What Are Crimes Against the Person?

There are three general types of crimes: crimes against the person, crimes against property, and crimes against society. Each type of crime has its own unique set of characteristics and can cause different types of harm.

Crimes against the person are typically characterized by violence or the threat of violence. They can cause physical and emotional injury to the victim, as well as psychological trauma.

Crimes against property include burglary, theft, and vandalism. These crimes typically involve the taking of someone else’s property without their consent. They can cause financial loss to the victim and can also lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. 

Crimes against society include drug trafficking, prostitution, and gambling. These activities are typically harmful to the community as a whole and can create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. 

Most Common Crimes Against the Person

If you’ve been charged with a crime against the person, it’s important to know the elements of the crime and how an attorney can help you. Here are some of the most common crimes against the person that are charged in Dayton, Ohio:

Rape

Rape is defined as compelling another person to engage in sexual conduct against their will through force or threat of force. Rape is a felony of the first degree and is typically punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. 

If the victim was under 13 years old or suffered serious physical harm during the commission of the crime, it’s a felony of the first degree with a possible sentence of life in prison.

Assault

Assault in Ohio is defined as knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. It’s also a crime to recklessly cause serious physical harm to another person. 

Assault is usually a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and probation. However, if the victim suffers serious physical harm, it’s considered aggravated assault and is a felony of the fourth degree. This is punishable by 18 months to 6 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

Homicide

In Ohio, there are different types of murder/homicide charges. Two of the most common are murder and voluntary manslaughter.

Murder

Murder is defined as the intentional killing of another person without lawful justification. There are two degrees of murder in Ohio: first-degree murder (aggravated murder) and second-degree murder. 

First-degree murder is punishable by either life imprisonment or the death penalty, while second-degree murder is punishable by 15 years to life in prison.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Most Common Crimes Against the Person

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when an individual kills another person in the heat of passion after being provoked by an act that would cause a reasonable person to become emotionally or mentally disturbed. It is punishable by 3-11 years in prison.

Why You Need a Dayton Criminal Defense Attorney If You’re Charged With a Crime Against the Person 

Facing criminal charges is a scary proposition. The decisions you make during this time can have a lasting impact on the rest of your life. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced, knowledgeable attorney by your side who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that you are treated fairly. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Understands the System

The criminal justice system is notoriously complex. There are many rules and procedures that must be followed for a case to proceed smoothly. An experienced criminal defense attorney will know how the system works and can use this knowledge to your advantage. 

For example, if the prosecution fails to turn over evidence that could be helpful to your case, your attorney will know what steps to take in order to get that evidence. 

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Negotiate With the Prosecution

In many cases, the prosecution is willing to negotiate with the defense to avoid having to go to trial. Your lawyer will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and use this information to negotiate a favorable plea deal

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Will Fight for Your Rights

If you choose to go to trial, you can be confident that your rights will be fully protected by an experienced criminal defense attorney. They will know what questions to ask witnesses and how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case. They will also be able to spot constitutional violations that may have occurred during your arrest or interrogation. If there is evidence that should not be allowed in court, your attorney will know how to get it suppressed. 

Contact a Dayton Criminal Defense Lawyer If You’ve Been Charged With a Crime Against the Person

If you have been charged with a crime against a person, you need to seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact our personal injury firm Suhre & Associates, LLC today at (937) 531-0435 to schedule a free consultation.