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The Most Common Crimes Against a Person

Posted on by JACK MKHITARIAN

common crimesCrimes against a person is a vast category that includes criminal acts that cause bodily harm, or the threat of bodily harm against a victim. Offenses in this category range from assault, to domestic violence, to harassment, and even stalking.

If you have been arrested for a crime against a person, realize that this is one of the more serious types of crimes; therefore, you must speak with an attorney as quickly as possible to rectify the situation.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery involves one person trying to physically strike another person, or threatening such a strike. Aggravated assault is more serious and involves bodily harm caused by a deadly weapon.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an act against a family or household member. It can include violence against a spouse, domestic partner, family member, or child. Domestic violence does not have to be physical, but in many cases, it is. Domestic violence may also include emotional and mental harm purposely caused to create fear in the victim.

Domestic violence can consist of constant physical and emotional abuse that establishes a cycle of acts against the victim. The severity of the charges for this type of crime depends on three factors:

  1. The severity of the victim’s injuries.
  2. If a minor was present at the time of the act.
  3. If a protective order or restraining order was in place.

Stalking

Stalking is still a relatively new crime compared to others in this category. Regardless of how new it might be, stalking is a grave criminal offense.

In general, stalking is the unwanted pursuit of a person. This might involve following a victim, calling them, leaving messages or objects that are unwanted, and even vandalizing their property. Stalking is not a one-time event either. Instead, it is a prolonged period of unwanted contact that can make a victim fear for his or her life.

Stalking causes mental and emotional distress. While some instances involve a stranger as the stalker, others involve someone that the victim knows.

Harassment

Harassment is also a crime against a person that could lead to physical harm. Harassment can occur via the telephone or internet, and includes violations of a restraining order. There is also an important difference between what is considered criminal harassment, as opposed to civil harassment. Criminal harassment typically includes targeting a victim to annoy, terrorize or torment them.

Hate Crimes

Hate crimes are also crimes committed against a person that could lead to bodily injury. However, hate crimes involve the threat of force – or the use of force – motivated by hate and intolerance of a particular group of people. In the past, hate crimes focused on race. However, today hate crimes may target groups of people based on sexual preference, religion, or race.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the unlawful detainment of a victim or victims. State and federal laws apply to kidnapping cases, and if a kidnapper were to take his or her victim across state lines, their offense becomes a federal matter. Federal laws apply to parental kidnapping as well.

Arrested for a Criminal Act? You Need an Aggressive Defense Team

If you have been arrested for a crime against a person, you must realize that these charges typically carry longer prison sentences and most are charged as felonies. Therefore, you need an aggressive defense attorney to assist you with your case.

To avoid spending years in prison, speak with an attorney from New Mexico Criminal Law Offices today by calling 505-375-4664 or request more information online.