Classification of Crimes Key Terms

Accessory After the Fact

A person who assists another knowing that they have committed a felony, with the intent to help the felon evade arrest or conviction.

Accessory before the Fact

A person who assists or encourages the commission of a felony, but is not present at the crime scene.

Accomplice

A person who helps another commit a crime, either by planning or participating in the criminal act.

Felony

A serious crime, typically punishable by significant fines or imprisonment for more than one year.

Intent

The mental state of purposefully aiming to bring about a certain result, often pivotal in determining criminal liability.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime, usually punishable by fines or imprisonment for up to one year.

Motive

The reason or driving force behind an individual's actions, particularly in the context of committing a crime. Understanding motive can help in establishing intent and culpability.

Act

The physical act or conduct that constitutes a violation of law, which can result in criminal liability.

Attempt

An effort to commit a crime that is unsuccessful, but demonstrates the intent to engage in criminal activity. It is often classified as a separate offense, distinct from completed crimes.

Crime

An act that violates a law and is punishable by the government, encompassing various degrees of severity.

Elements

The specific components of a crime that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction.

Crime of Omission

A crime that results from the failure to act when there is a legal duty to do so.

Principal

The person who commits the crime, or in some jurisdictions, any person who is present and aids or abets in the commission of the crime.

Restitution

The act of restoring something to its rightful owner, or of making good on a loss or damage, often as part of a criminal sentence.

Solicitation

The inchoate crime of enticing, advising, inciting, or requesting another person to commit an offense.

Conspiracy

An agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act or to commit a lawful act by unlawful means, along with an overt act in furtherance of the agreement (in most jurisdictions).

Homicide

The killing of one human being by another.

Assault

An intentional act that causes another person to apprehend an immediate harmful or offensive contact.

Larceny

The unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

Robbery

The unlawful taking of money or goods of value from the person of another or in his presence, by violence or intimidation.

Burglary

unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside