What Are the Most Common Types of Crimes in the US?

If you are considering a career in criminal justice, it’s essential to understand the types of crimes you may encounter in your work. In the United States, crimes are categorized based on their nature or seriousness. Each type of crime affects individuals, communities, and society in different ways, and it is the job of those in the field of criminal justice to help handle these issues. Following are some of the most common types of crimes running in the US:

1. Theft and Burglary

Theft happens when someone takes something that does not belong to them without permission. This can include stealing a wallet, shoplifting, or taking a car (known as auto theft).

Burglary is a little different. It means breaking into someone’s home, office, or somewhere else to commit a crime, usually to take something. 

Both are crimes of taking something that is not yours; however, burglary occurs more often than not when no one is present at the home or business. These crimes happen everywhere, from stealing small items to expensive property.

2. Assault and Violent Crimes

Assault is usually described as an act that either inflicts or threatens bodily harm to another person. As far as violent crimes go, it is an umbrella term that covers things such as fights, attacks, or any acts leading to physical hurt to anyone.

Other violent crimes can include robbery-where a theft is performed while using force or threats of homicide, or the unlawful killing of a person. Police and law enforcement work hard to prevent these crimes and bring justice to those victimized.

3. Drug Crimes

Drug crime is one of the most prevalent cases in the United States. It involves the selling, use, or possession of narcotics, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Other drug crimes include drug manufacturing and drug trafficking, which is the movement of illegal drugs from one place to another. In most cases, individuals who commit drug-related crimes are given harsh sentences since such activities can destroy an entire community.

4. Fraud/Identity Theft

Fraud is a deceitful act in which someone intentionally tricks another into taking money or deriving some benefit. A typical example of fraud is when someone calls, pretending to be from a bank, asking for personal information.

Identity theft is a form of fraud. It involves using another person’s name, Social Security number, or other identifying information to open credit cards, take loans, or commit other crimes.

These crimes are also very stressful for victims since it may take years to restore the damage.

5. Family Violence

Domestic violence is an injury or threat of injury inflicted by one member of a family upon another or by a person who is in a relationship with the victim. The violence may take several forms, including physical, emotional, and even financial abuse. Many incidents of domestic violence never come to light as victims are too terrified to speak up.

Criminal Justice professionals, like police and social workers, play an essential role in helping victims out of these situations and bringing justice to their sides.

6. Cybercrimes

These are illegal activities carried out using either the computer or the Internet. Examples include hacking, which involves stealing personal data and spreading viruses that can damage other computers.

As several people surf the web daily, crimes are a huge concern, creating an excellent demand for criminal justice professionals with specialized technology skills.

7. Public Order Offenses

Public order crimes are actions that violate the norms of acceptable public behavior. They include but are not limited to, public intoxication, vandalism, and disorderly conduct.

While they are minor compared to violent crimes, these can still cause upset within the community and frequently involve the police.

8. White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are committed by people in businesses or jobs that involve money. Examples include embezzlement, which involves stealing money from a company; insider trading, which involves using secret company information to make money; and tax evasion, which involves not paying taxes.

These crimes do not usually involve violence, but they can cause substantial financial losses for companies and individuals.

Why Understanding Crimes is Important to the Criminal Justice Student

Knowing these types of crimes is essential if one is going to work in criminal justice; each one comes with its challenges, which a professional must handle with care and fairness.

For example:

Police officers may be called upon to investigate burglaries or other crimes of violence.

They can also facilitate social workers in assisting victims of domestic violence.

Legal assistants may also support lawyers in fraud or white-collar crime cases.

By understanding these crimes, you can then decide what area of criminal justice interests you: whether law enforcement, social work, or the court system, there’s a path for everyone.

Make a Difference in Your Community

It’s not all about solving crimes in criminal justice; it’s about helping people, which makes communities safer. It is a career in which you can make a real difference in the lives of others. 
Ready to get started in your Criminal Justice Professional Career? If so, enroll now at Northwest Career College and, in a short 18-month span, graduate prepared for law firms, police organizations, social work, or even gaming surveillance. Don’t wait anymore. Contact us today and take the first step toward your future today!