Top 20 Most Common Crimes in the United States (2024)

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Are you facing jail time for a crime and don’t know where to turn for help?

The key is to start by understanding the types of crimes that happen in this country every day. After all, the criminal justice system prosecutes a wide variety of violent crimes and white-collar crimes. This can make the process of looking for an experienced criminal lawyer very confusing. Fortunately, this article can help.

Here we take a look at the 20 most common crimes in the United States. Read on to learn more.

Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Drug abuse and trafficking involve the illegal possession, distribution, and sale of drugs. Penalties for drug offenses can vary depending on the type and amount of drug involved, as well as the offender’s criminal history. Penalties can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences.

Assault

Assault is a violent crime that involves intentional or reckless bodily harm to another person. Penalties for assault can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Simple assault may be classified as a misdemeanor, while aggravated assault is often considered a felony.

DUI/DWI

Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated is a serious crime that involves operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Penalties for DUI/DWI can include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. Repeat offenders may face more severe penalties.

Burglary

Burglary involves unauthorized entry into a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a theft or other crime. Penalties for burglary can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Theft

Theft is the unlawful taking of property or money that belongs to another person without their consent. Penalties for theft can vary depending on the value of the stolen property, as well as the offender’s criminal history. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.

Fraud

Fraud involves the use of deception or misrepresentation to obtain property, money, or services. Penalties for fraud can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the amount of money involved. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.

Robbery

Robbery involves the taking of property from another person by force or threat of force. Penalties for robbery can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves the theft of funds or property by a person who was entrusted with the property or funds, such as a business or organization’s employee. Penalties for embezzlement can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Vandalism

Vandalism involves the intentional damage or destruction of property belonging to another person. Penalties for vandalism can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a violent crime that involves non-consensual sexual contact. Penalties for sexual assault can range from fines to imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime involves the use of technology to commit crimes such as hacking, identity theft, and cyberbullying. Penalties for cybercrime can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate relationship. Penalties for domestic violence can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Stalking

Stalking involves a pattern of behavior that causes fear or emotional distress to another person. Penalties for stalking can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the crime of forcibly taking someone against their will, often for ransom or other purposes. Penalties for kidnapping can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Homicide

Homicide is the killing of one person by another. Penalties for homicide can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense. Homicide can be classified as first-degree, second-degree, or manslaughter.

Arson

Arson involves intentionally setting fire to property or land. Penalties for arson can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or sexual purposes. Penalties for human trafficking can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Trespassing

Trespassing involves entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. Penalties for trespassing can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct involves behavior that is disruptive or disturbing to others, such as loud noise, fighting, or public intoxication. Penalties for disorderly conduct can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

White-Collar Crime

White-collar crime involves non-violent crimes committed by individuals in positions of trust or authority, such as embezzlement, fraud, or insider trading. Penalties for white-collar crimes can include fines and imprisonment, with the severity of the penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

The Most Common Crimes in the United States

The potential penalties for each of these crimes can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the circ*mstances involved. That’s why when you’re accused of one of the most common crimes in the United States, you need to hire the best legal representation possible.

Do you need to hire a lawyer for your situation? We’re here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling us at (402) 415-2525or byreaching out onlinetoday!