Definitions of Crimes

Assault & Battery

Assault is defined as the threat or attempt to physically harm another person. Battery, on the other hand, is the actual act of physically violent behavior. Since battery is the progression of assault the two crimes are interrelated and are often charged together.

Domestic Violence

Physical or psychological abuse and/or negligence committed by one member of a household upon another member of said household.

Driving Under the Influence/ Driving While Intoxicated

DUI/DWI is the act of operating a motor vehicle d while intoxicated on alcohol or under the influence of drugs, including prescription drugs. The blood alcohol level considered illegal while driving varies by state.

Drug Offenses

Drug offenses include the use, solicitation, possession, including constructive possession, or sale of any controlled substance, including illegally used or distributed prescription drugs.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the act of stealing or misappropriation of funds or assets that are entrusted to the person(s) committing the crime but actually belong to someone else.

Extortion

The act of or implicit threat of procuring property from another person through violence, coercion, or other criminal means by exercising undue authority under the guise of legitimacy. A crime is still considered extortion even if it is just the threat of extortion without actually procuring any assets.

Fraud

Fraud is the intentional misrepresentation or deceit resulting in damages, usually monetary, to another person.

Illegal Possession of Weapons

The unlawful possession of any banned weapon, including knives and guns. Illegal possession of weapons can also include the unlawful possession of a weapon by a person specifically not allowed to possess one, such as a convicted felon or possession of a weapon by anyone in a place they are not allowed, such as schools and airports.

Murder

Murder is the deliberate, premeditated killing of one person by another. First degree murder, in most jurisdictions, is defined as any planned death occurring during the course of a crime. Second degree murder is the unintentional death of another person as a result of an assault where death of the victim was a possibility but not necessarily premeditated.

Molestation

To subject a child up to 18 years old to any sexual act including sexual intercourse, exposure of genitalia, pornography, and exposure to sexually explicit materials. Exact legal definitions of molestation vary by state.

Probation Violations

Any violation of limitations required of a person as a condition of his/her probation.

Rape

Rape includes forced sexual acts against another person’s will, including forced sexual intercourse, forced oral sex and other forced sexual acts.

Sex Crimes

An overarching generic term that includes any illegal sexual behavior, such as incest, indecent exposure, rape, molestation, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, statutory rape, necrophilia, beastiality, and more.

Theft

Theft is the act of confiscating another person’s property without their consent. This term could be used as an umbrella term encompassing larceny, burglary, embezzlement, looting, and similar crimes.

Vehicular Manslaughter

The crime of killing another person through reckless driving, negligent driving, drunk driving or any other illegal use of a motor vehicle.

If you have been accused of any of these crimes, call 954-766-8810 today for a free consultation from a highly effective Fort Lauderdale felony lawyer.