schedule I narcotics have the highest abuse risk. … Continue reading →

What is a Schedule II Narcotic? Schedule II narcotics are the second most dangerous class of illegal drugs. These drugs have a very high potential for abuse and addiction. Schedule II narcotics are approved for medical use in some cases, … Continue reading →

What is a Schedule III Narcotic? Narcotics are illegal drugs. These are divided into schedule classes based upon the severity of the drug and its potential for addition or abuse. Schedule III narcotics are more severe than schedule IV and … Continue reading →

What is Motor Vehicle Theft? Motor vehicle theft is a crime applicable to individuals who either steal or attempt to steal a vehicle of any kind. As defined by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, motor vehicles include: Cars … Continue reading →

What is Motor Vehicle Homicide? Motor vehicle homicide, also known as vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter, is the killing of another human being using a car as the lethal weapon. Vehicular homicide often occurs as a result of drunk driving. … Continue reading →

What is a Misdemeanor? Misdemeanors are the lesser class of crimes in the United States judicial system. These crimes are less serious than felonies. A felony is punishable with imprisonment of more than a year. In many cases, felony imprisonment … Continue reading →

What is Manslaughter? Manslaughter is the killing of another person without premeditation. If the act is planned ahead of time, this becomes murder and not manslaughter. Though a manslaughter charge is not as serious as murder, it is still a … Continue reading →

What is Mail Fraud? Mail fraud is any crime which uses either the United States postal service or another interstate carrier to assist in the completion of an illegal act. Mail fraud can take many different forms. While this crime … Continue reading →

What is Loan Fraud? Loan fraud is a crime in which the perpetrator provides false information on a loan application and other loan documents. Loan fraud often occurs because the buyer does not believe he or she will qualify for … Continue reading →

What is Larceny? Larceny is a crime that is essentially the same as theft. In many states, this crime no longer exists in favor of theft charges. Larceny is defined as the illegal appropriation of an object with the intention … Continue reading →

What is a Kickback? A kickback is a payment of some type that is made in exchange for bringing additional business to a company. Kickbacks are not always illegal, but are prohibited in many cases. It is illegal for government … Continue reading →

What is Involuntary Manslaughter? Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person. This type of manslaughter occurs either as the result of criminal negligence, or as part of a criminal act. Manslaughter charges are less severe than murder charges. … Continue reading →

What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is any type of forced sexual encounter that the victim does not want to participate in. Sexual assault charges can apply to many different acts including: Inappropriate touching Voyeurism Exhibitionism Unwanted kissing Inappropriate phone … Continue reading →

What is Securities Fraud? Securities fraud is any type of fraud which causes investors to make a poor decision on the basis of false information. Securities fraud is an intentionally deceptive practice intended to draw in unsuspecting investors for the … Continue reading →

What is Robbery-Homicide? Robbery-homicide is a crime that is nearly always charged as felony murder. Robbery-homicide is not itself a charge in most states. This crime involves the death of another person which occurs in the course of a robbery. … Continue reading →

What is Robbery? Robbery is a form of theft which occurs when the criminal takes the item from the victim in his or her presence using intimidation or force. Robbery does not require any premeditation or planning. This crime encompasses … Continue reading →

What is Rape? Rape is defined as any forcible sexual intercourse which occurs against the victim’s will. Rape can occur between any two people regardless of the sex of either the victim or the assailant. Rape may also occur between … Continue reading →

What is Racketeering? Racketeering refers to organized crime in many different forms. Racketeering is prohibited by the Racketeering Influences and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO. This law puts any organization accused of racketeering in trusteeship of the federal … Continue reading →

What is Prostitution? Prostitution is any kind of sex act which is performed for money. This includes not only intercourse, but all types of natural or unnatural sex acts. Prostitution is illegal in every state except for Nevada. Where prostitution … Continue reading →

What is Possession with Intent to Distribute? Possession with intent to distribute is a very serious drug charge. This criminal charge can apply to many different drugs, and can be used with any class of illegal substance. To charge an … Continue reading →

What is Possession? Possession is a legal term that can be very difficult to understand. This term can mean many things, and exists in several forms. Actual Possession Actual possession is also known in some legal proceedings as possession in … Continue reading →

What is Police Brutality? Police brutality is the use of excessive and unnecessary force by a police officer. This violates both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This crime only applies in cases where the officer is … Continue reading →

What is Insider Trading? Insider trading is the criminal use of information about a business for the purpose of gaining a profit through stocks and bonds. When an individual is employed by a company or stock brokerage, he or she … Continue reading →

What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is the illegal use of another person’s identifying information for the purpose of defrauding the victim. Identity theft usually results in great financial gain for the criminal. With an individual’s identifying information, criminals are … Continue reading →

