Criminal offenses are actions or omissions that are prohibited by law and are punishable by the state. These offenses are categorized based on their severity and the nature of the conduct involved. Key distinctions include:

• Felonies: Serious crimes that typically carry a punishment of more than one year of imprisonment. Examples include murder, rape, and armed robbery.
• Misdemeanors: Less severe crimes that are punishable by less than one year of imprisonment. Examples include petty theft, simple assault, and disorderly conduct.
• Infractions: Minor violations that usually result in a fine rather than imprisonment. Examples include traffic violations and public nuisance offenses.

The criminal justice process involves several stages from the initial investigation to the final resolution of the case. Key stages include:

1. Investigation: Law enforcement agencies investigate alleged crimes, gather evidence, and identify suspects.
2. Arrest: If sufficient evidence is found, a suspect may be arrested and taken into custody.
3. Charging: Prosecutors review the evidence and decide whether to file formal charges against the suspect.
4. Arraignment: The accused appears before a judge to hear the charges and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
5. Pre-trial proceedings: Both parties prepare for trial, which may involve discovery, motion hearings, and plea bargaining.
6. Trial: The case is presented in court, where a judge or jury determines the guilt or innocence of the accused.
7. Sentencing: If the accused is found guilty, the court imposes a sentence based on the severity of the crime and other factors.
8. Appeal: The convicted party may appeal the verdict or sentence if they believe there was a legal error during the trial.

Crimes can be categorized into various types based on the nature of the conduct involved. Common categories include:

• Crimes Against Persons: These offenses involve direct harm or threat of harm to individuals. Examples include homicide, assault, and kidnapping.
• Crimes Against Property: These offenses involve interference with the property of another. Examples include theft, burglary, and arson.
• Crimes Against Public Order: These offenses disrupt public peace and order. Examples include rioting, public intoxication, and loitering.
• White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent crimes committed in a business or professional setting for financial gain. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading.
• Drug Crimes: Offenses related to the illegal possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances. Examples include drug trafficking and possession of illegal drugs.

Individuals accused of crimes have the right to defend themselves against the charges. Common defenses include:

• Innocence: The accused claims they did not commit the alleged crime.
• Alibi: The accused provides evidence that they were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
• Self-Defense: The accused argues that their actions were necessary to protect themselves or others from harm.
• Insanity: The accused claims they were not mentally capable of understanding the wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the crime.
• Duress: The accused argues they were forced to commit the crime under threat of harm.
• Entrapment: The accused claims they were induced to commit the crime by law enforcement officials.