CRIMESTypes, Degrees, and Parties Involved

PARTIES TO A CRIME Principal- person who commits the

elements of the crime Accomplice- someone who helps another

person commit a crime Accessory before the fact- a person who

orders a crime or helps but is not present when the crime is committed

Accessory after the fact- a person who knows the crime has been committed and helps the principal or accomplice avoid capture or helps escape

TYPES OF CRIMES

Crimes of Omission Crimes Against the Person Crimes Against Property Preliminary Crimes

CRIMES OF OMISSION

Failing to perform an act required by criminal law

Examples- Not stopping at a stop sign- Failing to pay your income taxes- Not having health insurance (Affordable

Care Act)

IS IT A CRIME TO NOT REPORT A CRIME?

Obstruction of Justice Being accused of the crime yourself--

becoming a suspect or a party to a crime States with duty-to-assist provisions

CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON

Homicide (and Manslaughter) (Pg. 108) George Zimmerman Case – What the DA wanted to

charge him with Suicide (and Assisted Suicide) (Pg. 110) Assault and Battery (Pg. 112) Kidnapping (Federal if across state lines) (Pg.

111) Robbery (Pg. 119) Rape (Pg. 113) Possession of and selling of Drugs

CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

Larceny (theft) (Pg. 116-117) Burglary (breaking and entering) (Pg. 119) Arson (Pg. 116) Forgery (Pg. 121) Embezzlement (Pg. 119) Extortion (Pg. 119) Vandalism (Pg. 116) Receiving Stolen Property (Pg. 121)

What happens if you unknowingly purchase something that is stolen?

PRELIMINARY CRIMES

Solicitation (Pg. 104) – asking someone else to commit a crime

Attempt (Pg. 104) – intent to commit a crime with a “significant step” toward committing the crime (yet unsuccessful)

Conspiracy (Pg. 105) – an agreement with 2 or more people to commit a crime

OTHER CRIMES YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF…

Racketeering – typically referring to organized crime; includes illegal business activities like bribery, loansharking, extortion, obstruction of justice

Criminal mischief – intentionally or recklessly damaging someone else’s property (value exceeding $250 in NY). Ex: breaking into a car

Menacing - He or she intentionally places or attempts to place another person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon (NYS Penal Code)

Stalking – repeatedly following or harassing another person and makes threats

KITTY GENOVESE

Crimes Moseley committed:

Crimes witnesses committed?

LEVELS OF CRIMES

Misdemeanor – less serious crimes; potential penalty is prison for 1 year or less (could also include probation or a fine)

Felonies – serious crimes; potential punishment is prison sentence of over 1 year

Not all violations of the law are “crimes” Traffic tickets Jaywalking Hazing Loitering NYS Violations

WHICH CRIMES ARE MORE SERIOUS?

1st Degree, 2nd Degree, or 3rd Degree? Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, etc.?

Felony Classifications in NY Misdemeanors are either Class A or Class B