What is a Home Invasion? The definition of home invasion can vary somewhat from one legislation to another. There is some confusion about this term due to the fact that it is also widely used in the media in a … Continue reading →

What is a Hate Crime? A hate crime is a criminal act which is motivated by a prejudice against the victim. This prejudice can be against a variety of factors. The specific definition of hate crimes varies by state. The … Continue reading →

What is Hacking? Hacking in legal terms is a criminal offence which refers to any illegal access to a computer or computer systems. Hacking, like most computer crimes, is an area that is rapidly evolving. To hack was one considered … Continue reading →

What is Government Fraud? Government fraud is any act of fraud that is intended to mislead the government. Fraud is an intentional misrepresentation of facts for the purpose of some gain. There are many different ways that government fraud can … Continue reading →

What is Fraud? In legal terms, fraud is a form of misconception which is specifically designed to cause injury or harm in some form. In many cases of fraud, the harm done is of a financial nature. Fraud may also … Continue reading →

What is Forgery? Forgery involves the falsification of a document with the intent to defraud. An individual can commit forgery by erasing or altering information on a document, or providing a signature that is not his own. It also counts … Continue reading →

What is Extortion? Extortion is a crime very similar to blackmail with the exception that this crime involves someone in a position of political power.  If a government official takes money or other items of value in exchange for an … Continue reading →

What is Employment Fraud? Employment fraud can take many different forms. This crime encompasses a wide range of activities which involve misrepresenting a job or company to individuals who are seeking employment. Activities which can be considered employment fraud include: … Continue reading →

What is Embezzlement? Embezzlement is a crime in which the criminal steals money or goods which were entrusted to his care. This crime often takes place in a business setting. Money is involved in embezzlement schemes more often than other … Continue reading →

What is Election Fraud? Many different activities are casually referred to as election fraud, but very few of these are legally attributable to election fraud. Election fraud may also be referred to as voter fraud. This crime takes place in … Continue reading →

What is a DUI? DUI stands for driving under the influence. This charge applies to individuals who operate a vehicle of any kind with a blood alcohol level above the state’s limit. The level which is considered too intoxicated to … Continue reading →

What is Domestic Violence? When people think of domestic violence, they usually picture physical abuse within a married couple. While this is certainly one form of domestic violence, this term encompasses many other activities as well. Domestic violence includes many … Continue reading →

What is Disorderly Conduct? Disorderly conduct is a charge that can encompass many different crimes. This is often a type of catch-all for offenses that don’t fall into other categories but are dangerous and disruptive none-the-less. Legally, disorderly conduct is … Continue reading →

What is Cyberstalking? Cyberstalking is any form of harassment, unwanted advances, or threats which occur online or through the computer by another means. With the growing popularity of blogs, social media sites, email, and other forms of online communication, it’s … Continue reading →

What is Cyber Crime? Cyber crime is essentially any crime which involves the illegal use or manipulation of a computer, data, or computer services. This can encompass many different crimes with penalties ranging from mild to severe. Some examples of … Continue reading →

What is Credit Card Fraud? Credit card fraud occurs when an individual fraudulently uses the credit card or credit account of another. Criminals who participate in credit card fraud do not only steal money from their victim, they can also … Continue reading →

What is Counterfeiting? Counterfeiting is the practice of creating an illegal copy of something. Illegal counterfeiting typically refers to the practice of forging money. All crimes which involve the creation of counterfeit currency fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. … Continue reading →

What is Copyright Infringement? To understand copyright infringement, you must first know what a copyright is. A copyright legally protects artistic works such as music, art, and literature. Copyright gives the creator of such works the exclusive right to distribute … Continue reading →

What is Contempt? In legal terms, contempt is defined as any act of disrespect, disregard, or disobedience of a legal authority. Any act that disrupts or in any way interferes in legal proceedings can be considered contempt. There are many … Continue reading →

What is Conspiracy? Conspiracy is the criminal act of planning a Federal crime or other offense. Conspirators are any individuals who knowingly assist in the planning stages of the crime. The individual does not need to carry out the actual … Continue reading →

What is Computer Fraud? Computer fraud is a very broad category of crimes. With the incredibly fast growth of technology and the internet, new ways of committing computer fraud are popping up every day. The trouble with this type of … Continue reading →

What is a Class I Felony? A Class I Felony is the lowest class that can be found. Few states actually have this class. Many stop with Class D or E felonies. A Class A felony is always the worst … Continue reading →

What is a Class H Felony? A Class H felony is something that does not exist in all states. This felony classification encompasses lesser felony charges in the jurisdictions which do have it. Nearly all states classify felonies by letter. … Continue reading →

What is a Class G Felony? Felonies are the most serious types of crimes and are typically accompanied by a jail sentence. In many states, a Class D or E felony is the lowest felony class. Other jurisdictions extend felony … Continue reading →

What is a Class F Felony? Felony crimes are generally those offenses which are punishable with jail time. Crimes below the severity level of a felony are known as misdemeanors. Most states classify felony crimes with letters. A Class A … Continue reading →

What is a Class E Felony? In many states, Class E is the lowest class of felony. In other jurisdictions, Class C and D are the lowest felony classes and Class E does not exist. A Class A felony is … Continue reading →

What is a Class D Felony? Felony crimes are divided into classes according to the severity of the crime. In most states, these classes are defined by letters, with a Class A felony being the worst crime. In some states, … Continue reading →

What is a Class C Felony? Felony crimes are typically divided into classes by letter. The most serious offenses are Class A felonies with less serious crimes falling into subsequent classes. Thus, Class C felonies are less serious than A … Continue reading →

What is a Class B Felony? Most jurisdictions place felony offences in various classes, defined by letters, according to the severity of the crime. A Class B felony is the second most serious offense, behind class A felonies. The exact definition … Continue reading →

What is a Class A Felony? Felony crimes are generally crimes which garner a sentence of more than one year in prison. There are several classes of felonies which determine the severity of the crime. A Class A felony is … Continue reading →

What is Child Pornography? Child pornography is any depiction of a minor in a sexual manner. This obviously includes pictures or videos which feature sex acts, masturbation, bestiality, and other similar acts. However, child pornography can also include any nude … Continue reading →

What is Child Abuse? Child abuse is any type of unlawful or harsh treatment of a child. Abuse is often thought of as physical injury inflicted on a child, but child abuse can also be emotional, psychological, or sexual. Neglect … Continue reading →

What is Cellular Phone Fraud? There are a few different types of cell phone fraud. The majority of cell phone fraud used to be the cloning of cell phones. Since the hardware or software used for cloning was made illegal, … Continue reading →

What is Burglary? Burglary is a crime which has complex legal definitions. The exact requirements for a crime to constitute burglary vary from one jurisdiction to the next. In most cases, the crime must encompass all of the following to … Continue reading →

What is Bribery? Bribery is the act of trying to influence a public official to act in your favor by offering money, goods, or services in exchange for cooperation. This results in corruption of the system where the official’s decision … Continue reading →

What is Breaking and Entering? Breaking and entering is a crime that can seem very innocent at first. Entry into any unauthorized area with even a minimal amount of force is considered breaking and entering. Most instances of breaking and … Continue reading →

What is Blackmail? Blackmail is the act of threatening a person in order to force them to give you a payment or compensation of some kind. If you are forcing someone to give you something of value, perform a service … Continue reading →

What is Bank Fraud? Bank fraud is any scheme developed with the attempt to defraud a bank or other financial institution. Though this crime does not involve a physical robbery of the bank, it is essentially the white collar version … Continue reading →

What is Assault with Intent to Kill? Assault with intent to kill is a crime which occurs when the defendant threatens physical harm on another person while in the heat of passion, with the intent to try and kill that … Continue reading →

What is Assault with a Deadly Weapon? An assault with a deadly weapon is any threat which involves a weapon that the victim could perceive to be deadly. In most jurisdictions, you do not need to actually harm the other … Continue reading →

What is Assault and Battery? Assault and battery occur together when one individual threatens another and then carries out that threat, causing physical harm. Assault alone involves the threat of violence. Battery charges ensue when the act is actually carried … Continue reading →

What is Assault? Assault is the attempt or threat to cause bodily harm to another individual. If the defendant has the ability to harm and gives the victim reason to believe that he will be harmed, then the defendant is … Continue reading →

What is Arson? Arson is the intentional setting of a fire or use of explosives which result in a fire. The fire must cause scorching, charring, or burning to the building for an individual to be charged with arson. In … Continue reading →

What is Aiding and Abetting? Aiding and abetting refers to acts in which one person assists another in committing a crime. Individuals charged with aiding and abetting may also be considered accomplices to the act. Those who aid or abet … Continue reading →

Understanding Age of Consent Age of consent in legal context typically applies to the age at which an individual can consent to sexual activity. Age of consent does not apply to sexual relations between partners in a married couple. However, … Continue reading →

What is 2nd Degree Murder? Second degree murder applies to most cases where the evidence is insufficient to prove first degree murder. A 1st degree murder case must prove premeditation and intent to kill. Second degree murder applies to cases … Continue reading →

What is 1st Degree Murder? First degree murder is defined as the intentional killing of someone else. In a first degree murder case, the murderer must act purposefully with deliberation, forethought, or specific planning. There are four different classes of … Continue reading →

A felony is a type of criminal offense where a person may be sentenced to serve 1+ years in a state or federal penitentiary, pay financial penalties, or a combination of both. Crimes that are defined as felonies are different … Continue reading →