Property crimes are reported every three seconds in the United States, whereas violent crimes are reported every twenty-two seconds. This is all according to FBI statistics. Those are quite the sobering figures, aren’t they? Additionally, property crimes account for more than ten million instances each year, whereas violent crimes number between one million and one-and-a-half million.
Common Criminal Charges in the United States
In the United States, crime is increasing at a rapid rate. From stealing to murdering, and everything in-between, there are a variety of offenses that can lead to incarceration. This article highlights some of the most common criminal offenses committed by persons in the United States.
If you or someone you know has been charged with any of the following offenses, make contact with a reputable bail bond company and get legal counsel from a reputable law firm like Chicago Trusted Attorneys .
1. Larceny or Theft
One of the most regularly committed crimes is theft. In fact, theft and larceny account for over 60 percent of all crimes perpetrated annually, affecting about seven million individuals! To conduct theft, one must take another person’s property without their permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of their use or possession.
Theft may be termed “larceny” based on the jurisdiction where the crime happened. Some states divide theft punishments into two categories: petty theft and grand theft, whereas others categorize theft offenses according to their severity.
2. Burglary
Burglary is number two on the list of common crimes in the United States, accounting for 18 percent of all crimes committed in a single year. Burglary is defined as illegal entry onto a property with the intention to commit theft.
It is not a requirement for any physical breaking and entering to take place; the perpetrator may merely trespass through an open entryway. In contrast to robbery, which involves the use of force or intimidation to acquire another person’s property. A burglary usually occurs without the presence of the victim.
3. Car Theft
Vehicle theft is a real problem in the United States of America. It accounts for 10 percent of all crimes perpetrated annually, which is why you should always lock your car and have an alarm system installed.
It’s also a terrible idea to leave valuable objects inside your vehicle. Therefore, if you cannot avoid this, be extra careful to ensure that you hide the valuables and keep them well out of sight. There is truly no need to tempt these thieves.
4. Aggravated Assault
Arguably, one of the most common types of crime in the United States is aggravated assault. In fact, it is the fourth most commonly committed crime in the country.
When someone intentionally inflicts significant injury on another, they are committing aggravated assault, which may put the victims’ lives in jeopardy. This type of crime accounts for 7 percent of all criminal offenses annually.
Such crimes not only give substantial damage to the victim, but also end up disgracing the place. Sure, the crime scene can be cleaned and disinfected by the likes of MedTech cleaners, but the lives lost cannot be recovered. Probably, with stricter policies in place, the number of such crimes can be reduced.
5. Robbery
Robbery is the fifth most common crime in the United States. Additionally, it is not simply theft. It is a vicious crime that involves forcibly taking something from someone or somewhere.
If you have ever been mugged, you have been the victim of robbery. Robberies occur at a rate of nearly half a million annually in the United States, accounting for approximately 3 percent of all criminal activity.
Always Be on the Lookout
Despite the fact that most people believe that murder and rape will be included in this top five list, it is clear to see from this article that that isn’t the case. In spite of the fact that violent crime is common, it is not as common as the general public believes, and property crime is far more likely to occur than violent crime. In order to avoid becoming an FBI statistic, you should always remain vigilant..