Crimes are divided into two broad categories: 1. Malum prohibitum (meaning "bad because it is prohibited") and 2. Malum in se (meaning "bad because it is evil").
Malum prohibitum crimes are generally created by a legislature for the purpose of regulating society so that it is safe to live in. An example of a malum prohibitum crime would be speeding.
Malum in se crimes are usually also written in statutes by the legislature but a person of normal emotional intelligence will recognize the wrongness of these crimes even if there is no written law. An example of such crimes would include theft, murder, and rape.
Crimes are defined in many places, including common law cases, state and federal statutes, constitutions, and municipal or local codes. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of crimes in the United States--some of which are not enforced at all any more.
Besides the two main categories of crimes, there are three other categories which are defined by the severity of the punishment a guilty person will face. These categories are misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies.
This law firm works for clients who have been charged with breaking the law no matter which category it falls into. Below are lists of some of the crimes we will assist you with under the category it may be typically found in.