20 Criminal Law Scenarios and Their Legal Interpretations

1–5: Larceny and Crimes Against Property

Shoplifting a small trinket from a department store

Explanation: Shoplifting is larceny, even though the item was cheap. Sentences vary with jurisdiction and worth of stolen goods.

Burglarizing a house to steal something

Explanation: This is burglary because he entered without consent and with an intent to commit a crime within the house.

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Stealing someone’s car

Interpretation: This is often charged as robbery or burglary, depending upon the circumstances and jurisdiction.

Writing a bad check with the intention of doing so

Interpretation: Writing a check with not enough money in the bank, with the intention of defrauding, is check fraud, which is a financial crime.

Damaging someone else’s property intentionally

Interpretation: This is vandalism or criminal mischief, and the penalty will depend upon the amount of damage.

6–10: Violent Crimes

Engaging in a physical altercation and causing harm to another

Interpretation: It may result in assault or battery charges, depending on the jurisdiction and whether a weapon was used.

Threatening to harm someone

Interpretation: Verbal threats can be considered assault if the victim reasonably believes that he is going to be harmed immediately.

Using a weapon in a robbery

Interpretation: The crime becomes armed robbery, which is a more serious offense than simple theft and incurs harsher penalties.

Causing someone’s death while drunk driving

Interpretation: This is usually prosecuted as vehicular manslaughter or DUI manslaughter, with stiff penalties.

Negligent manslaughter

Interpretation: Manslaughter may be charged for an unintentional death caused by reckless or negligent conduct.

11–15: Drug-Related Offenses

Possession of a small amount of an illegal drug

Interpretation: Possession is a crime, but the severity of the charge depends on the type and amount of the drug, and some jurisdictions have diversion programs.

Selling illicit drugs

Interpretation: Trafficking drugs: This crime incurs higher punishments than drug possession, and such is often times more in amounts.

Presence with drug apparatus

Interpretation: Drug apparatuses or associated items that lead to extra charges include; drugs pipes and needles.

Illegal drugs manufacturing

Interpretation: Manufacturing illegal controlled substances; This is one serious felony where often federal laws come into the fray.

DUI

Interpreting the law: DUI is a criminal offense; this crime is enhanced by repeat offense or a high BAC.

16–20: White-Collar and Other Crimes

Embezzling funds from an employer

Interpreting the law: Money embezzled or theft according to the amount is classified as a white-collar crime.

Hacking into someone’s computer

Interpretation: Unlawful access to computers is a cybercrime; the charges can be identity theft, fraud, or violation of data breaches.

Filing false insurance claims

Interpretation: Insurance fraud involves intentional deception to receive benefits and carries significant penalties.

Failing to appear in court after bail

Interpretation: This is bail jumping or failure to appear, a separate criminal offense with additional penalties.

Engaging in a pyramid scheme

Interpretation: Pyramid schemes are considered financial fraud and are illegal under consumer protection laws.

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